Career Advice From This Director of Operations- The Muse

Career Advice From This Director of Operations- The MuseCareer Advice From This Director of Operations- The MuseOdds are youve received a lot of advice, especially career advice, over the years. But, were willing to bet some of that advice was better than others.At The Muse, we strive to give our readers the best actionable advice we can, so you can find the career of your dreams. Here, we asked Kevin Swan, Director of Operations at KDM Engineering, to share the best career advice hes ever received. Tell us about your career journey.I started off in the financial services industry as a financial planner. For 16 years I worked with individuals and businesses to come up with solutions to meet the challenges they faced. I made the move to KDM in the summer of 2017 to assist with day to day operations.Whats the best career advice youve ever received?BE EARLY. Whether you are going to a business meeting or a doctors appointment, get there early. Ive been in many situations where being ear ly has allowed me to meet different people or gain knowledge I otherwise may not have had I just been there on time. Who gave you this advice?My father told me this from the time I was a teenager. It didnt resonate with me at first, but over the years, I realized that arriving early can open up doors and lead to conversations you might not have otherwise.Whats your best career advice for others?Being early is a great quality to possess in both your personal and professional life. Its also important to always have realistic expectations and goals. Spending time to research your industry can help you establish realistic goals for your career and allow you to positively contribute to the growth and success of an organization.Here at The Muse, we partner with a lot of great companies to bring you insider looks at their offices and awesome job listings. These employers pay us to be featured on the site, but rest assured that we dont just work with anyone. And when it comes to articles li ke this, these Muse-worthy brands are featured not because they want to be included, but because their culture, policies, and employee feedback showed us that they deserve to be. Heres to finding the company of your dreams