Welcome to our series, Getting to Know the Team! If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a structural engineer or simply wanted to learn more about the people behind Engineering Solutions, this series is for you.
Our next installment features Briana Lee, our Operations Manager. Learn more about what she does below!
Name – Briana Lee
Location – Charlottesville
Title – Operations Manager
Years with Engineering Solutions – > 1 year
When did you know you wanted to be in operations?
I didn’t realize that I wanted to be in operations until fairly recently. After I graduated college, I worked as a Community Manager for a small coworking company, and it was there where I learned three things about myself – I loved human interaction, efficiency, and excellence. I enjoyed organizing and distributing information to my fellow colleagues so that all of us could succeed. I loved creating alternative solutions to seemingly impossible problems. And most importantly, I love people and working for people. It wasn’t until I started researching careers with all of these qualities that I saw that operations was the career path for me.
What is your typical day at work?
I am responsible for all things operations, including marketing, human resources, and finance. So a day could include developing a new marketing strategy to spearheading our recruiting process to conducting an information technology asset inventory. There’s so much variety in my job, which is one of the reasons I love it so much.
What is the best part about your job?
I love the company culture at Engineering Solutions. It’s clear that everyone here wants you to succeed, and even though I’ve only been here for a short amount of time, I already feel incredibly supported.
What are some of the challenges in your job?
Since I don’t have an engineering background, it can be difficult to understand some of the terms and vocabulary used throughout the office. However, I’m excited that I get to delve into a new industry and absorb all of this new information.
What is one of the coolest projects you’ve worked on for Engineering Solutions?
While this may not seem that cool to most, I am having the time of my life reorganizing and consolidating the company’s Administrative Folder. It’s like piecing together a giant puzzle – digging through hundreds of documents for the right information and putting it into its proper place. It’s an incredibly satisfying experience.
What is your favorite Core Value and how do you live it out?
Curiosity. I strive to be curious about everything, especially people. It’s instinctual for me to inquire about people’s lives and how they’re feeling. I’ve found that choosing to be curious naturally leads to a more trusting and understanding environment.
If you had to give one piece of advice for working with a structural engineer, what would it be?
Engineers are incredibly efficient people. Organizing administrative, operational, and any other information in a concise way will help everything run more efficiently and smoothly.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
If I could dance instead of walk, I would. I’ve been dancing since I was 3 years old and was the President of Columbia University’s only all women’s hip-hop team. I’m always on the lookout for a new place to dance. If I’m not doing that, I’m either watching a documentary, learning a new recipe, or traveling.
Tell us about your family.
My family lived in White Plains, NY before moving down to Richmond, VA in 2004. My brother and I attended Collegiate School before he headed off to Yale University and I to Barnard College of Columbia University in New York City. The whole family can only get together a couple of times a year since my brother works overseas, but we make the most of it when he’s here. We love traveling to different countries, trying new restaurants, and watching movies together.
Fun fact about yourself?
I have traveled to 9 countries and 18 states.
What is your favorite restaurant?
My all time favorite restaurant is Cupertino’s N.Y. Bagels and Deli in Richmond. They have the best New York style bagels, the staff is always so friendly, and the food is always fresh. This place rivals some of the best bagel shops in NYC!