Many of us have not taken a direct route to get to where we are in our careers today, nor should we expect a circuitous route to suddenly become straight once we’ve landed at JMP. We want employees to know they can move from one type of role at JMP to another! But making a big transition is not always easy so we want to gather stories from you; we want to learn how you moved around in your career, from A to B (or to C or D).
Let’s learn about Ross’s career journey.
What’s your current role at JMP?
Academic Ambassador
Describe what you like most about it.
I work in an area that I value: statistics education. I get to wear many different hats, most technical but some not, and I appreciate the variety.
If different, what was your first role when you started at JMP?
Systems Engineer for the US Southeast region.
Did you work at SAS before joining JMP?
No.
How long have you been at JMP?
<4 years
Did your college or university degree(s) relate to your current role at JMP?
Sort of. My undergrad was in linguistics, so no stats there. But I learned (and taught) some statistics while in grad school for cognitive science.
Outside of your time at JMP, what was your a) first job, b) best job, and c) worst job?
- Caddy at a country club.
- Teaching statistics was rewarding, but being a “marshal" at a laser tag arena was pure fun.
- Caddy at a country club.
Teaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching StatisticsTeaching Statistics
Have you made a major career transition? If so, what was it and how did you know you were ready for a change?
Before JMP, I was a researcher for an education technology and publishing company. I was mostly reviewing research literature and writing reports, and I knew I needed to get back to the technical side of things I loved from grad school research and from teaching statistics. I took a chance on being a commercial SE and really liked it, and then when a spot on the Academic Team opened up it was just a natural fit.
Did you have any concerns about making a change? If so, what were they?
I don’t come from an engineering or physical or life sciences background, so starting as an SE I worried about understanding our target customers’ needs and establishing credibility with them. I also wasn’t sure what it would feel like to be a salesperson.
What were the first things you did when you decided that you were ready to change jobs?
There wasn’t a specific point when I decided to change paths. Julian Parris, a close friend for many years, told me about an SE opening at JMP and encouraged me to apply. Moving into a more technical role sounded good, and Julian had always spoken highly of JMP as a great place to work, so I applied.
Before deciding on the new role, did you spend time with someone who does that job? If so, how was that experience?
I didn’t, but I did talk with Julian, Mary Loveless, and Olivia Lippincott a good amount to learn what the SE role would be like.
Who were the people that were instrumental in helping you make the job switch successfully, and how did they help?
Mary ensured that I had ample learning opportunities at the outset, including having me tag along with different SEs, providing helpful feedback on my demos, coaching me on sales strategy, and giving me a pep talk when I needed one. Hyde Miller was my mentor and was always there to field questions, offer advice, and hold my hand a little when I needed it. I also shadowed Olivia for a month of customer calls, and seeing her in action gave me somebody to emulate when I got started.
What advice do you have for JMP employees who are thinking about changing their roles?
Trite but true: "Variety is the spice of life.” Use your excitement about new experiences to overcome any fears of failure or the unknown.
Because we love good stories, we want to learn about how your career evolved and tell these stories to our colleagues—the evolution of your career that has ultimately brought you to JMP or even how once arriving at JMP they made a major transition.
Please take the six-minute survey.
Thank you for sharing Ross! You bring so much to JMP no matter what role you are in, it was great working with you as an SE and as an abstract presenter for Discovery Summits. Looking forward to seeing you continue in the Academic space!
We are so fortunate to have you, Ross, and that you contribute in so many different capacities. Thanks for sharing and glad your career journey brought you to JMP!
Thanks for sharing your personal insight, Ross! Agree that the best way to circumvent fear (anticipation of the unknown) is to tap into one's curiosity and enthusiasm (for that same unknown).
