Katie, Senior Solution Engineer: Fixing the gaps

What is your 'why', and how does Qualtrics connect with that?

I have always wanted to ensure my work impacts people, so I have been drawn to roles of teaching and service. I started my career in education as an elementary school teacher, and found my way to tech as an implementation consultant. I had a brief stint as an HR Director and ultimately came to Qualtrics because I was intrigued by how the platform improves experiences and livelihoods of individuals on a day-to-day basis.

You’ve been here for three years, why is it still Qualtrics for you?

I’m still at Qualtrics because Qualtrics has proven to value the wellbeing of their employees. I’m a working mother and I started my journey with Qualtrics when I had a 3-month-old. Qualtrics supported me in that phase of my life from accessibility to nursing rooms, unlimited sick time, and most importantly extending empathy when something came up unexpectedly. For example, I remember getting a text notifying me that my electricity had gone out at my house. I lived about an hour away from the office, and had an entire freezer full of breast milk. I called my manager, told him that I had to leave to go save my infant’s milk (which as all parents know is more valuable than gold), and his only comment was asking me how he could help. As the company walked through the pandemic, I watched and noticed how employee wellbeing was the first priority at company and manager meetings, and we were all extended grace and flexibility as we navigated how to work and live at home simultaneously. I have worked at several organizations throughout my career, and I can say that Qualtrics is the organization that consistently proves that they think of their employees as assets and not as cogs in a corporate wheel.

What does your day look like?

I am an employee experience solution engineer which means I have the opportunity to present the value of Qualtrics through live technology demonstrations. I meet with potential and current clients to talk about their employee experience programs and how Qualtrics can partner with them to deliver actionable insights at scale. Beyond client meetings, I am a part of a team of solution engineers and we meet and collaborate regularly to support one another in our deal cycles and professional development.

What is your favorite part of your role?

My favorite part about my role is that I get to see firsthand the excitement of organizations as they start to picture how Qualtrics could be incorporated into their day-to-day lives. These initial reactions remind me that collectively, we as humans really do care about the experiences we all have, and are motivated to work together to improve processes/gaps that may exist. I also have the opportunity to speak to a variety of industries throughout the country and through my conversations have been able to learn from various stakeholders about the different KPI’s of these industries. Because of this I am always learning and adapting my skillset to meet the needs of the people sitting across the table (or staring at me from across the zoom room).

How have you become involved in the community at Qualtrics, and what has that meant to you?

Qualtrics has Q Groups which are communities of people who come together to discuss relevant topics about their community in order to create safe spaces for people who identify as a member of the community, and just as importantly, to educate others on their experiences to build allyship within Qualtrics. I am a member of WLD, which stands for women leadership development, and Qualtrics Pride, which is a group for members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community. Every month we have discussion groups to come together and talk through relevant topics that align to current events, celebration months, etc. These groups have challenged and helped me grow as a human being to ensure I am helping create an inclusive environment for everyone. I am very thankful that Qualtrics gives us the opportunity to join and prioritize these meetings so that we can continue to grow as individuals, an organization, and a community.

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

Transparency, All-In, Flexible.

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.

	Katie is an alumna of Hardin-Simmons University and started her career at Castleberry ISD. Her dream job: host of a travel show.

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