James D.
James D.
Associate Business Consultant

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Top advice

"Just go for it!"

Career path

About James D.

Key experience
I went to college for architecture/design and had worked in the design field for 10 years designing and building physical objects. I've always enjoyed being creative and solving problems. Over the past few years I've become more interested in technology and applying the many skills I developed in my prior career to this new technology realm.
Current position
I get the opportunity to help clients fix issues within their Workday ecosystem. Whether that is fixing an existing issue, troubleshooting why something is behaving the way it's behaving, creating a report to analyze certain information, or implementing a brand new system, process, module, etc. No matter what it is, I get to jump into Workday everyday to help streamline processes for our clients. Every day and every task is different, which allows me to expand my knowledge and provide better support with every client.
Main motivation
I really enjoy using my knowledge and experience to help others. Every day in my current position I get to interact with different people from different companies and helping solve Workday problems that they have brought to us. In some instances, I also get to work with previous clients that I've helped with in the past, and in those scenarios I enjoy getting to build on those prior experiences. I'm still very new to Workday, but I love the daily 'challenges' of learning new things and expanding my knowledge to better help my clients as issues arise.
Top advice
Having no prior Workday experience and making a total career change after 10 years in the architecture/design realm, I had to 'just go for it!'. I was briefly introduced to Workday consulting a few years ago and it definitely peaked my interested. As the past few years passed, I just went for it since my interests had shifted and I've enjoyed every minute in my new career at Kognitiv. There is no possible way to know everything about Workday, so every day I have to 'just go for it' so I can learn more and get more experience. I enjoy all the different challenges and am fortunate that I have a company that provides all the necessary resources and team to make me feel comfortable with stuff that I may not know anything about. I do know that by the end of a project/ticket, that I will learn and know as much as I can about that particular question by the time I close it out.
Greatest achievement
It may sound a little cliche, but I'm very proud that I took the initiative and courage to go for it and make a complete career change after 10 years in a different field with NO prior experience in the Workday ecosystem and no HCM knowledge. I could have easily coasted in my prior career, however I wasn't getting the excitement that I used to get. I knew I needed a change and after doing my own research and going for it with Kognitiv, I was super ecstatic to receive an offer and start my new journey where I have the opportunity to work with an amazing group of people on fun/challenging projects that excite me.

Discussions with James D.

I've over 10 years experience in HR, used other HRIS's like SAP. Looking to learn Workday & pursue careers in workday.

I’m exploring the Kognitiv Associate Program. I have 10+ yrs in HR Ops & hands-on experience on HRIS like SAP, Adrenalin. I’m keen to transition into Workday consulting. Does the program include Workday training before client assignments? I have a good grasp of HRIS expectations & system workflows.

Eligibility advice, Qualifications

  • 4 replies
  • 21 views

How to stand out your application for 2026 Early Careers program?

Applications, Application advice

  • 2 replies
  • 10 views

Hi, Is there any internships available for career break woman with no prior experience in Workday?

I'm a mom of two with recent training in Workday HCM. After a 4.5-year career break, I'm excited to re-enter the workforce and looking for entry-level or internship opportunities to grow in this space. I'd love to learn about any openings or tips you might have!

Role, Internship

  • 2 replies
  • 6 views

What achievement are you most proud of since you've joined?

Career development, Career progression

  • 1 replies
  • 3 views