Center for Career Planning

Katie Gray ‘16

Customer Success Manager II at Veritone

Majors: Philosophy & Religious Studies

Please give a brief background about your current company and position.

Veritone builds human-centered enterprise AI solutions. Serving customers in the media, entertainment, public sector, and talent acquisition industries, Veritone’s software and services empower individuals at the world’s largest and most recognizable brands to run more efficiently, accelerate decision making and increase profitability. 

I help organizations unlock the power of AI through hands-on onboarding, training, and strategic support. I manage the full customer lifecycle, driving product adoption, reducing churn, and identifying growth opportunities. From guiding technical implementations to championing the voice of the customer internally, I ensure our clients see real ROI. I collaborate cross-functionally with sales, product, and marketing to deliver a seamless, value-driven experience.

How do you think being at Christopher Newport helped you to pursue your career path? 

CNU gave me the foundation I now have as a Customer Success Manager by teaching me how to think critically, communicate effectively, and build strong relationships that drive real business outcomes.

Which career readiness competency did you develop the most during your time at CNU and how do you use this competency in your career?

Communication, Critical Thinking, Professionalism, Teamwork, Technology - In my role as a Customer Success Manager in the AI space, I use strategic communication every day to bridge the gap between complex AI capabilities and my customers’ business objectives. By listening carefully to their goals and pain points, I translate technical features into real-world value. For example, demonstrating how our AI-driven insights can improve campaign efficiency or reduce manual effort. This not only builds trust but also drives adoption, renewals, and opportunities for expansion because customers can clearly see the ROI. I strive to be a trusted and value partner and it starts with honest and thoughtful communication.

What advice would you give current students?

Greek life is one of the best ways to make college unforgettable! You’ll meet amazing friends, join in on campus traditions, give back through service, and always have something exciting going on. It’s the perfect mix of fun, friendship, and memories you’ll carry with you long after graduation.

Lauren Gladysz ‘26

Intern at PBMares

Major: Accounting

What resources did you use to find your internship?

I knew about the company from CNU and a family friend. I applied on their website . 

Which career readiness competency did you use during your internship and please give a specific example of how you developed it.

Professionalism - During my accounting internship I developed professionalism by taking detailed notes to avoid mistakes, asking clarifying questions, and making sure my work was accurate before submitting it. I also learned how to communicate effectively with clients and peers, which helped me build confidence in a professional setting. 

What advice do you have for underclassmen seeking internship opportunities?

I suggest always attending the career fairs at CNU. It helped me make connections that contributed to me getting hired for my internship.