Industry Insights: Veeva Systems (AY: '21-'22; EP: 1)

This video provides an in-depth interview with Kristina Gonzalez Medina, a Practice Director within the Analytics Development Program at Veeva Systems, conducted by Lehigh University's Career Professional Development team. The primary purpose of the discussion is to offer "Industry Insights" into Veeva Systems, a Public Benefit Corporation specializing in cloud computing software for the life sciences industry. Kristina elaborates on Veeva's core mission, the skills and competencies they seek in prospective candidates, and the company's robust approach to employee development, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and feedback mechanisms. The conversation also delves into practical advice for new hires on navigating workplace challenges and connecting with the company.

The interview progresses from an introduction to Veeva Systems, highlighting its focus on building an "industry cloud for life sciences" through data, technology, analytics, and professional services. Kristina then outlines the essential skills Veeva looks for, emphasizing teamwork, hard work, fast learning, problem-solving, analytical thinking, and a balance of technical and soft skills. A significant portion of the discussion is dedicated to what makes an employee stand out, stressing the importance of curiosity, continuous learning, and taking ownership of one's development, encapsulated by the phrase "captain your own ship." This is supported by a unique "2% development reimbursement" program, allowing employees to invest in their personal and professional growth through various means like coaching, conferences, or books.

Further themes explored include Veeva's commitment to DEI, spearheaded by a Chief Diversity Officer and various internal communities (e.g., women's, black, Asian, LGBTQ+ communities) that focus on education, recruiting, and internal connection. Kristina underscores the value of diverse perspectives for innovation, particularly for a global company like Veeva. The video also details Veeva's employee feedback systems, including a new check-in process for open dialogue between managers and employees, and anonymous channels, even direct email access to the CEO, Peter Gassner. A compelling example is shared where anonymous feedback led to the establishment of "Employee Success" as a core company value and the subsequent launch of employee growth benefits like the development reimbursement program. The interview concludes with advice for new hires on managing conflict through preparation, building internal relationships, and seeking mentorship, alongside practical tips for students to connect with Veeva and approach their job search thoughtfully.

Key Takeaways:

• Veeva's Core Mission: Veeva Systems is dedicated to building the "industry cloud for life sciences," encompassing data, technology, analytics, and professional services tailored for the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors. This positions them as a critical technology partner within IntuitionLabs.ai's target market.
• Desired Candidate Skills: Veeva prioritizes candidates who exhibit strong teamwork, a diligent work ethic, quick learning abilities, problem-solving aptitude, analytical thinking, and a balanced blend of technical and interpersonal communication skills.
• Importance of Curiosity and Ownership: To excel at Veeva, employees are encouraged to be continuously curious, seeking to understand the "why" behind their tasks, and to take ownership of their professional development, a concept referred to as "captain your own ship."
• Employee Development Reimbursement: Veeva offers a unique "2% development reimbursement" program, allowing employees to invest in their growth through various avenues like career coaching, conferences, subscriptions, or books, fostering a culture of continuous learning.
• Robust DEI Initiatives: The company actively promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion through a Chief Diversity Officer, dedicated internal communities (e.g., women's, black, Asian, LGBTQ+), bias training in hiring, and a commitment to equitable processes.
• Value of Diverse Perspectives: Kristina emphasizes that collaboration among diverse perspectives is crucial for innovation and driving the company's mission forward, especially for a global organization with teams across many countries.
• Multi-Channel Employee Feedback System: Veeva employs a comprehensive feedback system, including open dialogue check-ins between managers and employees, anonymous submission channels, and even direct anonymous email access to the CEO, demonstrating a strong commitment to listening to its workforce.
• Impact of Employee Feedback: Employee feedback has directly influenced significant company policies and values, such as the CEO establishing "Employee Success" as a core value and initiating programs like the 2% development reimbursement in response to direct employee input.
• Navigating Workplace Conflict: New hires are advised to prepare for difficult conversations, build internal relationships with peers and mentors for support and advice, and acknowledge that speaking up requires practice and comfort, emphasizing that raising issues is vital for collective progress.
• Importance of Support Systems: Building a network of colleagues, especially through internal communities, can provide a crucial support system, fostering a sense of belonging and enabling employees to address challenges more effectively.
• Strategic Job Search Advice: Students are encouraged to "interview the company" as much as they are being interviewed, thoughtfully considering what is important to them (e.g., work-life balance, societal impact, specific tasks) to ensure long-term success and happiness in their chosen role.

Tools/Resources Mentioned:

• Veeva's Blogs: A source for company information and insights.
• Veeva's YouTube Channel: Provides video content about the company.
• Generation Veeva LinkedIn Page: Specifically for new grads and opportunities within Veeva.
• Sarah Shields ([email protected]): Veeva's university recruiter, available for questions and guidance on the application process.

Key Concepts:

• Industry Cloud for Life Sciences: Veeva's core business model, providing specialized cloud computing software solutions tailored specifically for the pharmaceutical, biotech, and life sciences industries.
• Generation Veeva Program: A broader initiative focused on recruiting and integrating new graduates into various parts of the company.
• Analytics Development Program: A specific program within Generation Veeva, likely focusing on developing analytical talent for Veeva's data and analytics offerings.
• Captain Your Own Ship: A cultural value at Veeva, encouraging employees to take proactive ownership of their career development and continuous learning.
• 2% Development Reimbursement: A unique employee benefit where Veeva reimburses up to 2% of an employee's salary for approved professional development activities.
• Employee Success (as a core value): A fundamental principle at Veeva, established in response to employee feedback, signifying the company's commitment to investing in the growth and well-being of its employees.

Examples/Case Studies:

• Personal Use of Development Reimbursement: Kristina shared her personal experience of using the 2% development reimbursement to hire a leadership coach, highlighting the flexibility and personalized nature of the program.
• CEO's Response to Anonymous Feedback: Peter Gassner, Veeva's CEO, received an anonymous email from an employee questioning the company's investment in "Employee Success" despite it being a stated value. This feedback directly led to significant investments in employee growth, including the creation of the 2% development program and a stronger emphasis on employee well-being.