Kasey, Senior Solution Engineer, Problem Solver

What is your “why” and how does Qualtrics connect with your “why”?

Prior to Qualtrics, I had been connected to the restaurant industry in some way since the beginning of my profession. There were two things that came from that. First, once I'd learned (almost) everything there was to learn about the industry, I started to feel stagnant. Second, as you may have seen in recent streaming shows, the restaurant industry is not known for its healthy culture. Qualtrics provided the opportunity for both aspects I was missing in the restaurant industry — the chance to grow and learn about all sorts of other industries and what makes them tick, and the amazing flexibility to work hard and still have a real life.

What attracted you to Qualtrics in the first place?

I was given the opportunity to join a newly emerging solution engineering team in 2021 dedicated to the Healthcare industry. At first I was hesitant, because coming from a very industry specific background, I wanted to continue to broaden my horizons. However as I dug in, I realized the amazing impact I was able to deliver to the clients I work with. I specifically focus on improving employee experiences in Healthcare, and especially at this time in history, I couldn't be more proud to do this work. 

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

It was after my on-site visit to the Provo office. This was before COVID, and I was able to meet with 5 or 6 people from different teams and backgrounds. They were all incredibly smart, but also still very relatable and fun. I could just feel a great energy, and that's proven to be true to this day. 

What does your day look like?

Oh gosh, every day is different and I think that's part of what I love! My main focus is on developing and presenting technology solutions to prospective clients. But this means I get to spend a lot of time talking to and learning from our healthcare clients. What's on their mind? What's keeping them up at night? Then I get to work with my team to strategize and present unique solutions to really help them solve those problems and obtain their goals. 

What is your favorite part of your role?

Our technology. I know that's weird to say, and I should say something like "talking to clients," or "my team," and don't get me wrong, I love those things too. But the flexibility of our technology is incredible. It truly allows me to think outside the box on a regular basis and come up with new and different ways to solve problems, and I LOVE problem solving. 

If you are not originally from Dallas can you tell us your story of moving there?

So I was hired out of the Dallas office. Then the pandemic hit, and we had our first child. We didn't have a strong social circle in Dallas at the time, and we were really struggling. But I was able to talk with my leadership team and they offered me the flexibility to move back to Austin to be closer to friends and family. That's been a game changer for my family, and I am so grateful for the trust and flexibility Qualtrics has been able to offer. 

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

Ask to talk to lots of people from all of the teams you'll be working on and with. Really get a sense for the day to day, and the culture of the teams. 

What has surprised you most about working at Qualtrics?

How intimidatingly smart EVERYONE is. I got a sense coming in that the bar was higher at Qualtrics, but it wasn't until you start to meet all sorts of people from all teams that you really get a sense that everyone is incredibly intelligent, but also in their own ways. Everyone has their niche and what's great is that everyone is willing to share their talents. 

What made you want to get into engineering?

Honestly, I fell into it. I had always had training roles in my previous positions, and one day the CEO of my previous company suggested Sales Engineering as a good alternative career. Once I got into it, I was hooked. 

What are your aspirations in career/life?

Haha, I wish I knew. I think we are told that we need to have 3-5 year plans, and for most of my life I did. Then the pandemic hit, and I had a baby boy. Now I really try to stay more present and remember to just keep putting one foot in front of the other. What I do know is that I always want to keep learning and growing, and that applies to everything in my life.

What is your top #LifeHack?

Ask for help! Whether that's at home and you get groceries delivered or hire a cleaner, or whether that's at work and you ask your boss to help you on a project, or a team member to teach you more about something, asking for help is always a good idea. 

What's a favorite moment of your time at Qualtrics so far?

Oh gosh, I'm not sure I have just one. But I think the most rewarding moments for me personally and professionally are when clients light up during our presentations. Whether it's on a zoom call or in-person, when you can just tell that you've touched on something that really impacts them and can provide a solution, it makes it all worth it. 

How have you become involved in the community at Qualtrics? What has that meant to you? 

I have a close friend who is far too young who was diagnosed with Colon Cancer 2 years ago. She was given 6 months to live back then. She has 3 young children and she's honestly the kindest person you'll ever meet. When I learned about 5FTF I knew it was something I wanted to get involved with. Whether it's donations or group activities I don't know anyone who can't get behind what it stands for. 

What 3 words would you use to describe Qualtrics to someone?

Smart, Fun, Team.

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

Solution Engineering isn't all that technical. It's not like I sit around coding all day. Our software is incredibly user friendly, so that's just not necessary. My work is more about communicating solutions and value to a client in ways that really resonate.

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.

	Kasey Dickson is an alumna of University of Washington and started her career at Madison Holdings - A Japanese Restaurant Group in Seattle. At 5'1" tall, she was the varsity captain of her high school's basketball and volleyball teams. (The school was SUPER small :))

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