“When you join a company like QinetiQ US, the ability to continuously learn and try new things, as well as the potential for career advancement are at your fingertips,” said Via.
Kendra currently leads an important program dedicated to automated software testing in the QinetiQ US portfolio. While details about the customer and the specifics of the work are confidential, she takes great pride in her team's contributions and values the opportunities within her role.
“In my role, I can help guide the strategic movement of our business unit, share my opinion and have my voice heard. To me, that’s important,” said Via. “I am a manager but still have boots on the ground with my team and the day-to-day work. It’s my job as a leader to take their concerns and suggestions and elevate them to leadership to ensure ideas and issues are heard for the benefit of our customer.”
Kendra enjoys both the management and the technical aspects of her job. Employing new skills she’s learned combined with those that built the foundation of her career are critical. Her role is dynamic, sometimes requiring getting her hands dirty on a project while other times ensuring her team’s voice is heard with leadership. It’s important, she notes, that she stays in touch with the technical advances on the project so she can translate those advances and suggestions to management.
“I love the problem-solving aspect of being a program manager. It allows me to see the bigger picture when making decisions that benefit our customers, our organization and my team,” Via said.
While on her career journey Kendra has taken advantage of QinetiQ US’ continuing education and available classes, including courses in problem solving, leadership and business processes. She’s also brought her skills to the Talent Acquisition team to promote QinetiQ US and IMS as a great place to work. She’s attended career fairs and recruitment events to share her experiences, find new talent and talk about why QinetiQ’s global mission is so important.
For Kendra, it’s all about ensuring her team is growing and successful, and how they can work for the mission and the customer. “I like seeing the work we do used and appreciated by our customer. It’s a great feeling knowing that you made a difference and have impacted others.”
Own your career by visiting Integrated Talent Management on the intranet to learn more about career development at QinetiQ US.