From Library Science to Life Science| She’s dedicated to delivering results
Meet a Veevan is a series that looks at the employees who bring us life. For this edition we spoke to Tina Yersavich, business systems analyst, who serves in a pivotal role between evaluating business requirements and recommending IT solutions. Tina’s goal is to make life easier for others through all her efforts — whether delivering on a complex business request or volunteering her time in the community.
What is your personal and professional background and how did you get to Veeva?
Tina: I grew up near Cleveland, Ohio and today I reside in Columbus. My parents immigrated from Italy and our household was governed by tradition, hard work, and a foundation of deep commitment to family. I didn’t fit into my traditional Catholic high school and longed for adventure. Despite my struggles, reading was an anchor and kept me focused and I found comfort at the library. My passion for books kept me on track and eventually to study library science, completing an undergraduate degree in English at Ohio State and a Masters in Library Science at Kent state. When I wasn’t in the library reading or studying, I could be found running, practicing yoga or engaged in one of many other activities that I find critical to a healthy lifestyle.
My first job was at the Columbus Metropolitan Library where I spent twelve years in various positions and locations. Once I married and started building a family, I wanted a bit more control over my schedule, so I changed jobs and worked at a library technology company where I had more flexibility. I worked as an Analyst and advanced to become a Senior Implementation Manager. Not so coincidentally, my husband is also a Librarian and the library world is built into our lives on many levels.
I was introduced to Veeva when a former colleague who went to work here posted a job on LinkedIn. Little did I know that he thought I was the right person for the job and had hoped I would apply. At the time, I was in the market for something new and was also looking at other IT positions.
During the Veeva interview process, I was impressed by the culture and thoughtful people with such strong character and integrity. I also loved the idea of working for a CEO that saw an idea come to life on such a large scale — especially one to which I could connect on a personal level. I was hired during the middle of the pandemic, so designing computer platforms to speed up drug trials and find cures faster was particularly meaningful.
I’ve now been at Veeva nearly two years in the role of Business Systems Analyst. At its core, my job is to help internal teams do their job better. Whether it’s to help sales generate more leads, the employee success team to find candidates, marketing build a better website or assist anyone else that needs to solve a problem — I translate needs into IT solutions and vice-versa. My roles involve a lot of negotiating and working with vendors as well.
At work or home, finding new challenges is part of who I am. Of late, I have taken to learning how to ride a motorcycle and also welding so that my husband and I can work together on restoring a classic VW bug. I also value my community time volunteering at the Cancer Society and Hospice. Through Veeva’s charitable gifts program, I am able to donate to Ohio Health, an organization that helps students process their grief.
What’s unique about the work Environment and culture at Veeva?
Tina: Veeva is a cool company doing interesting things and we do them fast. I have found that the speed at which we get things done at Veeva is one of the key things that jumps out as core to the culture. We work quickly, trying not to get in our own or someone else’s way, and do whatever we need to do to get the task done on deadline — that includes maintaining quality standards and doing the necessary follow up.
What’s also truly impressed me on a personal level is that I feel other people are invested in my success in a way that I have never before experienced. My boss said, “My job is to help you be successful.” This is the moment my trust was solidified and it was clear to me that if I wanted to try something new, it would be fully supported
When I look back at what I expected, it’s all I thought it would be and more. The work environment is great and my team is special. We all like each other and offer support — acting as sounding boards to help each other be successful. We work hard, often managing many projects with high demands and ambiguity — so this type of support means a lot to our collective success. Even though we can work anywhere, I come to the office three days a week because I really enjoy my boss and team.
Since working here, I have been consistently amazed that everyone I meet (if I had to join a meeting or work on a new project) is genuine and kind. Typically, everyone’s goal is to want to do the right thing with no room for ego. On top of everything else, we have some really cool people running the company. I so enjoy and admire leaders like Catherine Allshouse — who is not only fun, but kind and thoughtful and always looking at building the team with good people.
How will Veeva help you grow?
Tina: I have grown considerably throughout my career and attribute my tenacity to the work ethic instilled by my mother. She was always creative in making sure that everyone had what they needed and that stayed with me and is reflected in the way I work today. My colleagues would kindly describe me as conscientious and that has helped me navigate my Veeva career and negotiate between and among various groups and individuals to get the job done.
I am also extremely sensitive to making sure I use other people’s time well. A former colleague had instilled in me the importance of supporting others, especially being protective of your team and everyone’s time. I enjoy this side of my job and look forward to growing my career into management where I can help others be successful and appreciated.
What would you say to someone who was thinking of working here?
Tina: Veeva is a fantastic place to work and the company is growing. We are doing interesting work with great people — solid human beings. We are all treated as adults having flexibility to pursue new things inside and outside of work, leaving us time to give back to our community.
