Stacy
Software Development Manager, Evanston Office
Education
Northwestern University
B.S. in Chemical Engineering
Activities at Northwestern: I worked in the technical library and did research in the chemical engineering department that was published in a technical paper.
Memories of Northwestern:”I will never forget being able to attend the Rose Bowl when Northwestern played USC. We lost the Rose Bowl, but it was fun watching the underdog football team win all season to get there.”
Hometown
Colorado Springs, CO
Career Path
Software Developer Associate, 1999
Software Developer Consultant, 2001
Manager, 2007
Favorite thing to grow
“Orchids. My favorite place to buy more is Orchids by Hausermann in the western suburbs.”
Specialties
“User interface design”
On joining ZS
“I graduated from Northwestern University in Chemical Engineering and started with ZS in June, 1999. Previously, I worked at a large consulting firm.”
On life outside work
“I really enjoy dancing (jazz, ballet and tap) and take classes here in Evanston. Other interests are photography, orchids, reading, scuba diving and baseball (both fantasy as well as the Cubs).”
On working at ZS
What most surprised you when you started at ZS?
“I came from a large consulting company before I joined ZS. The biggest surprises for me were the informal, close-knit, and academic approach people here have for their work; the complex and interesting software we write, and the lack of bureaucratic red tape standing in the way of actually getting things done.”
What is your interaction with the rest of the company?
“I work with the business side of ZS on a daily basis and have talked with a few members of nearly every office. Depending on the project I am working on, I talk with people about how the software we are developing helps them do their job better and more efficiently to the business team’s suggestions for the next release of a well established product. Our software can be very complex so we need to understand the business issues really well in order to make a successful product.”
On working in Evanston
“I like working in Evanston because there is always a lot going on: restaurants, shops, a convenient movie theatre and an art fair in the summer. The lake is so close I sometimes eat my lunch there in the summer.”
On commuting to work
“I live in south Evanston and either drive or bike to work depending on the weather.”
On advice for candidates searching for a development position
“My biggest advice would be to consider the culture and size of the development group you are joining. At ZS, we are very informal but very dedicated to creating really great software. The group size is nice because you know everyone, every person is very willing to help with issues that may arise, and you have a lot of control and responsibility very soon after you start.”