The path is not always predefined

Cille’s path to becoming a project manager at OAK was anything but planned. After finishing an internship as a kindergarten assistant and finding herself between jobs, she reconnected with Anthony, whom she knew through a previous role. What started as an invitation to a casual Friday bar unexpectedly turned into an internship at OAK.

In the beginning, Cille did not step directly into a project management role. Instead, she contributed through her skills in graphic design, brand strategy, and communication. Over time, an internal need emerged for a creative project manager - someone who could oversee projects, stay proactive, and maintain close dialogue with clients. Cille naturally grew into that position.

At first, her expectations of the role did not quite match her self-image. She associated project managers with being highly structured, Excel-driven, and extroverted - qualities she did not immediately identify with herself. This led to a fair amount of self-doubt and even a fear of being “caught not being able to live up to the expectations” - classic imposter syndrome. However, with strong support from her colleagues, she gradually built confidence and proved to herself that she was more than capable of taking on the role.

Looking back on her journey, Cille emphasizes the importance of trusting your instincts and saying yes to opportunities - even when they feel unfamiliar or outside your comfort zone. Taking chances not only builds confidence, but also reveals new sides of yourself. At OAK, she has also learned to trust her own process and let go of self-criticism.

Today, she feels both happy and proud of where she has landed. Looking back, she can see that all of her previous experiences - no matter how random or unrelated to her education they may have seemed - have helped shape the role she has today. And that, as she puts it, is pretty amazing.