Susan Skyrme
Technology Department – Overland Park, Kansas
As the Lead Business Analyst at Walsworth, I work to understand what internal and external customers want from our products. This includes “what” they want, “why” they want it and “how” they will use it.
In my day-to-day work, I write documentation for all phases of a project, talk with stakeholders, answer questions, brainstorm solutions and test our products.
I am coming up on my 10th anniversary here. I had over a dozen years of business analyst experience and wanted to continue in that role. To be honest, I really didn’t know much about the print industry and had not worked in the industry before. I’ve discovered it’s much more detailed and interesting than expected.
My favorite thing about my job is talking to the end user. When they tell me they appreciate a new feature or share something they want changed, I feel connected. Working with skilled and knowledgeable teammates makes me enjoy my work. It’s such a relief to be able to share ideas and discuss projects freely.
If I had a personalized coffee mug at work, it would say “Yes, I’m a Business Analyst but I use my powers for good”
A fun fact about me is I have traveled to over half of the states and a dozen foreign countries.
My family is small, but we’re very close. I wouldn’t trade them for the world. We currently have two cats, but love pets and have had dogs, fish, rats, parakeets and a cockatiel.
When I’m not at work, I enjoy anything with yarn – mostly knitting, crocheting and weaving. Scrapbooking is fun and I do that monthly with a group of friends. Camping and cooking over a fire are my favorite fall hobbies.
Working at Walsworth has shown me that companies really can care about employees. I’m not worried about my future and that peace of mind is priceless. The amount of community service from employees and the company are very important to me. Giving back demonstrates how invested the company is in each community.
To support people in my community, I make prayer shawls and donate them to my church. They’re given to those who are grieving, seriously ill or suffering from trauma. I’ve been a Girl Scout volunteer for 23 years. I have been a leader of different troops, Service Unit Manager, Gold Award Adviser, Director of multiple committees and provided summer camp for thousands of girls. I’ve also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity.
This may sound like a small thing, but it was a very important memory for me. When I first started, upper management made a point to learn my name. It felt amazing to be addressed as a person instead of a number.
