Taking a Leap: How Changing Careers Can Lead to New Purpose
Apr 27, 2022
Changing your path mid-career can be a scary and overwhelming experience—even if the impetus for change comes from your gut. After spending years studying Aerospace Engineering and working at one of the world’s leading companies as a Structural Engineer, Alicia Broederdorf had that gut feeling.
Alicia realized her interests had shifted away from aerospace engineering and she wanted something new. She enrolled at Oregon State University to get a second degree, but this time in Computer Science.
Today, she has re-aligned her interests and ambitions by joining Axon.
The Mission Brings Us Together
Our employees come from a multitude of different backgrounds and thus have varying experiences and approaches to problem-solving. While the methods for achievement may vary, each team has a technique for achieving their goals that ultimately strengthens the company. The same principal applies to our company’s mission. At Axon, our mission is to Protect Life. While each employee may have a unique connection to that mission, at the end of the day each is personally invested in what we do. This common belief in a central goal helps employees feel a sense of camaraderie, and allows each of us to feel motivated in our work.
When Alicia was searching for a new position, this opportunity to be part of something bigger made Axon stand out. “It goes beyond just making good devices and software. We all want to create the best products possible, and we’re looking for something bigger than ourselves to be a part of,” said Alicia.
Discovering a New World
As our society becomes increasingly connected by tech, government agencies have a greater need for secure communications and collaboration functionality, and communities expect transparency and accessibility when it comes to these tools. Alicia’s team supports both of these needs.
Alicia's team looks at how Axon can expand its digital evidence management system to fit the growing needs of the U.S. government. This includes bettering communications between local, state and federal government to solve problems more efficiently. Her team is also looking to make emergency services more efficient ensuring everyone gets home safe.
The Sky Is the Limit
Alicia’s passion is bringing more justice to the justice system. Her goal is to expand Axon’s ability to protect truth to ensure representation of all key stakeholders, including first responders, local communities and families. Specifically, she wants to amplify Axon’s work to combat racism and bring equality to all communities.
Alicia is proud of the work happening at Axon. “One of the big factors in choosing Axon was the fact my work would have a positive impact on society. That I've stayed at Axon for five years speaks highly of that mission and the working environment.”
Alicia works with some of the industry’s most talented people, aligned by an actionable mission. Her team sees the impact they’re making every day. Alicia believes anyone with a passion for solving complex problems and doing good would fit nicely at Axon—they can make a difference from day one—no matter where they are on their career path.
Are you looking to make a change? Explore what’s possible with Axon! https://www.axon.com/careers
Axon Careers
We are on a mission to Protect Life. We’re building technology to change the world, pursuing society’s most formidable safety and justice issues with our ecosystem of devices and cloud software. If this sounds like a mission you would like to be a part of, check out our resources below:
- Follow us on LinkedIn.
- Read more about Axon Careers.
- Explore our benefits.
- Search for open positions.