In this series, we introduce our team to you one by one. What is their function within QS solutions? Who are they as a person? Why are they a match for the organization? And what do they actually do in their spare time? This will give you as a customer, business partner or new colleague a picture of the people behind our logo!
Ella adds an international flair to the QS Solutions team. She is Russian and joined as a Global Partner Manager a year and a half ago. Before that, she lived in China, where she worked in the entertainment and music industries.
So, no IT background. She had thought about it for a future career, and moving to the Netherlands turned out to be the perfect moment. “Moving to the Netherlands was a big change anyway, so the idea of also changing sectors made sense.”
“A Lack of IT Knowledge Was Absolutely Not a Dealbreaker”
During the informal introductory meeting (“I just went for coffee!”), it turned out that Ella’s lack of IT experience was absolutely not a dealbreaker. Quite the opposite! QS Solutions was looking for someone with knowledge of different cultures and languages, and the communication skills essential for an international role. In that respect, Ella was the perfect candidate, and the contract was soon signed.
In her role as Global Partner Manager, Ella supports partners worldwide in getting familiar with the various products and solutions of QS Solutions. What she enjoys most is developing a sustainable relationship with the partners. This approach works much better than a one-time collaboration. She has the freedom to introduce new programs and various strategies. Thanks to these initiatives, partners better understand how to make the various products a strategic part of their business model, which significantly contributes to their success!
Ella shares, “A great example is the use of CSAT, QS Solutions’ Cyber Security Assessment Tool. When this product is applied strategically rather than just tested, you immediately see the added value for the partner’s business model.”
The way of working at QS Solutions is completely different from what Ella was used to in China. Although she also traveled a lot for work there, she was expected to be in the office between these on-site assignments. Clocking in in the morning and out at the end of the day. “Unnecessarily old-fashioned,” she says with a laugh.
Now she has the freedom to decide where and when she works. This means she can occasionally join her boyfriend when he has to travel abroad for work. She loves it!
“It’s great to be able to decide where and when I work!”
Traveling is one of Ella’s great passions. Discovering new places and cultures and seeing where the journey takes her—sometimes literally! The fact that she can now explore the world as part of her job is a dream come true. With partners in various time zones, it’s no problem at all.
Outside of work, you’ll often find Ella with a paintbrush in her hand. She enjoys painting and drawing, which not only helps her relax but also boosts her creativity. A creativity she can then apply to her work to think outside the box and find solutions that aren’t always obvious.
She also practices yoga a lot, as it’s good for her spiritual and physical health. “It helps you understand your body better and push your limits.”
“When I first started at QS Solutions, I had absolutely no experience in IT and was bombarded with so much new information! Plus, everything was different from what I was used to in China.
But thanks to the team, I felt more than welcome right away! Everyone was incredibly helpful, and from the very beginning, my opinion and input were requested and taken seriously. I was also given all the time I needed to gain relevant knowledge: no one expected me to give presentations until I felt 100% comfortable with it. That was incredibly reassuring!
““Always a Good Time at the Office”
QS Solutions offers a lot of flexibility and freedom. The people who work here are all self-starters who shape their work themselves. It’s all about the results, not about being present at the office, although it’s always a good time there!
It’s truly a great place for young people, even without experience in IT or cybersecurity. You get the chance to grow within the company and try different roles to see what suits you best. Even if Dutch isn’t your first language, you’re in the right place here—just look at me! Whether it’s learning the language and culture, gaining professional knowledge, or taking the integration course, QS Solutions supports me in every way!”
Is your company interested in becoming a partner of QS Solutions? Or would you like to work at QS Solutions like Ella and are curious about the growth opportunities? Let us know! We’d love to talk with you further.
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