3 min read
The Autodesk Gallery is a physical space where visitors can understand how and why Autodesk’s Design and Make platform provides innovators with the technology they need to create everything from homes, bridges, and stadiums to cars, movies, and video games.
We have exhibits that feature complex customer stories and their impact on architecture, design, construction, film, manufacturing … and the world! Our goal is for everyone who uses Autodesk software — and everyone who works for Autodesk — to see themselves as Design and Make professionals.
As Brand Engagement Manager, I champion the Autodesk brand through engaging experiences and storytelling for guests of the Autodesk Gallery. I accomplish this by leading the tour program for visitors wishing to understand the depth and breadth of Autodesk’s capabilities. My position allows me to represent the Autodesk brand through public speaking, hosting, teaching, and writing. I feel very lucky to flex my communication strengths in this role.
I intentionally chose to work at Autodesk for the unique opportunity to champion the brand story through conversations with customers and employees. Every day, I meet new people and learn new things about our customers and our software solutions – both of which are incredibly rewarding for me.
Every day, something is happening in the Gallery! It’s easy for Autodeskers to get involved. Employees can volunteer their time to lead fun and informative Gallery tours for our visitors or represent Autodesk at networking and educational events. A variety of leadership-led panel discussions and large events are hosted at the Gallery, too. And events hosted by the Autodesk Foundation or one of our many Employee Resource Groups, like the Autodesk Black Network, Autodesk Women’s Network, Autodesk Pride Network, and many others, build community through celebrations and workshops.
The Gallery is truly the heart of the Autodesk brand experience. People come together to learn about the exciting and cutting-edge work being done – in the physical and virtual worlds around us – all thanks to our software. As a Design and Make platform company, we have a huge opportunity to empower everyone, everywhere to “Make Anything.”
All our exhibits are so fascinating, but if I had to pick one, it would be the lander by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Labs. Autodesk’s generative design capabilities, consisting of artificial intelligence and cloud computing, rapidly study multiple design options that incorporate constraints from different materials and even manufacturing methods like sand casting, 3D printing, etc. The result? NASA was able to reduce the mass and weight of its lander by 35%. This is a big deal because an elegant, strong, and lightweight lander can transport even more scientific equipment and tools to explore the moons of Saturn and Jupiter. It’s something I often think about when I look up at the night sky.
Visitors are absolutely blown away when they learn our software is used across so many different industries. Yes, we have AutoCAD, but we have many other solutions, too! Our Sales Account Managers bring their customers into the Gallery for executive meetings and tours. They regard the Gallery experience as the most influential aspect of their briefing agendas. Gallery tours invite customers who are highly skilled in one or two of Autodesk’s products to realize an expanded potential for their business thanks to learning about the extensive range of design and make solutions through Autodesk software.
Autodesk’s strategic position in the marketplace is driving the need to educate everyone who engages with the brand about our extensive capabilities. The Autodesk Gallery and the value it provides can help achieve this. For example, introducing new exhibits and creating new ways for visitors to engage with and learn from them. There is also an opportunity to launch other innovation centers around the world to help educate customers, students, business partners, and employees about the Autodesk brand and our solutions.
Even if I were to win the lottery, I’m not sure I would leave my job. The variety and quality of interactions I have with colleagues in my workday are phenomenal. I work with smart and fun people. Whether I’m working remotely or in person, there is time for warmth and playful connections as well as focused work. And we make amazing software, too.
Ready to shape the world and your future? Join us at Autodesk!
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Christina Fisher