Chippewa Valley Times

Recent computer science graduates Kaia Hansen and Drew Morehouse have joined Solutia Consulting in St. Paul, Minnesota, as software developers. They were attracted to the company due to its connections with the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC), where they studied.

Rick Kuula, CEO and founder of Solutia Consulting, stated, “I hired the first few Blugolds in our company in 2014.” The firm currently employs 15 Blugold software consultants and a recruiter who graduated from UWEC's human resources management program. "Our most recent addition, Jeff Hinke in sales, is a Blugold," Kuula added. In June, two more seniors from UWEC will join the team.

Kuula highlighted that new employees participate in a Developer Launch Program for their initial months at Solutia. He noted that their relationship with UWEC's computer science and information systems departments has been beneficial.

Hansen and Morehouse were influenced by meeting fellow Blugolds during interviews at Solutia. Hansen remarked on the significant roles played by other Blugolds within the company: “When we saw how many Blugolds were there...the choice was clear.”

Morehouse appreciated his experience at a campus career fair despite initial concerns about the firm's size. He commented on knowing Hansen well since she had been his teaching assistant at UWEC: "Her two years with the company...were all the endorsement I needed."

Both graduates felt prepared for their roles thanks to their technical skills gained at UWEC. Kuula agreed that these skills are crucial for success in consulting: “Students coming out of UWEC had the technical, communication and organizational skills...to establish successful working relationships.”

Jamie Siseman, a technology recruiter for Solutia and a 2021 graduate of UW-Eau Claire, enjoys recruiting fellow Blugolds: “We’ve hired 30 Blugolds over the last decade...several in top leadership roles.” Siseman emphasized that all developers are 'full-stack' developers capable of managing long-term client relationships effectively.

Kuula expressed gratitude for Solutia’s ongoing partnership with UW-Eau Claire’s Career Services: “I have such affection for UW-Eau Claire,” he said. He also mentioned his personal connection to the university through family ties and noted his commitment to running a stable business environment where employees feel at home.