Fast Tracking My Career at Appian Mexico

It wasn’t obvious to me that I’d be working in the tech industry after earning my Master's degree in Geophysics from Khalifa University. I thought I needed a computer science background just to break into the industry. 

I interviewed with several companies across different industries, but chose Appian for its strong alignment with my goals–creative empowerment and meaningful work. A pivotal moment came after meeting a Senior Consultant on my interview panel—a fellow earth sciences graduate—whose nontraditional path and ambition resonated deeply with me. I knew then Appian was a company that valued varied perspectives and experiences.

Appian’s comprehensive training during my onboarding process—Academy and Customer Success Bootcamp—provided me with the technical foundation I needed to make an immediate impact. From day one, I felt equipped to take on meaningful projects, confident that my training had prepared me to tackle real challenges and propose practical solutions.

My first project involved working with a large pharmaceutical client as part of an Appian U.S. team—a group the size of our entire Mexico City office at the time. This project was anything but typical, requiring us to meet strict industry standards, as the work involved creating a regulatory pharmaceutical intelligence database. Nevertheless, I was immediately trusted to propose solutions for the project. With the guidance of my pod, I was able to shape my ideas into a thorough, actionable plan. I helped craft detailed test cases and reports to ensure our solution met the high standards required in this heavily regulated industry.

This first project taught me the value of refining ideas to meet client needs and regulatory standards, but more importantly,  I saw how impactful my contributions could be within a collaborative environment. The trust built with my teammates during this project laid the foundation for even more impactful work and growth opportunities. 

In Mexico, there’s a fascinating balance between our cultural inclination for creativity and a tendency toward more structured, sometimes hierarchical ways of working. Hierarchy and structure are in some respects essential to getting things done quickly, but this needs to be balanced within a framework of open communication and individual autonomy.  

At Appian, new ideas are not only welcomed—they’re encouraged. Constructive dissent is one of Appian’s core values, and it empowers each of us to challenge norms and make our unique perspectives heard. I’ve especially appreciated the mentorship and open conversations with my team leads, as they’ve always encouraged my individual creativity and autonomy, while providing the necessary support I need to get things done. 

Joining the Appian Mexico office in its early days gave a chance to see how this people-centric mindset is balanced with a results-driven approach to growth. And that’s one of the most exciting things about joining the Appian Mexico team, having the chance to not only grow my own career, but to help build something special in Mexico and the Latin American region overall.  

Appian fosters a challenging yet supportive environment, where each team member is encouraged to take ownership and continuously raise the bar. In my nearly two years at Appian, I’ve come to value that trust and freedom to make a real impact. From day one, my ideas were welcomed, and I was put onto a high-visibility project. My senior teammates even encouraged me to take risks, helping me grow in a supportive and constructive environment. This support has been essential in enabling me to make meaningful contributions, and it’s rewarding to see my work positively impact the final applications we deliver. 

Each project has offered invaluable lessons, from refining my consulting skills to handling high-stakes client needs with confidence. The opportunity to collaborate with our U.S. counterparts has further strengthened our work in Mexico and made me even more excited about the future. As I continue to grow here, I know I’m part of something impactful and rewarding.

If you’d like to join our Mexico-City team and grow your career with Appian, learn more about our open roles here.