Kipsu's Rotation Program Redefines the "Entry-Level" Experience

Our first Kipsu Entrepreneurial Leadership Rotation Program (ELRP) officially came to an end a few short weeks ago, and we couldn't be happier with the result! Kipsu kicked off its first Rotation Program last June with three ambitions individuals: Cara Christensen, Rachel Hain, and Connor Valenti, who thoroughly embraced the unique opportunity of the program. ELRP is a one year program where a rotation analyst rotates through the three largest teams at Kipsu: Engineering, Customer Partnerships, and Customer Success—then is placed on one of the teams at the end of the year.

We are thrilled with the exciting opportunities this program provides for both the participants and Kipsu. It offers a great opportunity for the analysts to try a variety of positions especially since many hadn't yet decided on a career path. Participants experience Kipsu from a 360 degree view, allowing for a valuable perspective of the all teams, and how they interconnect. Connor Valenti discusses this aspect as one of the highlights of his experience.

"The most rewarding part by far was having the chance to work closely with members of every single one of our teams. You naturally gain more empathy for what everyone does and notice all the little things that people do to support one another, even if they don’t always know it. It’s special to have that wider sense of understanding and I wouldn’t trade it for any other experience in my first year at the company." - Connor Valenti

One unique aspect of providing a Rotation Program at a young company is there are always holes to be filled which allows for the program to incorporate the rotation analysts interests and skills with the companies needs. Cara Christiansen describes this as one of the more rewarding parts of the program for her.

"There aren't cookie cutter expectations, rather we are encouraged to be curious and take ownership of whatever role we are in. Gaps are opportunities and ambiguity is license to try. The encouragement to boldly contribute in a flexible environment despite being new to the working field has been a very rewarding experience." - Cara Christiansen

One unique trait about the ELRP is regardless of technical background, anyone be can be a part of the program and see how Kipsu functions as a whole. Rachel Hain, a Communication Studies and Anthology graduate from Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota, mentioned how great her experience on the Engineering Team rotation was since everyone was so supportive and helpful.

"Through this program, I learned to keep an open mind about what I am able to do for a career. I knew nothing about software engineering, and yet the team helped and supported me to be successful in something I would never have dreamed of doing." - Rachel Hain

After an incredible first year at Kipsu, all three participants had a lot to say about why they chose to apply to ELRP, what they’ve learned, what advice they have for the next group of rotation analysts, and where they are now at Kipsu! They all had very different experiences throughout the program, each adding their unique flare to Kipsu. Now that the program is over, Cara and Connor are permanent members of Kipsu's Engineering team and Rachel has found a home with Kipsu's Customer Support Team. It has been a year full of learning, growing, and connecting for these three Kipsuvians, but we could not have asked for a better group to kick off the first Kipsu Entrepreneurial Leadership Rotation Program. Kipsu has now expanded the program to 5 positions and hopes to continue to expand even further in the coming years.