Parisa Foroughi

When you were a student, did you do anything outside of school to build skills or get knowledge that has helped your career?

Yes, for one, I volunteered for the local ASHRAE chapter. It helped me build leadership skills and a sense of giving back to the community. In addition, it helped me network with more senior people in the industry which landed me a few job interviews when I was close to graduation.

When did you get your first Big Break? How did you get it? How did it go?

I never took a break because I didn't have the opportunity and not because I was opposed to it. :) only between my last two jobs, I took 5 weeks off. It was great and I went on an international trip for 3 weeks and spent the rest wrapping up the unfinished projects at home.

How did you start building your network?

A network isn't built overnight. A network is a collection of relationships you invest on for a long time and build it gradually. You hang out with your network, spend time at conferences and events, help them when they ask for it, you name it and in return, when you need them, they'll be there for you. Luckily, I'm a natural networker but even for me, I need to constantly remind myself to touch base with them often and to keep the relationship alive.