At Datadog, our team members are the driving force behind both our product and culture. We value each individual’s unique perspective and contributions—whether they’re seasoned leaders or recent graduates—and we’re proud of what we have accomplished together. Datadog is getting bigger every day, and we’re celebrating our success with our new Datadog Spotlight Series, which will feature Datadogs from teams around the globe.
To kick things off, we spoke with Geoffrey Kwan, a Solutions Engineer based in New York, about his career journey at Datadog. As a member of our Technical Solutions team, Geoffrey helps educate customers on how to navigate our platform and solves monitoring challenges that are specific to their business. This is what he had to say.
Geoffrey Kwan, Solutions Engineer, New York City
Tell us a bit about your journey to Datadog.
I started at Datadog as a University Recruiter, focusing on hiring interns and new grads for our Engineering and Product roles. Since then, I’ve transitioned into a Solutions Engineering (SE) role. I first learned about this role after speaking with several of our SEs at Datadog-sponsored events and panels. Hearing about the exciting work and career changes of my colleagues inspired me to make a similar change.
Tell us about your role. What does a day in your life look like?
As Solutions Engineers, we are the customers’ first introduction to the product, as well as a source of continuous support throughout their journey with us. As we strive to be the subject matter experts of Datadog, we also have to become experts on the technologies we integrate with, so we are always learning and growing alongside the product. Essentially, we’re the frontline that helps understand, diagnose, and solve issues that our customers are facing with Datadog. Some of these responsibilities include receiving and responding to help requests through email or live chat, running demos, and holding enablement or troubleshooting calls with our customers. Our main goal is to get customers back up and running as quickly as possible.
Talk about a time you felt truly supported by colleagues, leadership, or teammates.
I didn’t go through a bootcamp or have a technical degree coming into this role, so there was a lot of studying in my spare time. That being said, I wouldn’t have been able to do it if I didn’t have the constant support from my colleagues who would pair program, troubleshoot my code, or simply answer any questions I had. I also had tremendous support from the Solutions Engineering leadership team, who guided me through my journey to make sure I could be the best candidate for this role. It definitely helped with my imposter syndrome while going through the process.
How have you grown and developed in your career at Datadog?
It goes without saying that I was able to completely change my entire career path here at Datadog. From being able to help hire and grow our early talent as a University Recruiter to helping our customers navigate the product, it has been an exciting and enriching experience overall. I’m very grateful to Datadog for the opportunity.
In addition to changing roles, you’ve also become a Community Guild co-leader at Datadog. Can you talk about that experience?
2021 was a tough year for Asian Americans, and we need a strong community now more than ever. Instead of waiting for someone else to step up as a leader, I thought, “Why couldn’t that be me?” I started getting more involved, and now, I’m so excited to be co-leading Datadog’s Asian and Pacific Islander Community Guild (Subtle Asian Dogs). What makes this group so special to me is that it is a space to share personal anecdotes and have discussions with other Asian-identifying individuals who fully understand what I’m going through. As a former recruiter, DEI work has always been very near and dear to my heart, and I’m glad I can continue to help Datadog become a more inclusive and diverse work environment. I can’t wait to continue advocating for and celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander cultures here at Datadog while also providing resources to our community.
Come join us!
Datadog is growing and looking for people to join our teams around the world. Learn more about open roles and #DatadogLife on our Careers page.
