Amber Kara

The smaller firms could not offer the same opportunities to work across the United States and the world, or provide exposure to so many different people and projects.  

You grow here in ways you would never imagine. I focus on air quality projects, but also work on compliance and auditing programs. During my first year, I was seconded for two to three days per week at a chemicals facility, which enabled me to better understand the roadblocks clients can face in implementing changes. By helping to manage projects early in my career, I developed my business and technical competencies.  

I continue to learn from ERM experts who are well-respected in their fields. I also learn from junior-level engineers, who bring fresh perspectives and new ideas to challenge our thinking – from new approaches to what is best for the client to something as minor as incorporating new tips and tricks when using Excel.  

One of the things I enjoy at ERM is the ability to take ownership of your career path. You do not need to wait for someone to retire or leave in order to be promoted. When you work hard, there’s opportunity for recognition and career growth. 

Within three years of joining ERM, I was promoted to Consultant and learned more about client development, writing proposals, preparing budgets, meeting with clients and delegating work. The last two years provided greater opportunities to take the initiative on managing projects and client relationships. This culminated recently with my promotion to Senior Project Manager. 

The people at ERM are what make me stay. Although I began my career at ERM in Annapolis, Maryland (US), I transferred to our Milwaukee, Wisconsin (US) office a year ago because of my husband’s job opportunity. ERM has been very supportive of the move, and my managers helped make for a smooth transition. In both offices, I am surrounded by people who care about each other, with co-workers becoming friends outside the office. 

In particular, I am encouraged by ERM’s efforts to be diverse and inclusive, especially with respect to women in the workplace. I participated in a women’s group for the Annapolis and DC offices, which is serving as a model for other offices. We have companywide goals to increase the number of women in senior leadership positions. I am proud to be part of a company that values and highlights women in the workforce.