This year, we launched our Business Leadership Program, which is a program that allows new grads to gain experience in a variety of business functions. To give you a firsthand look at what it's like to be part of this program and to live in San Francisco as a young professional, we’d like to introduce you to Katherine (Kat) and Asher.
Kat and Asher joined us in January 2024 and have since immersed themselves in the dynamic environment at Persona. Below, they share their insights and personal stories from their time in the Business Leadership Program.
Business Leadership Program
What is the Business Leadership Program (BLP)?
[Kat] Persona’s Business Leadership Program is a rotational program in sales, growth, privacy & compliance, and post-sales. We rotate through each role, and after we finish the 20-month program, we’ll fully onboard as a customer success manager (CSM) or solutions engineer (SE) in the post-sales organization.
What aspects of the Business Leadership Program do you find most valuable or rewarding?
[Asher] The most valuable aspect of the Business Leadership Program is getting exposure to multiple teams at Persona. Early in your career, it can be challenging to narrow down a specific path, and BLP has enabled me to work alongside design, go-to-market, and post-sales in a short amount of time.
How has BLP helped you work toward your career goals?
[Kat] Post-graduation, I was unsure of my next career step. Joining this rotational program has allowed me to explore various roles and discover my passion for collaborative work and building customer solutions. As I advance to a CSM, I'll know which projects to pursue and where I can make the most impact.
How does BLP foster collaboration and teamwork?
[Asher] We have regular standups where we catch up on each other's projects and brainstorm solutions together. This keeps us aligned and encourages mutual support and idea-sharing.
What are some tips for standing out while going through the BLP application/interview process?
[Asher] For your interviews, I would emphasize researching the company. There are tons of public-facing resources online. For example, our CEO, Rick, is on a couple of podcasts where he talks about the history of Persona.
[Kat] Know how to position your skills. Even if you don’t have direct experience in sales, growth, or compliance (I certainly didn’t!), you should look for skills in your past experiences in student organizations, internships, or volunteering and be able to explain how they can transfer to this role.
What advice would you give to someone new who is joining this program?
[Kat] My biggest piece of advice is to take the time to chat with as many people as you can in your first few weeks. There’s so much to learn from everyone at the company, and building connections early can help you learn who to reach out to when you have questions.
[Asher] If a certain project or idea interests you, don't hesitate to speak up and share your thoughts or questions. You're encouraged to contribute and engage, so keep that in mind throughout the rotations.
Persona’s culture
How has Persona supported your professional growth and career development?
[Asher] During the sales and growth/compliance rotations, we've been encouraged to step outside our daily responsibilities to tackle other projects. This has allowed me to gain additional skills and work side-by-side with multiple teams at Persona.
Can you share a memorable experience that highlights one of Persona’s values?
[Kat] Soon after joining Persona, our head of Talent, Natalie, invited me to help organize a Womxn in Tech event. Working with Natalie, Melanie, and Vandana on this project highlighted Persona’s commitment to putting people first. By supporting the female tech community in SF, our company shows its dedication to promoting underrepresented voices and fostering an inclusive culture.
Life in San Francisco
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How do you typically spend your weekends in San Francisco?
[Asher] I try to be outside as much as possible. If the weather’s nice, I am usually biking in Marin or playing basketball.
[Kat] I like to spend my mornings at the gym or reading a fantasy or sci-fi book. Later in the afternoon, I like catching up with friends in different parts of the city — thrifting in Haight Ashbury, shopping in Hayes Valley, or walking through Golden Gate Park. Afterward, I like to go home, take a nap, and hang out with my roommate’s cat Ralph before spending the evening at a new restaurant or bar.
Do you participate in any sports or activities in San Francisco?
[Kat] Asher and I participated in a Volo Sports softball league with some friends at Persona. We made it to the semifinals this season, and hopefully I can get some more practice in before next season.
Can you recommend some must-visit spots or hidden gems in the city?
[Asher] Yarsa Nepalese Cuisine in North Beach. Chicken chili momo. Incredible.
Are there any local events or festivals in San Francisco you like going to?
[Kat] One of my favorite parts of living in SF is that there’s a street fair or festival almost every weekend. In April, I went to the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japantown, which celebrates Japanese and Japanese-American culture. There were pop-ups selling local art and food, and I got a massive matcha latte ice cream float with whipped cream and boba.
Early careers at Persona
Our Business Leadership Program offers a unique opportunity to rotate across different teams, gain valuable experiences, and build a strong foundation for a long-lasting career — whether at Persona or somewhere else. Kat and Asher's experiences highlight the program's benefits, Persona's supportive culture, and their lives outside of work. Whether you're exploring career paths or seeking professional growth, the Business Leadership Program at Persona can help you thrive. Apply for early career opportunities here!
