BALANCING WORK AND LIFE

Balancing the demands of a fast-paced career and a young family is not an easy task. Like many, Jennie Krause, a professional engineer at KLJ, an engineering, surveying and planning rm, is always seeking to successfully my schedule so I can meet the needs of my family,” said Krause.

Krause began her career at KLJ after graduating from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. “I initially chose KLJ because I had always heard it was a great company to work for and they o ered exceptional bene ts,” said Krause. After more than a decade with the company, Krause says that KLJ has allowed her to not only advance in her career, but the opportunity to also be successful at home.

The company has grown signi cantly over the years, expanding services and geographies; and at the same time Krause’s position has evolved both at work and at home. “Today I am still an engineer and have recently switched my engineering focus from transportation to oil eld services, in addition to being a wife and a mother of two daughters — ages 1 and 2,” said Krause.

This is where the juggling act gets di cult for many. Krause says one of the most valuable lessons she has learned is that you cannot please everyone all the time, and be present where you are.

KLJ’s culture is unique as it drives employees to set their own path for advancement. “I learned that if you develop good relationships, stay open to new opportunities and work hard everything else will follow,” said Krause. The company is employee-owned which supports a collaborative environment and shared success. Throughout her career at KLJ Krause says KLJ’s exibility has helped accommodate her busy family life while still allowing her to set her own path for advancement.

Krause states many employees at KLJ have started their careers with the company and retired with the company.

It has always been instilled in me, rst ask what can we do to help — whether it is a coworker or a client — it’s just what we do here.”