At SAS, where you start doesn’t have to be where you end; and there is ample opportunity for internal career mobility. That couldn’t be truer for Brandi Davis, who recently took on a new role that aligned with her skills, strengths and passions. The best part? She didn’t need to venture outside the #saslife to do it.  

Meet Brandi  

“I first heard about SAS when I was in college,” Brandi explains. “I had an organizational theory professor who shared about the ways SAS was transforming the workplace landscape. We heard about the value SAS placed on employees as vital assets and how company culture emphasized a genuine work/life balance, and I never forgot about it,” she remembers. Years later, a SAS recruiter reached out to Brandi on LinkedIn – and the rest is history. “My new role at SAS was so refreshing and exciting,” she explains. “It was a transition from working in higher education to a corporate setting, and I was excited to apply my background in frontline fundraising to a new industry.”  

Brandi joined SAS’ Accelerator Program, supporting efforts to identify and manage executive external advisors across business units to facilitate industry connections, brand awareness, partnerships and other new opportunities for SAS. She enjoyed her new role, but over time, began to realize that she missed a key element of her past experiences: “I missed being hands-on with sales,” she explains. “I was also interested in management, so I started asking questions and learning more about what that would look like.”  

Making a move 

Business need and Brandi’s career aspirations aligned, and when there was an opportunity that mixed inside sales with business development, it was a perfect match: “My new role as a Sr. Manager in Inside Sales and Business Development for our Financial Services business unit is such a natural fit with my skills and interests,” explains Brandi. “I love supporting a team by helping them manage and grow their pipeline, develop new strategies, and reach their goals. It’s my favorite part of the job!”  

“SAS seeks to develop and grow talent, and knowing I had the support of leadership really made a difference for me,” shares Brandi. “Knowing that they believed in and valued me was the confirmation I needed that this role was the right move for me and for the business.”  

A word of advice 

When it comes to advice, Brandi says to take a chance. “Coming to SAS was a huge industry leap for me,” she reflects. “But there are so many resources at our disposal. What I didn’t know, I was willing to learn – SAS is a safe place to ask questions. We are the future of analytics because we work alongside the best minds in the industry.”  

“Don’t be afraid to reach out – connect, meet new people! We’re a curious bunch at SAS, and it’s encouraged here,” she explains. “Take advantage of opportunities to grow your SAS network – and don’t limit yourself. Push outside your comfort zone. To start, try to connect with a colleague or customer on LinkedIn every day.”  

Living the #saslife  

“At SAS, I can grow as an individual and a professional,” Brandi shares. “I can embrace the things I care about – I’m able to work on my health and wellness, and I’m also able to do external executive engagement work that I’m passionate about.”  

She also enjoys the camaraderie and support of the SAS family: “SAS is a place where you really have the community engagement and ability to rely on your colleagues,” she explains. “I’m a people person, and the people I work with each day – my SAS colleagues and our customers – they’re rockstars and embrace the #OneSAS mindset.”   

Outside the office 

Outside the office, you’ll find Brandi volunteering, spending time with family, and making charcuterie boards. She recently started a children’s choir at her church and is an active member of the Junior League of Raleigh’s leadership team: “Philanthropy is a big part of my background and who I am,” she shares. “I’m passionate about building meaningful relationships – I love growing community and bringing people together to give back!”  

Brandi also loves spending time with her husband, Brad, and two daughters, five-year-old Bristol and two-year-old Brooklyn: “They keep me very busy and highly entertained,” she laughs. Together, you’ll find them fishing, having impromptu kitchen dance parties and cheering on the Tar Heels.