The Pivot Series: From Teacher to Corporate Trainer

Meet Dana Baird, a Coupanian whose passion for the science of learning helped her make a bold career pivot from public school teaching to corporate Learning & Development, all while helping her new colleagues reach their full potential.

"Each Coupanian brings different experiences to the table; it’s our job in Learning Experience to meet them where they are and guide them toward where they want to go." — Dana Baird, Learning & Development

Welcome to The Pivot Series, an ongoing look at Coupanians who have taken bold steps to explore new paths, step into entirely different industries, and expand their impact. Careers aren’t always linear, and here at Coupa, they don’t have to be.

Dana Baird fully embodies this sentiment through her unique career journey. A deep passion for education and curriculum design has been one of the biggest influences in Dana’s professional life. In fact, her background played an especially important role when she decided to pivot from the classroom to the corporate sector. Here’s how.

The “Lightbulb” Moments

Dana’s career began in the classroom, where she spent seven years as a middle school teacher, holding a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction.

"I love learning and the science of learning," Dana notes. "My favorite part of the job was witnessing the 'lightbulb' moment in my students, knowing that the content and lessons I spent time on directly helped that knowledge click."

The realities of the public school system began to take its toll on Dana. "The burnout you hear about with public school teachers is real," Dana shared. "Between the constantly shifting state laws and very long hours, I reached a turning point." For Dana, it was more of a pivotal moment.

Dana made the bold decision to go beyond the education system to see how she could channel her innate passion for learning and design into a completely new path in the corporate sector.

Making the Pivot

Changing career paths to something totally different can be daunting. So, when Dana decided to make her major career pivot into the fast-paced world of tech, why did she choose Coupa?

"I loved that Coupa already had a strong Learning & Development program that was looking to expand and grow," Dana said. "I felt a culture that was genuinely welcoming, encouraging, and open to the fresh perspectives and new ideas I could bring from my background."

She quickly realized that Coupa’s commitment to its people wasn’t just talk. "It was clear that Coupa deeply cares about helping its employees succeed and actually lives its Core Values, especially when it comes to cultivating a true sense of belonging and driving collective success."

Transferable Skills as a Catalyst for Success

Often, past experiences are your greatest asset. Dana quickly found that the skills she honed as a teacher were exactly what made her excel in her new corporate role.

"I think anyone going into education has an innate desire to help, and I look at my current role as a way to help #AllOfUs become the best contributors and leaders we can be," Dana explains.

She credits four specific skills from teaching that have directly fueled her success at Coupa:

• Strong organization: Managing a classroom and curriculum requires high-level planning that translates perfectly to managing complex corporate projects.
• Connecting content to real life: The ability to tie learning content directly to real-world experiences so it actually resonates.
• Simplifying the complex: Specializing in breaking down a range of dense topics into clear, easy-to-understand concepts.
• Knowing the audience: Understanding how to design content specifically for the people who will be consuming it.

With her foundation built on actual classroom experience, Dana doesn't look at corporate training through a standard "business-as-usual" lens. She brings a unique, human-centered perspective to the team that helps us Shape What's Next.

Advice for Future Pivoters

There are many talented professionals out there who want to pivot into tech but are intimidated because they don't have a "traditional" tech resume. Dana’s advice to them?

"My number one piece of advice is to realize that it's not about the tech! It's about the unique skills you bring to the table."

She encourages job seekers to look at their resumes through an outsider's lens and ask themselves: What are your true strengths? How do you approach new challenges? What work do you actually enjoy doing?

"Don't let job descriptions intimidate you or make you feel inexperienced," she urges. "Just because you haven't worked in a specific tech role or company before doesn't mean your skills don't apply."

If you want to make a pivot in your career and build your potential, explore our Grow Your Career page, discover active opportunities at Coupa Careers and join our Talent Community.