Kip Turner wasn't necessarily planning on joining AT&T for his entire 50-year career when he applied there in 1973 — but that's what's happened, and he's learned a lot about engineering and career longevity along the way.when he was 18 years old, without a college degree, and with the idea he'd return to college to become a veterinarian.
From his perspective, Turner says the key to his 50-year career was staying focused on becoming an expert in his current role, and then learning to"be content with what you're doing."Turner says he's never been"especially aggressive" about trying to get promoted. Even so, Turner applied to plenty of promotions and has been disappointed to not get them."In most cases, I resolved to be happy in the role," he says.
On the salary front, Turner admits,"I haven't had a salary conversation with anybody in many years. So I don't know if content with their salary. Most of the time that's why people are moving — they want better pay and benefits."