Looking for a new job is difficult for most people, but when someone also is looking for a company that they can passionately sell to future customers every day, that job search becomes even harder.
The stats back up this common struggle. According to career site Zippia.com, only 20 percent of American workers are passionate about their jobs.
When VP of Customer Success Anuja Singh was looking for a new role, she was surprised to find at IonQ a group of truly passionate people who were working on an impactful product.
“IonQ applies beautiful technology to some of the most complex problems in the world in unique ways,” said Singh.
IonQ develops quantum computers, which can compute difficult calculations in just a few seconds. The implications, especially in big data, are monolithic. Quantum computers have potential applications in everything from finance to climate change response to finding cures for Alzheimer’s and cancer.
“I don’t mind sharing that I am a cancer survivor, and the possibility of quantum being able to solve problems in the pharmaceutical and life sciences space is very promising,” added Singh. “And the people at the center of all of this are passionate, driven and caring. At IonQ, I am constantly surrounded by people who are smarter than me and who make me smarter.”
Built In spoke further with Singh about what made the company stand out for her during the job search process.
What were you looking for in the job search that led you to IonQ?
During my search, I was primarily looking for a role where I could further maximize my impact. Impact, to me, is not just talking about the bottom line, but also about changing the world for the better.
In my last job, I worked for a large company with a large team. I enjoyed how much of the company, employee and customer base I was able to affect. Moving forward, a smaller company with a brand new market felt like the perfect place — an invaluable opportunity to exercise all of my abilities and past experiences to bring my vision to life.
In addition, it is often difficult to find a company culture that would encourage and support multiple dimensions of your work and personality without being put into a standard box. It was a long hunt, but I am very pleased with the outcome.
What stood out to you about IonQ?
IonQ impressed me in three areas: technology, application of that technology and incredibly smart people. I am a technologist, so when I saw what IonQ was able to accomplish with their trapped ion technology — and how they are able to mold that into a form factor that actually fits in a current data center — it blew my mind. I remember turning to my husband saying, look at this — it’s amazing.
WHAT IS QUANTUM COMPUTING?
Quantum computing uses the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems that are typically too complex for a traditional computer to process. Traditional computers use binary bits, or 0s and 1s, that are part of a silicon-based chip. Quantum computers use qubits, which are 0s and 1s and any part of 0 and 1 in superposition of both states. Qubits can be made from trapped ions, photons, artificial or real atoms, or quasiparticles. IonQ’s quantum computing traps individual atoms in a 3D space.
Has that perception changed since you’ve started?
I wouldn’t say that my perception of the company changed so much as it has evolved — in the best possible ways. I am able to impact key drivers at the company. As we build the marketplace for a new paradigm, everyone is willing to lean in and welcome new ideas and perspectives to help craft our vision into something greater than we ever imagined.
From a selling perspective, what sets IonQ apart from your former companies?
IonQ is complex, in ways that other companies I have worked for were not. Quantum computing as a whole is complex, there’s no way around that, and it’s new.
Usually, when you try to sell a product, you are working backwards from a customer’s problems and needs, but with quantum computing, we’re building a new market as we go. Sort of like eating a sausage while you’re making it, if that makes sense.
Usually, when you try to sell a product, you are working backwards from a customer’s problems and needs, but with quantum computing, we’re building a new market as we go.”
In a way, it’s similar to when Steve Jobs made the iPhone. Consumer cell phones existed, but they hadn’t yet become the critical accessory they are today. Jobs saw the potential for a market and decided to bring something to bring people in so Apple and their new opportunities.
In this case, we’re creating a way to solve problems we don’t even know how to articulate yet, which means we need to show people the value of a solution to an unknown question. And then, help them figure out the question.
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