Finding your dream job is never a straight path.
This interview series asks a few of our most inspiring Lenovo colleagues what they wanted to do, what they learned along the way, and how they found themselves in a job that’s more than just a job, it’s a career.
Cameron Stevens is the ANZ Regional Manager Augmented & Virtual Reality at Lenovo, but his career path starts in the real world of physical therapy. He answers questions about his career path, the best piece of advice he’s ever gotten, mentorship, networking and more. Have questions for Cameron after reading this interview? Add them in the comments.
Where did you go to school and what did you study? How did you make that choice?
I originally studied BSc Physical Therapy before a MSc in Ergonomics, Safety & Health. My primary driver was to help people. Now that I work full time in emerging technologies that driver still exists, I want to help people use technology in a responsible way to enable them to flourish in their lives and workplaces.
What advice would you give your younger self heading into university or heading into your first job?
Learn how to ask good questions. Being able to ask good questions means you'll more likely get the answers you are looking for; particularly if it's about making a career choice.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from someone?
"The way knows the way" I was given this advice from a coach and mentor of mine. You may have heard of the phrase "Just go with the flow". The way knows the way is similar in the fact that sometimes life is bumpy, full of ups and downs and difficult decisions need to be made. Overthinking things can cause anxiety that can be alleviated by trusting the "the way knows the way" and things will ultimately turn out the way they should. Just be prepared to learn at every step of the journey.
Is there a particular educator in your life who’s inspired you?
A sports coach from my high school inspired me to focus on my strengths, accept my weaknesses and provided me with the necessary confidence in myself to take risks.
Do you have a mentor and how did you find that mentor?
I have several now and have had several who are no longer my mentors. Finding a mentor for me is a little bit like "finding" friends or "finding" hobbies. It's a bit of a process of experimentation but I know I have found a mentor when: I feel comfortable to be vulnerable with that person. When you can be vulnerable you can learn the most about yourself.
What’s the most fun thing about your job?
Experiencing the wonderment when technology enhances the human experience.
What is one thing that people don’t know about working at a tech company?
That you don't need to be a computer scientist to flourish. I'm an apprentice chef, turned physical therapist, turned safety professional and now I work in one of the world's largest tech companies working with cutting edge virtual and augmented reality devices!
What do you look for in a person when hiring a new team member?
Curiosity, creativity & an element of risk-taking!
Are there any skills you’ve learned outside of work that aren’t necessarily related to your current job, that help you in your day to day?
I have a top 2:
- The first skill is how to ask great questions. In work or life asking better questions is a skill you will never regret learning - provided you listen to the answers.
- Listening is skill number 2 that will help you in your life and work. You have two ears and only one mouth for a reason.
Networking is an important skill but can be very intimidating for people who don’t have a lot of experience. What’s your advice on getting started networking?
It's okay to listen in to conversations; you don't have to be the star of the show. If you learn how to ask insightful questions your network will grow as they will find your contributions valuable.
Have you ever experienced impostor syndrome? And, if so, how did you or do you get through it?
ALL the time! I sense check my impostor syndrome with my mentors; they help me see past my inner voice.
Top Comments