New Member Spotlight: Kyra O'Dowd
Posted on Aug. 11, 2022 / Subscribe 0
Kyra O’Dowd is a Marketing Coordinator at Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. and is celebrating her one-year membership anniversary (July 19)! We caught up with Kyra to find out how she got into the AEC industry and how SMPS has helped her early on in her career.
QUICKFIRE
Name: Kyra O’Dowd
Company: Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.
Title/role: Marketing Coordinator
Hometown & Current town: My hometown is Long Valley, NJ and I currently live in Arlington, VA.
Alma Mater(s): Lafayette College
Family/pets: I have an older sister, younger brother, and two mini dachshunds
Favorite DC-area restaurant: Hard to pick just one but I’ve been craving Gypsy Kitchen in DC and highly recommend it.
Favorite travel destination: Spain or Croatia!
Food you always crave: Lately I’ve been eating a lot of fried rice and adding wontons from Trader Joe’s
Favorite app: Spotify
Favorite movie: Too hard to choose just one!
Currently binging on Netflix: Suits
When I’m not at work you’ll find me: Exploring the city, laying on my couch, scrapbooking, or going to Trader Joe’s!
Dream job: I always wanted to be a travel journalist growing up so I could go to all my bucket list destinations and still think it would be awesome to travel
Let’s Get To It…..
What inspired you to join SMPS and what are you hoping to get out of your membership?
I was encouraged by my team to join SMPS when I started working here about a year and a half ago. I am hoping to meet more people and make more connections as well as continue learning more about the AEC industry.
What has been the most valuable part of your membership so far?
I was fresh out of college when I started in this position, and I knew nothing about the industry, so it was helpful in learning more. I went to an AEC 101 presentation over the winter and that really broadened my understanding of the entire AEC industry, beyond what my company specializes in.
What got you into the AEC industry and what keeps you here?
I applied to a job at Kimley-Horn mostly based on the culture because I heard such great things… but I knew absolutely nothing about the industry when I arrived! What keeps me here are the people I’ve met, but also the fact that I learn something new every day and my job continues to offer me new challenges.
What has been your favorite SMPS DC or SMPS event?
I went to the summer kickoff last year in Navy Yard and really enjoyed meeting everyone and getting to network a bit!
What part of the SMPS mission to Advocate, Educate, and Connect most resonates with you and why?
Educating definitely resonates with me the most. I think there is tons to learn about this industry whether you are 1 year into your career or 20. I am super appreciative that SMPS has helped me in this way.
Best work-related advice you’ve ever gotten?
Say yes to new opportunities! Even if they are super intimidating, try to broaden your experience and learn new things.
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