The Employer’s Scoop | University Recruiting Lead Kayla Brendle from Veeva Systems

This video features an interview with Kayla Brendle, the University Recruiting Lead at Veeva Systems, who shares valuable insights and practical advice for university students and recent graduates navigating the job market. The discussion, hosted by the UTM CareerCentre, focuses on what Veeva Systems looks for in early-career talent, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their recruitment process and company culture. Brendle emphasizes the importance of genuine interactions, preparedness, and the critical role of networking in securing positions, particularly within the software engineering domain.

Throughout the interview, Brendle outlines Veeva's approach to talent acquisition, from initial career fair interactions to the final interview stages. She details the company's preferences regarding candidate engagement, the utility of tools like Applicant Tracking Systems and LinkedIn Recruiter, and the specific skills and attributes that help candidates stand out. A significant point of discussion is Veeva's commitment to a human-centric review process for applications, explicitly stating their non-reliance on AI or robotics for filtering candidates. The conversation also delves into the technical and behavioral competencies Veeva prioritizes for its software engineering roles, alongside advice for students feeling discouraged in their job search.

Brendle provides actionable strategies for students to enhance their job applications and interview performance. She highlights the value of researching companies prior to events, tailoring communication to specific opportunities, and leveraging professional networks. The interview also touches upon the academic backgrounds Veeva considers, stressing the importance of relevant coursework over specific degree titles. Ultimately, the video serves as a comprehensive guide for aspiring professionals seeking to enter the software industry, offering a direct perspective from a leading company in the life sciences technology space.

Key Takeaways:

• Genuine Interaction is Key: At career fairs, Veeva recruiters prioritize genuine conversations where students clearly articulate their interests (internship type, full-time, specialization) over rehearsed elevator pitches. This allows recruiters to tailor information effectively.
• Elevator Pitches are for Interviews: While valuable, elevator pitches are more impactful at the interview stage when introducing oneself, rather than at high-volume career fair booths where time is limited.
• Research Companies to Stand Out: Students who proactively research attending companies and express specific interest in Veeva (e.g., "I know about Veeva" or "Someone I know works here") are more memorable and demonstrate genuine engagement.
• Human-Centric Application Review: Veeva Systems utilizes an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and LinkedIn Recruiter, but explicitly states that human eyes review all applications, without the use of AI or robotics for filtering. This ensures thorough human assessment of every candidate.
• Leverage LinkedIn Proactively: LinkedIn is a crucial tool for recruiters to proactively find potential candidates. Students are advised to pay attention to messages from recruiters, as it can lead to significant career opportunities.
• Technical and Behavioral Skills are Crucial: For software engineering roles at Veeva, technical skills (especially Java, which is heavily tested) are important. Equally, if not more, important are behavioral attributes: being a team player, a hard worker, and a fast learner.
• Internship Experience is Beneficial: While not an absolute requirement for associate positions, previous software engineering or relevant internship experience helps candidates stand out and adapt more easily to a professional environment.
• Academic Background Flexibility: Veeva considers various academic backgrounds, including Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Computer & Electrical Engineering. The focus is on the number and relevance of Computer Science courses taken, as evidenced in the transcript, rather than just the major title.
• Networking is Paramount: Utilizing one's network (classmates, professors, TAs, conferences) and actively connecting with people on LinkedIn is highlighted as the most important strategy for job seekers, especially when feeling discouraged. Many jobs are secured through networking or proactive recruiter outreach on LinkedIn.
• Veeva Hires New Grads: Despite the challenges new graduates face in the job market due to lack of experience, Veeva Systems has a strong history and commitment to hiring new graduates for their entry-level positions.

Tools/Resources Mentioned:

• Applicant Tracking System (ATS): A unified platform used by Veeva to track all stages of an applicant's journey.
• LinkedIn Recruiter: A tool utilized by Veeva to proactively find and reach out to students who may be a good fit for their opportunities.
• LinkedIn: A professional networking platform emphasized for building connections and finding job opportunities.

Key Concepts:

• Elevator Pitch: A brief, persuasive speech used to spark interest in what you do.
• Behavioral Skills: Non-technical attributes like teamwork, work ethic, and adaptability, which Veeva considers as important as technical skills.
• Technical Skills: Specific proficiencies required for a role, such as programming languages (e.g., Java).
• Networking: The process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.