When I first started at Quest Diagnostics, I was a Logistics Supervisor covering a vast region in the Pacific Northwest, including Alaska, Idaho, and parts of Washington. Like many people, I wasn’t sure where my career would take me, but I knew I wanted to grow and challenge myself. Over time, I found that Quest was not only a place where I could build a career but also a company that truly invested in my growth and education.
I spent about 8 years in logistics, learning the ins and outs of the operation, before transitioning to a new role as a Specimen Processing Manager at the Seattle lab. This was a big leap for me because I had little prior experience in specimen processing. But Quest provided the support I needed to learn and succeed in this new area. It was a chance to expand my skills and understand more about the critical work happening behind the scenes to help patients.
One of the biggest motivators for me during this time was the idea of furthering my education. The Employee Education Assistance Program is a standout benefit that helped me change my life. It gave me the financial support and encouragement to pursue degrees I never thought possible. I had always thought about getting a degree but was held back by the cost and time commitment. Then, during a visit from a university representative partnering with Quest’s Education Assistance Program, I realized that Quest could help me make this goal a reality. That program became a game-changer for me. It allowed me to pursue both my bachelor’s and graduate degrees without incurring debt.
What’s unique about Quest is the culture of encouragement and opportunity. I was never told “you can’t do this” when I expressed interest in new roles or challenges. Instead, leaders and managers encouraged me to push beyond my comfort zone and explore different parts of the company. This mindset helped me transition from logistics to specimen management and eventually to my current role as Kidney Care Engagement Manager.
My involvement in kidney care started when I was working in specimen processing. The Seattle lab handled a large volume of kidney care testing serving about 3,500 patients across the Pacific Northwest. This gave me firsthand insight into the unique needs of this patient population and the challenges labs face in providing timely, accurate results.
When the opportunity arose to join the kidney care team full-time, I was eager to bring my experience to help expand Quest’s offerings. Today, I’m part of a dedicated group focused on serving more than 200,000 dialysis patients nationwide. It’s a challenging area of care with complex workflows, but it’s incredibly rewarding work. Quest is stepping into this space with expertise and determination, and I’m proud to be part of a company that’s committed to making a difference in patients’ lives.
In my role, I focus on problem-solving, strategic planning, and supporting both internal teams and external partners. I’m constantly asking myself: How can we make this easier for the lab? How can we improve the experience for patients? How can I support my colleagues so they can focus on delivering the best care? It’s a role that requires adaptability and perseverance, qualities I’ve honed over my 13 years at Quest.
Entering kidney care truly exemplified Quest’s Purpose—working together to create a healthier world, one life at a time. This massive initiative involved new processes and collaboration across multiple labs and departments. Despite the challenges and ongoing refinements, it was inspiring to see how everyone—from lab teams to logistics and IT—came together with a shared focus on patient care.
Balancing work, family, and school has certainly been a test of perseverance. I joined the kidney care team while also finishing a demanding graduate program and welcoming a new child into my family. It wasn’t easy, but with the support of my manager, my team, and my family, I was able to push through. That experience showed me the power of having a supportive environment—something Quest truly offers.
If you’re considering a career at Quest, I’d say be ready to embrace opportunities and be adaptable. Quest is a large company with a wide range of roles and paths. You don’t have to stay in the same position forever. Whether you’re a courier, a lab technician, or in logistics, there are chances to learn new skills and move into different areas. Many roles are learnable, and the company supports you in that growth.
But beyond programs and policies, it’s the people—managers, mentors, and colleagues—who make the biggest difference. They push you to achieve your potential and celebrate your successes.
Working at Quest means being part of something bigger than yourself. Every decision, every project, every challenge we face ultimately impacts patient outcomes. That’s what keeps me motivated. Knowing that the work we do helps people live healthier lives is the most rewarding part of my job.
If you want a career where you can grow, learn, and make a real impact, Quest is the place to be. It’s a journey of continuous learning and collaboration, and I’m excited to see where it will take me next.
Are you interested in a career at Quest? Explore our career areas where you will empower better health through our cutting-edge technology, alongside creative and innovative people at http://careers.questdiagnostics.com
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