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Allison, Global ISV Operations Supervisor at ServiceNow, Inc. : Advize Career Interview
A business administration graduate's journey from a Merrill Lynch internship during the 2008 financial crisis to a Global ISV Operations Supervisor role at ServiceNow, reveals a dynamic career path built on adaptability and networking.
The interviewee describes a multifaceted role leading a team, managing partner ecosystems, and optimizing high-volume transactions, demanding strong interpersonal skills, creative problem-solving, and executive presence.
A fast-paced environment requires constant prioritization and proactive communication, but the most rewarding aspect is mentoring team members.
The tech industry's innovation and rapid evolution are highlighted, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, self-advocacy, and networking—leveraging resources like LinkedIn—to unlock career growth.
Advice for students includes exploring various academic paths, developing strong time management skills, and actively seeking mentorship to navigate a potentially male-dominated field.
Entry-level roles such as account development representatives or leveraging accounting backgrounds offer pathways to operations.
The key takeaway is a strategic approach to career management, balancing initial experience-seeking with assertive communication to ensure contributions are recognized and rewarded.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Allison Kulp
Global ISV Operations Supervisor
ServiceNow, Inc.
Loyola University Maryland , 2009
University of California Los Angeles -Executive MBA anticipated 2024
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Business Management & Admin
Technology
Operations and Project Management
Took Out Loans
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Career Path Of A Global ISV Operations Supervisor At ServiceNow
Allison's career journey began with a business administration degree and internships, including a pivotal experience at Merrill Lynch during the 2008 financial crisis, where they "learned under fire" and developed valuable skills. Following a challenging job market post-graduation, networking led to a tech career, marked by adaptability and growth, culminating in nearly nine years at ServiceNow after a five-hour interview process; the company's rapid growth provided "an awesome opportunity."
Main Responsibilities of a Global Operations Manager at ServiceNow
Allison's role as Global ISV Operations Supervisor at ServiceNow is "kind of twofold," encompassing leadership of a five-person team and managing the operations of the partner ecosystem, which involves "working with the partners, working internally with the ServiceNow sales team" to optimize high-volume transactions and continuously improve processes across various departments. This requires "put[ting] on two hats" to balance team management and operational efficiency improvements.
A Day in the Life of a Global ISV Operations Supervisor at ServiceNow
As a Global ISV Operations Supervisor at ServiceNow, a typical day involves managing a global team across various time zones, requiring early morning and evening calls to accommodate "Europe bucket" and other regions. This necessitates meticulous calendar management, proactive meeting preparation ("defensive calendaring"), and flexible prioritization to handle both routine tasks and urgent requests, particularly during busy sales cycles where "deals need to get in by March for Q1 or December."
Most Important Skills For A Global ISV Operations Supervisor At ServiceNow
A Global ISV Operations Supervisor at ServiceNow requires strong interpersonal skills to navigate daily interactions with numerous teams, and adaptability to handle fluctuating sales volumes—"it could be a hundred and it could be zero." Success also hinges on creative problem-solving, proactive organization, and developing executive presence to confidently interact with various levels of leadership, both internally and externally, furthering career advancement.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Global ISV Operations Supervisor At ServiceNow
Allison's favorite aspect of being a Global ISV Operations Supervisor at ServiceNow is "being a people manager," finding fulfillment in helping their team members grow their careers and learn, drawing on both positive and negative past management experiences to improve their own leadership style and fostering a supportive environment where "emotional intelligence" is key to navigating the fast-paced tech industry.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Global ISV Operations Supervisor at ServiceNow Inc
The biggest challenge in Allison's role as a Global ISV Operations Supervisor at ServiceNow is the fast-paced environment and constant prioritization of competing requests; the ability to manage stakeholder expectations and obtain clarifying questions ("why is this urgent? How urgent is it?") is a critical skill, constantly refined through experience and training, to successfully navigate this dynamic work environment.
Favorite Parts of Working in Tech as a ServiceNow Global ISV Operations Supervisor
Allison, a Global ISV Operations Supervisor at ServiceNow, enjoys the tech industry's "super fast-paced" and "innovative" nature, citing examples like AI advancements and the use of robotics in helmet manufacturing to improve safety. The constant evolution of technology and its integration into all industries, creating numerous opportunities and fostering creative problem-solving, are key aspects of what makes the career so fulfilling.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Tech Industry According To An Operations Supervisor At ServiceNow
Allison, a Global ISV Operations Supervisor at ServiceNow, emphasizes the importance of networking in the tech industry, stating that "it's strength in numbers." Maintaining connections, utilizing LinkedIn effectively ("the grown-up Facebook"), and proactively reaching out to individuals for informational interviews are key strategies for career success, opening many doors and creating opportunities.
What An Operations Supervisor At ServiceNow Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Tech Industry
Allison, a Global ISV Operations Supervisor at ServiceNow, learned that "constantly looking for that next opportunity," even while seemingly content, is crucial for career growth in the tech industry, unlike more static career paths of previous generations. This includes actively advocating for oneself, seeking clear job descriptions and promotion pathways, and "be[ing] your best Advocate" to achieve career goals.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Operations Professionals at ServiceNow
Allison, a Global ISV Operations Supervisor at ServiceNow, suggests that entry-level roles like "account development rep" offer a pathway into both sales and operations, allowing a transition to the operations side without direct sales responsibilities. Alternatively, building experience in related fields such as accounting, and then moving into operations through internal transfers within a company is also a viable strategy, with an MBA potentially accelerating career advancement.
Significant Career Lesson From A Global ISV Operations Supervisor At ServiceNow Inc
Allison's significant career lesson centers on strategically managing career growth by being a "yes person" initially to gain experience, but then proactively advocating for oneself. This involves transparently communicating the expanding scope of responsibilities, asking, "What is that going to look like in a couple months for me?", and using regular check-ins with management to ensure contributions are recognized and appropriately rewarded with advancement.
College Experiences That Helped An Operations Supervisor At ServiceNow Succeed
To succeed in college and beyond, Allison recommends keeping options open by exploring different academic areas, even if it means starting "undecided," and utilizing college resources like professors and study groups. Networking and developing good time management skills are equally crucial, as the transition to college requires building "good practice of your time management and your study habits."
How Identity Has Influenced a Global ISV Operations Supervisor at ServiceNow's Career
As a woman in a male-dominated tech field, Allison's career progression required cultivating confidence to assert oneself in meetings ("keep your place...you're meant to be there"), and seeking mentorship from other women to navigate office dynamics and challenging situations ("how do I handle this?"). This involved building a supportive network for mutual feedback and advice on handling workplace complexities.
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