You've heard it before, and we'll say it again--SDI is a firm that leverages its strong team presence. Our employee spotlight series continues with a look into a completely different, and unique, department at SDI. Read on to learn more about Katie, and SDI ALIGN--an internal program designed to strengthen the relationship between SDI and its clients.
1. How did you get your start at SDI?
This is a great story. Before the pandemic, I started looking for a new job by attending networking events. At one networking event, I met a few SDI employees and was particularly intrigued when I heard about SDI ALIGN.
A month after the pandemic and lockdown started, I accepted a job offer from a different company, but every month I checked SDI’s website to see if there were any openings on the SDI ALIGN team.
A year and a half later, I finally saw a job posting for a client relations consultant. I was thrilled and applied right away. A day later, I received an invitation for an initial interview and mentioned meeting SDI at a prior networking event. After that, I had two more interviews, and the rest is history.
2. Tell us about your current role.
I am the client relations consultant for SDI ALIGN. I meet with SDI’s clients to make sure that they are happy with the services we provide, and I discuss and resolve any issues or concerns. When meeting with our clients, we emphasize that we are a neutral party, which puts our clients at ease. My team and I have taken the same approach internally, and we have also started to meet with our internal colleagues.
In addition, I have been working to advance supplier diversity and DE&I, assisting with the development of SDI’s innovation program, collaborating with Kennedy King College to enrich tech initiatives, and assisting with our Learning Management System (LMS). I have also started assisting in the development of channel dashboards and and channel partner cards.
3. What does your role bring to SDI?
My role brings insight, learning, and new opportunities to the organization. I meet with former clients to make sure they keep SDI in mind when new projects come about.
4. How do you describe what you do for a living to family and friends?
I’m a client relations consultant for an IT consulting firm. I meet with my company’s clients to make sure they’re happy with SDI’s work, and if any issues arise, my team and I try to resolve them quickly. We are an important neutral liaison between our employees and our clients.
5. What is your team like?
I might be biased, but I think I work on the best team at SDI. My team consists of three other women, who are some of the most knowledgeable, creative, and hardworking people I have met in my career. I enjoy collaborating with them and couldn’t ask for better.
6. What does an average day look like for you?
One of the great things about my position is that every day looks different. I have the opportunity to work with SDI’s diverse client base and the many, devoted teams within our organization. I love expanding my knowledge base and have had the chance to work on various cross-functional projects. I love the variety, which keeps my position fresh and evolving.
7. What has surprised you most about your career?
The one thing that continues to surprise me most is the value of networking. Collaborating with colleagues at SDI, has led to the exchange of knowledge, creative problem solving, and in one case, a new project for the organization.
8. What parts of our mission do you connect with?
Being present makes SDI employees stand out from its competitors. Presence is crucial in building and maintaining client relationships, which is integral to the success of our organization.
9. What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?
The best career advice I’ve been given is to venture outside your comfort zone. This advice is always in the back of my mind, and that has helped me grow. In taking on challenges that I might not otherwise have accepted, I’ve gained experience and confidence. I’ve met people who have influenced my career and exposed me to more new experiences.
10. What book or TV show currently has you hooked?
I really enjoy watching nature shows. It helps me decompress at the end of the day, as I try to figure out where I want to travel next. I am fascinated by animals and different parts of the world.
Stay tuned to the SDI blog to see who we’ll spotlight in September! In the meantime, CONTACT US to learn more about how SDI can help with your IT-related needs.
We celebrate diversity; the views expressed above are those of the interviewed individual, not SDI.
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