Meet Aptitive’s Data Consultants — December Employee Spotlight
Aptitive’s data consultants embrace their careers on their own terms. They have access to the many rewards of a technology consulting career — challenging projects, rapid career growth, and a competitive salary — without the drawbacks typically synonymous with consulting. To read more about the perks of an Aptitive career, head to our Careers page.
Each month, we’re shining a spotlight on some of Aptitive’s data consultants to learn about things like how they got started in data consulting, how they have benefited from their Aptitive careers, and who they are when they aren’t at work. This month, we’re spotlighting Ryan Lewis and Shelby Kling.
Ryan Lewis | Senior Consultant II
Hometown: Meridian, ID
Alma mater & major: undergrad: Utah State University, economics; master’s: Northwestern University, data science
What is your favorite benefit that Aptitive offers and why? Helping hands! [See this previous blog post for an explanation of the helping hand benefit.] I mostly use it for babysitting, which gives my wife and I a break that we might not otherwise take.
What is your favorite thing about your coworkers at Aptitive? I love working with smart, reliable people.
How does Aptitive support your career goals? Aptitive is highly flexible. You can follow the beaten path or pave your own way. I like working on new problems and with new technologies, and Aptitive provides ample opportunity for me to do both.
Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work? I have worked with Sarah Shea on nearly every project at Aptitive. Sarah leads projects in a way that allows creativity in coming up with the best solutions. I also admire her organization — nothing slips through the cracks; you can find any client request on the project plan or backlog.
What is your ideal start to your day? I like to start work early, between 5:00 and 6:00 a.m. Caffeine and productivity! I like to get things done before my day fills up with meetings.
What have you been reading/watching/listening to lately? Reading and listening (Audible) to The Sandman comics. I don’t like most comics, but this series is pretty good.
Shelby Kling | Director of Marketing
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Alma mater: Northwestern University
What has been your favorite Aptitive event? A group of Aptiveans ran a 5k in August, and I somehow got roped into joining. I wasn’t running at all before May but started to train a little (hoping to not embarrass myself) and have kept it up. I have Aptitive to thank for my new running habit!
What is one professional skill you’re currently working on? I’m looking for someone to join me in Aptitive’s marketing department (Learn about the marketing communications coordinator role here.), so I’m paying special attention to developing my leadership skills.
How does Aptitive support your career goals? Our leadership team trusts me to take our marketing department in new directions, sticking with what works and learning from what doesn’t. Since I joined Aptitive, I’ve gained a lot more responsibility; but I’ve also gained the confidence to accept and run with that responsibility. I’ve had so much freedom to make my role into what I want it to be.
What is your ideal start to your day? Re: aforementioned new running habit: If the Chicago weather cooperates, I like to start my day with a run because it makes my brain work so much more smoothly. (They aren’t lying about the benefits of regular exercise.) If I have any extra time before sitting down to work, I’ll pick up whatever book I’m reading while having coffee and breakfast.
What is something that recently made you smile? Spending an extended period of time at my parents’ house during the holidays, I’ve had the opportunity to watch old family videos. My mother put me and my brother in the best outfits when we were little!
Do you have a hidden talent? For special occasions, I make cut-paper greeting cards.
Originally published at https://aptitive.com on December 27, 2021.
