Building a Career: Why Hilti Was the Best Career Move I Made

When I think back on my career, one word stands out: growth. Before I found Hilti, I worked at a company where I felt stuck. I knew I wanted to be an Account Manager, but there was no clear path or direction to get there. That changed when I found Hilti.

From the interview process, Hilti stood out to me. I remember being told about the Basic Training Seminar designed to prepare all new hires for any role. It didn’t matter that I didn’t have a background in Construction, they would help me build the knowledge I needed to be successful. I also learned about the Account Manager Development Program. I would start in an Inside Sales role and could build the skills needed to eventually become an Account Manager. Hearing this during my interview, I knew Hilti was where I wanted to be.

While I was in Inside Sales, I built a basic understanding of the construction industry. I learned about Hilti’s products and picked up the lingo used in the field. I’m bilingual, but growing up, construction terms weren’t part of our everyday vocabulary. I even learned construction terms in Spanish, which helped me communicate with Spanish speaking customers. This helped me even more when I became an Account Manager for the Interior Finishing Trade.

From Account Manager Development to Leadership Opportunities

As I built my knowledge, I also participated in the new Account Manager Development Program. I had the opportunity to go on field rides, learn about the role and develop the skills I would need to one day step into the Account Manager position. It’s funny, when I think back to the states, I said I was open to relocating to, Northern Virginia wasn’t one of them. But the opportunity to move there presented itself, and I was excited to take on the challenge. It ended up being one of the best experiences.

Professionally, I was learning the trade in a major MSA, which helped build on the construction knowledge I was already developing. I still use some of the knowledge and customer experiences I learned with team members today. Being in a large market also gave me exposure to global product managers, and I had the privilege of having Cary Evert, our CEO at the time, visit customers with me. Personally, it was my first time living or traveling anywhere in the U.S. outside of Texas, and I learned about different cultures and expanded my food pallet.  My daughters and I made the most of living in the DMV (DC, Maryland and Virginia) area, visiting museums, touring the Capitol and even stepping foot inside the White House.

Rosly getting hands on with tools at the Annual Sales Meeting in 2020.

Building Confidence Through Talent Days and Emerging Leadership Programs

Once I became an Account Manager, the development opportunities didn’t stop. I participated in Talent Days, where I presented my territory to the Market Organization (MO) East Executive Management team. We also joined roundtable discussions focused on our strategy at the time, Champion 2020. This experience helped me understand my business better and the role I played within the strategy. I wasn’t just managing accounts and selling products, I was challenged to think strategically and contribute to a bigger picture.

One of the most impactful moments in my journey was being selected for the Emerging Leadership Program. This program brought Account Managers from across our MO together to collaborate on a business challenge. Our project focused on securing management meetings with the C-suite. Looking back, it’s pretty cool to see how our project was ahead of how we go to market today with the productivity story.

Being part of this program not only allowed me to meet others in the market, but it also stretched my skills and challenged me in ways I didn’t know I was capable of. For example, those who knew me in school know I hated presentations.  I was shy, quiet and terrified to speak in front of a class. I practiced over and over again each time I had to make a presentation.  I practiced so much that I think my daughters knew my presentation at that point.  Participating in Talent Days and the Emerging Leadership Program helped me face those fears and eventually embrace giving presentations.

These programs didn’t only help me build skills and grow in my career, they also showed me that my leaders and the company saw potential in me and were willing to invest in my development.

Rosly and members of the Latinx ERG during a volunteer opportunity. Hilti awards 16 hours of volunteer time to each employee to give back to their community.

Why Hilti’s Culture of Support and Growth Makes a Difference

In every role I’ve held at Hilti, I’ve been supported and encouraged to own my growth. My team leaders consistently challenged me, and my teammates inspired me to take on new opportunities, like becoming a mentor or joining the Latinx Employee Resource Group as a professional development chair. If you haven’t had the chance to yet – join the leadership of any ERG.  I really grew prouder to be a Latina and embrace my culture. It helped me continue to develop my leadership skills. Leading different events helped me sharpen my time management skills, work on project management skills and collaborating with others.  Our Learn Espanol event was one of my favorites as we got to teach others Spanish construction terms that can use on their day-to-day visits with customers, which in turn helps drive business. The culture of support and empowerment makes all the difference.

Today, I’m proud to serve as a Regional Manager, a role that allows me to live out my passion for developing others. Whether it’s helping someone succeed in their current role or preparing them for future opportunities, I get to support team members in their own growth journeys, just as I was supported in mine. It is a rewarding feeling, and it fuels me every day even if I’m playing a small role.

From day one at Hilti, I’ve been given the tools, opportunities and encouragement to grow.

Leaving my previous company was a leap of faith. Joining Hilti was a leap forward. I’m grateful every day for the decision I made and the journey I’ve been on.

Explore Opportunities at Hilti

At Hilti, we are committed to creating opportunities for our team members to connect with one another and develop meaningful and long-lasting careers with impact. Learn more and explore our opportunities in North America and worldwide here: Jobs | Hilti Careers.