Finding a Career in Lighting: Joanna Ganita’s Journey

The lighting industry isn’t always an obvious career choice, but for those who find their way in, it can be a rewarding and dynamic sector to work in.

We caught up with Joanna Ganita, Compliance and Sustainability Co-ordinator at Poole Lighting Ltd, to hear how she got started, what keeps her motivated, and why she’d encourage others to consider a future in lighting.

Getting into the Industry

Could you tell us how you first got into the lighting sector?
It happened by chance. I just moved to a new town and was looking for a job. A recruitment agency reached out to me and set up the interview. The rest is history.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced early in your career, and how did you overcome them?
Not knowing much about the technical aspects of lighting. This made me feel a little bit out of place compared to my colleagues who have been in the industry much longer. It was a bit daunting at the beginning. I felt like I couldn’t contribute to the discussions as I didn’t have the necessary knowledge, yet. However, with the support of my work colleagues and by just ‘getting on with the job’, that feeling soon had passed.

Recommending the Sector

Why would you recommend the lighting industry to those considering a career in it?
As someone who has been working in this industry for almost a decade and have worked through various roles, I will say that if you have a chance, join in. With the ever-growing customer and sustainability requirements, the lighting sector offers exciting variety of job roles. From design to procurement, production, quality, compliance, sustainability, finance and even commercial routes among others. Not to mention, working in an entertainment industry on special events, television shows, concerts etc. Lighting industry is this and so much more.

Advice for Those Starting Out

What advice would you give to someone just starting their career in lighting or a related field?
Don’t feel overwhelmed with all the technicalities and different terms used in lighting, and don’t doubt yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask questions (even now I keep asking loads of questions!).

Are there any specific skills or knowledge areas that you think are crucial for success in this industry?
It is not true that this industry is for qualified electricians only. Taking an initiative and showing willingness to learn will take you far.

Navigating a Competitive Professional World

The professional world is increasingly competitive—what’s your best advice for surviving and thriving in such an environment?
Showing initiative, willingness to learn and adaptability.

How important is networking in the lighting industry, and what are the best ways to build meaningful professional connections?
To me networking is important because it offers valuable information, allows building professional connections and helps with personal growth. Thanks to social media platforms, such as Linkedin, building a professional network has become very easy and should be used to one’s advantage. Attending lighting conferences, technical forums or light expos and trading shows is another great way of making connections in the industry.

Leadership

Do you believe leadership is something you learn on the job, or would you recommend formal leadership courses?
The phrase ‘leaders are built, not born’ is very true in my opinion. I believe that learning leadership on the job is the way to go by building relationships, inspiring and motivating others, and showing initiative. Plus, taking leadership courses can grow your skill set.

What’s the best piece of leadership advice you’ve ever received, and how has it shaped your approach?
Surround yourself with people better than yourself, people you can learn from.

This advice helped me get out of my comfort zone. I have applied to university to further develop my professional skills and personal growth (still ongoing!). It also gave me the push to apply for different job roles, even if they seemed out of my reach. It has motivated me to always aim to do and be better.

Future of the Industry

How do you see the lighting industry evolving over the next few years? What should businesses be prepared for?
Within the decorative market, the push towards sustainability, including more sustainable products, greener energy and achieving Net Zero to fight climate change is ever increasing. The lighting industry has felt the weight of the data-heavy requirements that come with it and should be prepared for more customer as well as government requirements to come. Design should be planning on what happens to the end-of-life product with the aim to reduce the environmental impact once it is no longer in use.