Jennifer, Principal Solution Engineer: Defining what matters

My mom was a healthcare administrator her entire career. I saw her start as a front desk receptionist, move to an office manager, then on to Regional Director. All this while getting her MBA while I was in high school, raising my sister and me, running the house while my dad was out of town for military work, and ensuring we had family dinners almost every night. My mom is my "North Star," I saw her work hard and juggle life and still thrive in her career as well as being an amazing mom. My goal in life is to be that type of strong, confident role model for my two daughters. I especially love that I am now able to also honor her work in healthcare, by working everyday with healthcare systems and providers to provide exceptional experiences to patients and caregivers.

What attracted you to Qualtrics in the first place?

I was attracted to the growth potential available at Qualtrics. I had hit a bit of a ceiling at my last company and I was looking for a new challenge in my career. Not only did Qualtrics provide new technology and new industries to learn, but I loved hearing the stories of individuals who were able to grow and expand their skill set while making moves within the organization.

If you've been at Qualtrics for a while, why is it still Qualtrics for you?

I love that there will always be new challenges and new things to learn with Qualtrics. I have had to get more comfortable with change but I have learned that change brings great opportunities.

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

I was approached to move to a dedicated Healthcare Solution Engineer team, at first I was nervous to transition to a new team with a bunch of unknowns but I also saw this as a perfect sign to continue my mom's legacy. The move to the new team has literally changed my career for the better. I have been challenged to learn a whole new industry, but I have developed some of the most rewarding working relationships and friendships. I generally enjoy everyone I work with and have love finding mutual success in our work.

What is your favorite part of your role?

I love working to find a solution. I have had a sign at my desk for years that reads "Be The Solution!" and I truly live by this everyday. When I listen to the challenges from a health system and how they have great ideas but don't know where to start, being able to provide them with a realistic and tangible solution and hear the relief in their voices or smiles on their faces is the best reward. Even better is hearing of our customer success stories, and knowing I played a part in the initial presentation of all that is possible with Qualtrics.

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

Keep an open mind. I joke that I have never had a career plan, I have stumbled into every role and opportunity through my employment journey. But by being open minded I have been able to try new things, become a leader and progress my career, maybe in an unconventional way but I am proud of all of the moves I have made. Qualtrics can take you many places, just be open to trying new things!

What is your top #LifeHack?

Define what matters. I think about this phrase in almost every aspect of my life. It's super helpful in decision making. How do I prioritize my tasks? I define what matters. I need to figure out how to get dinner on the table when I have calls until 6, I define what matters. I'd rather sit and have time with my family to talk about days instead of running around making dinner, so takeout it is!

What's a myth about your type of job that you'd like to bust? Or about working at Qualtrics?

The title Solution Engineer can be very misleading. I am maybe one of the least technical people on our team. But what I can do is tell a story, connect with an audience, and show them how we can enhance the experience of their teams and patients and achieve great results. You don't need to be the most technical person or even an engineer to do this job. You just have to listen, think critically, be solution-oriented and have a general desire to make a difference in the work being done by your client.

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 or by joining our talent community.

	Jennifer is an alumnus of East Carolina University and started her career as an Apartment Property Manager. She has completed two Ironman triathlons, around a dozen marathons, and one ultramarathon.

See more of the Qualtrics Life on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.