After almost a decade of working in the retail industry, I found myself venturing into the exciting world of tech. I never expected to end up in the IT industry, let alone as a software marketer for a tech company in Silicon Valley. But life has a way of surprising us with unexpected opportunities that can lead to some of the most fulfilling paths. Today, I stand at the intersection of technology and creativity, eager to connect people with the innovative solutions offered by ZAG.
Embracing the Challenge
My journey into the IT industry has been challenging at times, but it has also been incredibly rewarding. Learning about a new industry and applying my skills in a different context has broadened my horizons and pushed me to grow in ways I never imagined. I’ve discovered that sometimes the best opportunities are the ones that take you out of your comfort zone and challenge you to grow and learn in new ways. It has taught me that having no experience in tech is not a barrier to success and that transferable skills from other industries can be valuable assets. If you’re considering a career change or are interested in working in the IT industry, don’t be afraid to take the leap – you might be surprised at what you can achieve.
Investing in Growth
One of the biggest challenges I faced when starting in my new role was learning the technical language and understanding the complexities of our company’s solutions. During my first week, my notebook quickly filled with acronyms, definitions, and diagrams – an essential crash course into the world of tech. Fortunately, the support and mentorship I have received at ZAG have been unparalleled.
Over the past seven months, the leaders at ZAG have encouraged me to actively pursue professional development by enrolling in various marketing courses. As a result, I’ve obtained certifications in Product Marketing, Revenue Operations, Messaging, Positioning, and Company Storytelling from respected platforms like HubSpot and CXL. With these resources and the unwavering support of my team, I’m confident in my ability to adapt and thrive in this industry.
As I settle into my new role, I realize that the IT industry is more manageable than I had initially thought. Sure, there were technical aspects that I needed to learn, but my background has given me a solid foundation to build upon. In fact, my experience has allowed me to bring a unique perspective to the table and contribute to the company’s go-to-market strategy.
Looking Ahead: Transforming Ag through Data
Guided by Marketing Director, Robert Collings, and collaborating closely with Product Manager, Drea Wigginton, we are thrilled to be preparing to launch ZAG’s first product in the coming weeks. This innovative new product represents our commitment to accelerating growth and business outcomes by transforming how our customers make business decisions – with their data.
The foundation of our product comes from years of experience serving the agribusiness industry as IT infrastructure and cybersecurity providers and trusted advisors. Our team understands the industry’s needs, challenges, and constraints, especially when it comes to accurate data and reliable business insights. We recognize the limitations of other solutions that fail to provide the right data to the right people at the right time.
Developing a data solution to bridge a gap in the agriculture industry has been eye-opening. I often refer to it as seeing “behind the curtain” of the supply chain. Where retail can be laser-focused on getting the product into the hands of the customer, the reality is that so many other factors come into play before the crops can even leave the field.
Modern agriculture faces considerable challenges, including environmental concerns, increased regulations, and the demand for more sustainable food production. Now more than ever, there is a need to collect and analyze data from many different sources to remain competitive, optimize operations, improve productivity, and increase profitability.
Data is transforming how we do business, and that’s why ZAG is committed to transforming how businesses use their data.
Embracing Change
My journey into the IT industry has been transformative, taking me beyond my comfort zone and into a vibrant industry that blends information, technology, creativity, and endless opportunities. It serves as a testament that embracing change and acquiring new knowledge can unlock unexpected doors. So, whether you’re considering a career change or implementing a new technology, take the leap with confidence – your potential for growth and success knows no bounds.
