Kyle, Senior Analyst – Procurement, on Running Towards Risk

Kyle is a Senior Analyst for our Procurement team and is based out of our Provo HQ. He manages and supports all procurement activities for our Engineering groups, product groups, operations, marketing and growth, creative, facilities, and travel. Kyle creates and implements procurement policies and training to create a culture of compliance, cost savings, and smart purchasing.

I spent 6 years in school getting an undergraduate business degree and an MBA. I landed what I thought would be my dream job, which turned out to be anything but!

I know they tell you not to run away from something, to be running towards something, but sometimes taking a pretty big risk can be very rewarding. Qualtrics was my risk. And since arriving I have had so many reasons (external) to leave. But I found so many reasons as to why I shouldn't - couldn't - that, against all struggles, I have made Qualtrics work. Because it’s worth it.

What attracted you to Qualtrics in the first place?

It may be silly but I don't believe in coincidences. I was sitting in a painful meeting at my old job and I got an alert that a message had come through on LinkedIn. It was from a recruiter at a tech company. Her name was Chelsea. And she looked and sounded like she loved her job. I was envious.

What was the turning point where you 'had to have the job'?

I was onsite - amongst the young happy faces, dogs, cereal bar, soda machines, and red scooters - in an interview. I was speaking with Sydnee and Zoe from legal. And to this day all I remember was laughing. I couldn't tell you what we talked about but we had a ball. I saw myself working with them. Being friends with them. I realized I wanted to be part of the club.

What does your day look like?

Whew...most are rollercoasters. The first thing is coffee and cereal, sitting at the front desk saying hi while catching up on emails. I spend about 25% of the day in "formal" meetings - the good kind: productive, fast-paced, always with some laughs. I spend a good chunk of my day talking to people - strategizing about how to approach a supplier problem, how to bring an idea to reality, how to save some money (that's the part I love!). Lunch is with the team usually, or friends from across the business. I am hardly at my desk because I would prefer to be with my stakeholders, involved in what's going on in the business, trying to learn something new every day!

What is your favorite part of your role?

The people I support from across the business. They make the whole thing worth it!

Right - you have quite the relo story. Can you share it with us?

Whew. That's a doozy. I moved to Utah from Indianapolis. Kind of. Through a bizarre twist of events, my husband has stayed in Indy while I live in Provo. Long-distance can be tough. But this is my actual "Why" Qualtrics. My colleagues knew I was doing long-distance, and they seemed to almost step up to support me. Some of the best friends I have ever had I have found at Qualtrics. They have made me feel at home even though my husband was 1500 miles away.

Any tips for someone who is considering a role at Qualtrics?

Go all in. I realize it might be cliché (as it’s part of our values) but I have found that the more you give the more you get. Be your whole self and bring it every day. Don't be surprised at how truly awesome you can be when working alongside the most awesome people in the field.

What surprised you most about working at Qualtrics?

That it is possible to look forward to going into work on Monday.

What made you want to get into procurement?

Happenstance. I applied to an internship without knowing what it was. Got it. And spent a summer learning the basics. Turned out I liked it. And since then I have come to find the truly important and impactful role a procurement person can have in a business. Then again...I am biased :)

What are your aspirations in career/life?

That's a good question. Well. If you had asked me at 20 I would have said: retire at 55, become a NY Times bestseller, hold an elected office (senator), win an Oscar, get married to someone amazing (which at the time was illegal...), start a family, and in my free time, work at a job I loved. Some of those I am still working on, and some I can say I have achieved.

What is your top #LifeHack?

Make friends with such great people that when you tell them you want to make a podcast they not only support you but volunteer to be in it!

How have you become involved in community at Qualtrics?

The Q groups are really important to the organization and are really helpful to those that need them. Additionally, I try to volunteer when I can - whether that at marketing events, X4, or anytime an extra pair of hands are needed around HQ.

Qualtrics is growing, and if you're ready to find your "why" at a place like this, you can explore our open opportunities at any time by visiting our career page. Looking to discover more reasons "Why Qualtrics"? You can find the whole series here.

Want to chat? You can get in touch by checking out Qualtrics Life on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

	Kyle is an alumnus of Bradley University and started their career at Rolls Royce. He once had milkshakes with then Vice President Joe Biden