In our member spotlight, Kim McDonough, CPSM, recently sat down for a virtual chat with SMPS. Kim, who’s marketing manager at Reaveley Engineers, is a member of SMPS Utah and has been in the A/E/C industry for 25 years. In this spotlight, she shares what she did at work yesterday and how SMPS has helped her career.
Could you please share some news? I was recently promoted to marketing manager.
How did you decide to have a career in the A/E/C industry? I fell into it as a receptionist for a large general contractor over 25 years ago, but now I can’t imagine working in another industry.
How has SMPS helped you in your career? Aside from the richness other members add to my life personally, I feel like those relationships, along with educational events, etc., have benefit me far more than education alone ever could. Also, earning my CPSM has given me credibility among my peers and technical staff, as well as the confidence that comes with learning and achievement. That confidence extends to my personal life, too.
Could you share a helpful hint with your fellow SMPS members? My passion for learning how to make technology work for me really helps me excel at my job. I’ve taken college-level courses in Excel and InDesign, as well as boot-camp-style courses in Bluebeam and Word, but YouTube has been my go-to source for answers to specific challenges.
What did you do at work yesterday? I attended meetings, including lunch with a new member of SMPS. I also finished producing a brochure for a new market we’re moving into. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to think strategically and to write. It’s something I’ve always enjoyed and wanted to do more of.
What have been the rewards of your career? It’s a thrill to see complicated, high-profile projects completed by the firm you’re working for. I’ve also met so many wonderful people.
What’s the best advice you’ve received regarding your career or working in A/E/C? Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.
As a CPSM, how has certification benefitted you? Earning my CPSM has given me the confidence to speak with knowledge and authority on matters that affect my company.
Why did you decide to take the CPSM test? I’ve been in the industry a long time, but the pivot to marketing was more recent. There were many aspects of the industry I was well-versed in, but at the same time, I had that uncomfortable, newcomer feeling. My boss had already earned her CPSM and encouraged me to go for it. I didn’t need too much pressure because I thought it would be a terrific way to learn everything I could about the marketing aspects of the industry. I’ve never looked back.
What are a few words of wisdom to those thinking about becoming a CPSM? I’d tell anyone looking to take the CPSM to wait until they are 100% committed to giving it the time and effort necessary to study the Domains of Practice. I would also strongly encourage them to join a study group. My group kept me accountable, and the different perspectives were invaluable at helping me grasp some of the concepts.
Tell us something we would be surprised to learn about you. I’ve always loved climbing. As a baby, my parents couldn’t keep me in my crib. One day, I even climbed out a window before I was old enough to walk. It traumatized my parents a little, but obviously I survived. Climbing is still one of my favorite pastimes, but I’ve grown more cautious, and these days I rarely venture outside of the controlled environment of my local climbing gym.
What’s on your bucket list? Backpacking in Scotland, New Zealand, and the Alps.
Guilty pleasure: What can you not live without? I am probably way too old to be going to music festivals and indie music concerts, but I can’t get enough.
