The Employer’s Scoop | Featuring Kayla Brendle, University Recruiting Lead, Veeva

This video features an interview with Kayla Brendle, the University Recruiting Lead for the Engineering Development Program (EDP) at Veeva Systems in Toronto, offering valuable insights into career paths, hiring strategies, and the software industry as it intersects with life sciences. The discussion, set against the backdrop of a university career fair, provides a clear definition of Veeva as a cloud-based software company dedicated to serving the life sciences industry. Brendle outlines the essential technical roles available within Veeva’s entry-level program and addresses common misconceptions about working in this specialized sector.

The interview details the various technical roles that contribute to the full software development lifecycle (SDLC) at Veeva. While the Associate Software Engineer position is the most sought-after, Brendle highlights the importance of often-overlooked roles, specifically the Associate Performance and DevOps Engineer and the Associate Software Engineer in Test (QA). The QA role is emphasized as critical for ensuring product quality and is noted as a strong entry point that can later segue into broader software engineering responsibilities. This focus underscores Veeva’s commitment to robust development, deployment, and quality assurance processes.

A key clarification provided by the Veeva representative addresses the necessity of domain expertise. Brendle confirms that while Veeva builds software for the life sciences industry, candidates for technical roles in the EDP do not require a prior background or deep knowledge of pharmaceutical or biotech processes. Technical skills are the primary requirement, and industry knowledge is acquired through on-the-job learning. Furthermore, the discussion emphasizes that successful candidates must demonstrate strong behavioral characteristics—such as being a hard worker, a fast learner, and a team player—which are often evidenced through extracurricular activities, community involvement, and hackathons, rather than solely academic achievements. The video concludes with actionable advice for new graduates, stressing the importance of asking questions, voicing opinions, and strategically networking with senior employees to gain diverse perspectives and accelerate career growth.

Key Takeaways: • Veeva’s Core Business Model: Veeva Systems is confirmed as a cloud-based software company specifically servicing the life sciences industry, highlighting the critical role of enterprise technology in pharmaceutical and biotech operations. • Technical Roles Do Not Require Life Sciences Background: A significant misconception is debunked: candidates for technical roles (like Associate Software Engineer) at Veeva do not need prior domain knowledge in life sciences. Technical aptitude and behavioral fit are the primary hiring criteria. • Value of QA and DevOps Roles: Students should not overlook Associate Performance and DevOps Engineer positions or the Associate Software Engineer in Test (QA) role. These positions are essential components of the full software development lifecycle and offer strong career progression paths. • QA as a Career Gateway: The Associate Software Engineer in Test/QA role is highlighted as a critical, often overlooked, entry point that provides deep insight into the SDLC and can serve as a valuable stepping stone into core software engineering roles. • Networking Requires Preparation: Effective networking at career events necessitates advance research to identify specific companies and opportunities of interest, allowing students to approach booths with genuine curiosity and a defined objective for follow-up (e.g., applying to a specific role or connecting on LinkedIn). • Cultural Fit Criteria: Veeva seeks well-rounded candidates who exemplify behavioral characteristics such as being a hard worker, a fast learner, and a team player. Applicants should use their resumes and interviews to showcase involvement in extracurriculars, hackathons, sports, or volunteer work to demonstrate these traits. • Post-Graduation Advice: Proactive Engagement: New graduates starting their first job are strongly advised not to be afraid to ask questions, speak up, and voice their opinions, as this demonstrates engagement and a commitment to learning. • Strategic Networking with Senior Staff: New hires should diversify their professional network beyond their cohort of fellow new graduates. Networking with intermediate and senior-level employees is crucial for gaining diverse operational perspectives and accelerating long-term career development within the company. • Focus on the Full SDLC: Veeva’s entry-level roles cover the entire Software Development Life Cycle, indicating a need for talent across development, system performance, deployment (DevOps), and rigorous quality assurance processes.

Key Concepts:

• Engineering Development Program (EDP): Veeva’s structured program for recruiting and developing associate-level technical talent across various engineering disciplines.
• Cloud-Based Software: The delivery model used by Veeva to provide its enterprise solutions to the life sciences sector.
• Full Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC): The comprehensive process encompassing all stages of software creation, from conception to deployment and maintenance, which Veeva’s entry-level roles are designed to support.