We’re proud of our unique company culture that spans across offices, divisions and geographies. It’s one of the reasons why SAS is named among the top workplaces in the world by Fortune’s Great Place to Work!

If you’re curious about what it’s like to work at SAS, you’re in the right place. Our people are always asking, “What if?’ and pushing the bounds of innovation, and their curiosity is at the core of our company.

Today, Sheri Thathal, Associate Account Executive in Sales, is sharing the story of how his curiosity led to a meaningful career at SAS.

Meet Sheri

When Sheri came across an article claiming that big data is “the new oil,” it sparked his curiosity. “I was intrigued, especially since Norway is an oil-rich nation, he explained. “I began researching and ended up writing my own article about the future of data – I wanted to understand what it really meant.”

Through his research, SAS repeatedly came up as the source of trusted information. After learning more about SAS’ solutions and culture, he decided to apply: “When I saw the job advertisement with SAS, I knew immediately that this was what I wanted to do,” he recounted.

The power behind data is what ultimately drew Sheri toward SAS and the analytics industry: “Data plays a huge part in our world today, but will become increasingly important in the future,” he explains. “SAS makes data understandable and available for everyone – we democratize analytics. And I’m proud to be a part of that.”

SAS makes data understandable and available for everyone – we democratize analytics. And I’m proud to be a part of that - Sheri Thathal, Associate Account Executive

Sheri joined SAS through our Academy program, and now works across industries as a Sales Associate Account Executive in our Norway office, with customers in government and insurance, as well as growth accounts. “In my role, I’m exposed to multiple industries – they all use our software differently,” he explained.

Embracing curiosity

For Sheri, one of the best parts about working at SAS is the bright minds he collaborates with every day: “When I started, the learning curve felt overwhelming at times,” he shared. “But the people I work with help me grow. They lean in when questions arise. At SAS, you’re encouraged to bring your ideas forward.”

That collective curiosity is what fuels Sheri’s work – and SAS’ mission: “Curiosity is fundamental to innovation. You have to ask questions of the status quo to keep moving forward – that’s where innovation happens,” he says.

Living the #saslife

As a co-leader of the Norway chapter of our Young Professionals Network (YPN) Employee Inclusion Group (EIG), Sheri has experienced the impact of our culture and values firsthand:

“Being authentic is important in life and at work. We recently arranged a YPN lunch-and-learn with our Regional Vice President, and he shared about his work and his personal life,” he reflected. “Our leadership sees people for who they are, as people – not just employees.”

Outside the office

Outside the office, you’ll find Sheri at a dojo practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu with his brother. He also enjoys spending time with his girlfriend and family. During the pandemic, Sheri and his loved ones have enjoyed working from their cabin in Haukeli, Norway. “This “new normal” has allowed us to spend more time with those closest to us,” he reflected.

Thank you, Sheri, for sharing your story! Curious about a career at SAS? Check out our webpage and get to know Our Storytellers for more behind-the-scenes views of life at SAS.