Generation Veeva | Meet Conor - CDP: Why Veeva

This video provides an internal perspective on Veeva Systems, focusing on the company's appeal, culture, and structured support system for new consultants through the Consultant Development Program (CDP). The speaker, Conor Malarkey, an Associate Consultant, walks through his journey from realizing medical school was not his path to joining Veeva, emphasizing the unique opportunity presented by the "Big Orange V" at a career fair. The primary goal of the content is recruitment, showcasing Veeva as an ideal environment for early-career professionals seeking growth, impact, and a strong sense of community within the life sciences sector.

A central theme is the immediate and tangible impact Veeva has on the life science industry, which the speaker found highly motivating. He highlights that in the consulting role, there is a clear structure designed to prevent stagnation, noting, "you never Plateau." This is achieved through a combination of professional freedom balanced by a robust support framework. This framework includes guidance from managers, project teams, fellow "Generation Veevans," and crucially, a "big buddy"—an experienced mentor who recently navigated the same entry-level challenges. This emphasis on structured support and continuous learning is positioned as a core differentiator for the company's consulting arm.

Furthermore, the video heavily emphasizes Veeva’s commitment to fostering a strong sense of community and investing in its employees' personal and professional development. The speaker details the unique experience of starting a career alongside many peers at a similar life stage, which facilitates the building of long-lasting friendships and a reliable support network. A specific example provided is the annual "GB Connects" gathering, which this year took place in Boston and featured equal parts learning and fun, including a city-wide scavenger hunt. This event underscores the company’s strategy of integrating professional growth with cultural engagement, ensuring consultants feel valued and connected.

The speaker concludes by reiterating that the work Veeva performs is genuinely impactful, leading to real change for their customers in the life science industry. He describes this passion as "very contagious," suggesting that the mission-driven nature of the company is what ultimately keeps him excited and engaged. The video serves as a strong testimonial, positioning the Generation Veeva programs as an exciting, challenging, and supportive entry point for individuals looking to build a substantial career in regulated technology consulting.

Key Takeaways: • Structured Consultant Development Program (CDP): Veeva utilizes a formal, structured program (CDP) for entry-level consultants, indicating a standardized approach to training and onboarding that ensures consistency in service delivery and consultant quality. • Focus on Life Science Impact: A primary driver for consultant engagement is the perceived impact Veeva has on the life science industry, suggesting that Veeva successfully leverages its mission to attract and retain talent who value making a "real change." • Anti-Plateau Career Framework: Veeva actively markets the consulting role as one where employees "never Plateau," achieved by balancing significant professional freedom with a strong support structure, suggesting continuous challenging project assignments and skill development. • Layered Mentorship and Support System: New consultants benefit from a comprehensive support network including project teams, direct managers, peer groups (fellow Generation Veevans), and a dedicated "big buddy" (a recent program graduate), ensuring multiple avenues for guidance and problem-solving. • High Investment in Community and Culture: Veeva invests heavily in building a strong community, exemplified by annual events like "GB Connects," which combine professional learning with social activities (e.g., scavenger hunts, rowing), fostering loyalty and reducing early-career attrition. • Contagious Passion for the Mission: The speaker notes that the passion for the work—serving customers and impacting the life sciences—is "very contagious," highlighting the importance of communicating the value proposition of Veeva's solutions to internal teams. • Recruitment Strategy Focus: The video targets individuals who may be transitioning careers (like the speaker moving from pre-med), suggesting Veeva looks for transferable skills and high motivation rather than strictly traditional consulting backgrounds. • Competitive Intelligence on Talent Pipeline: IntuitionLabs.ai should note that Veeva is actively cultivating a large, enthusiastic, and well-supported internal consulting talent pool through programs like Generation Veeva, which influences the competitive landscape for specialized Veeva consulting services. • Importance of Cultural Fit: The emphasis on building "long-lasting friendships" and having people who "will have your back" indicates that cultural fit and team cohesion are significant factors in Veeva's hiring and retention strategy.

Tools/Resources Mentioned:

• Veeva Consultant Development Program (CDP)
• Generation Veeva (Veeva's umbrella program for early-career professionals)
• GB Connects (Annual gathering/conference for Generation Veeva participants)

Key Concepts:

• Generation Veeva: Veeva Systems' overarching initiative and community for early-career employees, designed to provide structured development, mentorship, and cultural integration.
• Consultant Development Program (CDP): A specific training and onboarding track within Generation Veeva aimed at developing new consultants with the necessary technical and soft skills to implement Veeva solutions for life science clients.
• Big Buddy System: A formal mentorship practice where new consultants are paired with a slightly more experienced peer to aid in transition and provide informal support.