Certainly, here is the revised text with the "uhs" and "ums" removed:
My first question is, how did you get into this job? Like, what steps did you take to be here?
So I wasn't actively looking for this job, specifically. Danila, who is the workforce manager, and I went to school together. She started here at Grid, and after a few months, we got along well and hung out together. She suggested I should join this company, so I decided to give it a try. I did volunteering and an internship with construction, focusing on design and installations. I liked the company culture and applied for a position in the average department. From there, I stayed and moved up.
The second question is, did you go to college, and if you did, how was that experience?
I did go to college for international business and economics with a minor in French. I thought about moving to Europe and working from there but decided against it. The experience was good. Many people go to college for parties, so my advice is to focus on classes and choose something valuable. Whether it's business, math, or your chosen field, take full advantage of it and don't just go for the party scene.
Do you feel successful here?
I think so. Before this, I was a project manager in construction in Chicago, overseeing four and five-story buildings and luxury homes. Moving here for family reasons, I've been doing well, moving up in position almost every other year.
What's the most challenging aspect of working here?
It's a lot of work. Currently, our office is understaffed, so there are days when I work 12 hours. I can balance it out, as we're supposed to work 40 hours a week. However, work balance is usually more than expected, and overtime is common.
What would you say to someone pursuing the same career?
For this kind of work, a specific degree may not be necessary. People skills and a degree in management could be beneficial. If you're in outreach, communication skills are crucial. I did outreach coordinator work for three to four years.
What do you do every day at the office?
In my position, I oversee residential solar, battery storage, EV charging, and the EV rebate. I handle contracts, documentation, check for errors, and explore new partnerships and opportunities for installations. Special projects also go through me, and I work on contracts, pricing, and coordination with construction.
Do you enjoy this work?
I do. Despite the workload, I enjoy it. Grid offers flexibility, and the five weeks of paid vacation per year is a significant perk.
Is this a smaller company?
Compared to other solar companies, we're bigger with about 350 to 400 employees. For a nonprofit, we're medium-sized.
Have you gone overseas for work?
I haven't, but I've been to Mexico for a couple of installs in orphanages. Some colleagues have traveled to Nepal and participated in adventurous trips.
How difficult is it to find qualifying clients?
In San Diego County, it's challenging because of the area's size. We are always looking for new partnerships and funding sources for solar programs. Despite the difficulties, we've been successful in implementing programs outside the DAC session.
My first question is, how did you get into this job? Like, what steps did you take to be here?
So I wasn't actively looking for this job, specifically. Danila, who is the workforce manager, and I went to school together. She started here at Grid, and after a few months, we got along well and hung out together. She suggested I should join this company, so I decided to give it a try. I did volunteering and an internship with construction, focusing on design and installations. I liked the company culture and applied for a position in the average department. From there, I stayed and moved up.
The second question is, did you go to college, and if you did, how was that experience?
I did go to college for international business and economics with a minor in French. I thought about moving to Europe and working from there but decided against it. The experience was good. Many people go to college for parties, so my advice is to focus on classes and choose something valuable. Whether it's business, math, or your chosen field, take full advantage of it and don't just go for the party scene.
Do you feel successful here?
I think so. Before this, I was a project manager in construction in Chicago, overseeing four and five-story buildings and luxury homes. Moving here for family reasons, I've been doing well, moving up in position almost every other year.
What's the most challenging aspect of working here?
It's a lot of work. Currently, our office is understaffed, so there are days when I work 12 hours. I can balance it out, as we're supposed to work 40 hours a week. However, work balance is usually more than expected, and overtime is common.
What would you say to someone pursuing the same career?
For this kind of work, a specific degree may not be necessary. People skills and a degree in management could be beneficial. If you're in outreach, communication skills are crucial. I did outreach coordinator work for three to four years.
What do you do every day at the office?
In my position, I oversee residential solar, battery storage, EV charging, and the EV rebate. I handle contracts, documentation, check for errors, and explore new partnerships and opportunities for installations. Special projects also go through me, and I work on contracts, pricing, and coordination with construction.
Do you enjoy this work?
I do. Despite the workload, I enjoy it. Grid offers flexibility, and the five weeks of paid vacation per year is a significant perk.
Is this a smaller company?
Compared to other solar companies, we're bigger with about 350 to 400 employees. For a nonprofit, we're medium-sized.
Have you gone overseas for work?
I haven't, but I've been to Mexico for a couple of installs in orphanages. Some colleagues have traveled to Nepal and participated in adventurous trips.
How difficult is it to find qualifying clients?
In San Diego County, it's challenging because of the area's size. We are always looking for new partnerships and funding sources for solar programs. Despite the difficulties, we've been successful in implementing programs outside the DAC session.