5 Questions with Gradient AI Senior Recruiter, Kelsey Wagner

Introduction: What Does a Senior Recruiter Do?

Kelsey is a Senior Recruiter at Gradient AI – working to find top notch talent for Gradient AI, as well as supporting current staff. Kelsey says she always knew she wanted a career working with people, and this motivated her to pursue a degree in psychology from Penn State, work in education, and then ultimately find a home in the HR industry.

Kelsey joined Gradient AI in 2022. Prior to that, she spent seven years working for the Pittsburgh-based health care provider and insurer, UPMC. While there, she built the foundation of her recruitment and HR knowledge. She says it’s been exciting to pivot to a very different company and industry and loves being part of the AI tech scene.

Question 1: What is the primary focus of your role at Gradient AI?

Working at a start-up, you’re bound to wear many hats (something I love about this work), but I’d say my primary focus tends to be around talent. On the front end, I’m collaborating with our managers and teammates to find folks who can bring their unique background and perspective to our organization. Internally, I’m working on ways to support our talent and make Gradient AI a top place to work. (Thanks to Kelsey and the rest of our staff, Gradient has been recognized as a Best Place to Work by Built In for 4 years in a row.) 

Question 2: What does a typical day at Gradient AI look like for you? 

There is so much variety in this space, so every day looks a little different. Most days include managing any open roles I’m working on, which includes collaboration with hiring teams, reviewing applications, phone screening, and connecting with candidates as part of their interviewing experience. Our team also plays a role in onboarding new hires and making sure their experience from day 1 is smooth and informative. To round out a typical day, I’m working on projects that support our other HR initiatives.

Question 3: What do you like most about your job at Gradient AI? 

Something I love about my role, and my experience at Gradient AI, is the encouragement to be creative. One of our core values is to “Create Waves, Innovate.” I see this across our organization and am fortunate to have experienced it myself. For example, I get to take on projects that allow me to think outside of the box or take existing systems and processes and improve them so we can set ourselves up for future success. 

Question 4: What would you say to candidates considering a job at Gradient?

 There are a lot of exciting reasons to join Gradient AI! I could list off so many, but I think one thing I always mention to candidates is the immense amount of support and collaboration they can expect when they join the team. We’re a small but mighty team, and every person here is willing to help, answer questions, and support you in ways to make you successful. I’ve experienced this with people I don’t directly work with, and at every level (our executives included), which can be exceedingly rare. 

Question 5: What do you like to do in your free time?

When I’m not at work, you can find me in the outdoors! My husband and I love going on hikes with our dog Bodie, running, exploring New England (I’m new to the area), and when it’s warm I’ll find a body of water to use my stand-up paddleboard. Traveling is also one of my favorite things to do – I’ve been to almost 20 countries and have a long list of destinations on my list to visit. Finally, I wouldn’t call myself a foodie, but I do love going to new restaurants with friends and trying new foods (especially if I’m not the one cooking).

Bonus Question: What’s the most unusual experience you’ve had in your travels?

I traveled to China and southeast Asia for 9 months with a close friend, and between not knowing the languages and being in different cultures, every day was an adventure. We were hiking through Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in China one day when suddenly my friend and I were ambushed by monkeys. We learned quickly that they only wanted our food, but I think it’s safe to say that I’ve never had another hike quite like that!

Thank you, Kelsey! Be sure to check back on our blog as we ask 5 questions to different members of our talented staff across Gradient AI, to learn how they support the success of our clients.

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