From a Career Fair to a Career in Quantum Machines

What were you expecting at the event when you joined last year?

I wanted to get a better idea of what is happening on the industrial side of quantum technology. After only working in quantum within academia, I was curious to know what was new and what career opportunities were out there.
So I guess I hoped to binge-watch talks from cool companies and talk with some people about the field. I wasn’t specifically looking for a job.

How was the conversation with Quantum Machines during the event?

The Quantum Machines presentation was very interesting so I joined them at their booth and met Elisha, one of the solution engineers at QM. His knowledge and passion impressed me. I came out of our 10min discussion eager to learn more about the company.
I found it interesting to see how QM understands the needs of its employees as well as the needs of the field. They understood that successful growth requires hiring globally, so they handled it quickly and smoothly.

How was the follow-up?

I quickly realised that solution engineer was not the only available position at QM. As a matter of fact, after 10 years in university and a Ph.D. in Quantum Physics, I applied for a marketing position!
Although I’ve never considered myself to be interested in or capable of working in marketing, QM’s approach is different. It is a company founded by physicists for physicists, and they realised they needed the physicist’s perspective in marketing as well.
I had a few chats with some experts, the marketing lead, and the HR people. The further I went, the more convinced I became that I wanted to work there. I was not looking for a job at the start, but the opportunity was too good to pass.

How much do you like your new job at Quantum Machines?

Truth be told, I would never have imagined such an amazing job had even existed before attending the conference. I joined an incredible team where I do what I do best and feel valued for it.
QM’s people were able to find the exact sweet spot where I would be happy and make an impact. They taught me a lot already, and the tight-knit community culture within QM is making my working from home much more enjoyable than I ever thought it would be possible.

How did you find being on the other side during this year’s event?

I was very happy to join the conference and talk with some interesting people. In addition, I thought that since I had been hired thanks to the conference, I was in an excellent spot to answer questions and help people find a good career path. I’m grateful to Araceli and the other organizers of the QURECA conference, and I will try to join again in the future to help as much as I can.