Mary Parks joined Vestas in July, 2019. Like many of our brightest stars, she didn't have a wind energy background. Before joining Vestas, Mary spent 6 1/2 years in Law Enforcement before transitioning into Operations.
Mary's volunteer experience speaks to her passion for helping others as well. She's helped build multiple homes within a newly established Habitat for Humanity neighborhood for those impacted by hardships in Kansas City, and currently works with Serve KS Help serving the homeless by providing clothing, meals and personal necessities.
Her advice to those interested in transitioning into the wind industry: "Successful leaders have the attributes that cannot be taught, they are instilled and nourished throughout our lives. If you have a passion for the wind industry and a willingness to work hard and be challenged, come bring your expertise to the team. Vestas will educate you about wind, after all, we are the global leader!"
Read highllights from Mary's interview below.
Why did you want to pursue a career in wind?
I want to always make sure that what I am doing, whether it is personal or professional, has a purpose. Renewable energy, including wind, encompasses that desire. Driving around the Midwest, one can always observe fields of turbines. For me, I was in awe of them. I wanted to know the who, what, when, where and why behind them. Today, working in the wind industry, I am still in awe of the turbines!
Why did you choose Vestas?
Vestas is a leader in the wind industry. They strive to succeed at everything they do, and I am always wanting to be a part of the winning team! I believe that a major factor in their success is that Vestas is not a company that says they care about your safety, and then look away when something happens. They truly care about each and every employee and make sure safety is the absolute most important topic at every level. Vestas values passion, simplicity, collaboration and accountability. What more could you want in any relationship?
What was it like transitioning to the wind industry?
Surprisingly, painless! Starting from the first interview, I was welcomed as a member of the Vestas family. I was assigned a mentor and other site managers were more than willing to help teach and guide me. After being with Vestas for seven months, my confidence in the wind industry grows everyday through communication and networking.
What part of your previous role best prepared you for this transition & why?
Law enforcement taught me how to handle stressful and rapidly changing situations. It enhanced my active listening and negotiating skills that allow me to be a good mentor for the technicians and to better serve my customer. Operations management allowed me the opportunity to learn corporate budgets and how to manage them. It emphasized the importance of seeking the "why" behind decisions and changes. Knowing the "why" is crucial to acceptance and leading others.
What is your favorite part of your new position?
It is not possible to simply give one reason as to why I love my new position! I truly wake up every day looking forward to doing what I do. I enjoy the comradery we have as a team, the diversity we have in our technicians and knowing that what we are trying to accomplish every day is for the betterment of our lives and in the lives of others. It is busy, intense, challenging and rewarding!
Where do you see yourself in the next 3-5 years
In the next 3 to 5 years, I would like to be a senior operations manager or in some type of leadership role focused on training and developing. I enjoy helping, teaching and leading others to achieve their goals.
At Vestas, we offer a world of opportunities for people with a global mind-set and the desire to make a positive impact. Discover our many challenging and exciting opportunities and find out how you can join us!
