A few minutes with Simone Kennedy, software test engineer
2025-08-20
By Laryssa Hulcio and Stephen Harber, talent marketing
By Laryssa Hulcio and Stephen Harber, talent marketing
You aren’t going to come across many people on the General Motors software team that have had photographs published by Vogue. But Simone Kennedy has.
A Detroit native with a journalism degree and Vogue photo credits, early in her career Kennedy swapped stilettos for software, helping to launch GM’s Dealer Chat software and now testing digital platforms used by millions. Her path – detailed in the Q&A below - proves you can blend code with couture.
Q: Simone, how did you land at GM?
A: Originally, my dream was to be a journalist - I graduated from Michigan State in 2015 with a B.A. in Journalism. I interned at a blog magazine in New York for a few months, working with a fashion and travel blogger who collaborated with InStyle and Vogue. My photos were featured on Vogue.com
Q: What got you interested in journalism?
A: I’m a storyteller at heart. I wanted to be involved in the news – specifically style, fashion, and pop culture. At MSU, I worked on two student magazines and interned at a local newspaper in Lansing called City Pulse. Even though my career path shifted, I still use those skills every day.
Q: So how did you end up here?
A: I moved back to Detroit in 2015 after my internship in New York. That’s when I applied for a contracting opportunity here. GM was looking for recent graduates with a communications backgrounds. I fit the bill. Being a proud Detroiter with an interest in cars (thanks to my dad), it was a perfect match.
Q: What was your first role?
A: I started with GM’s digital chat group on the marketing support team. I worked in a few roles, including dealer chat coordinator. That was my first "big girl job”: I helped launch GM's Dealer Chat program on dealership websites across America. I also helped market the program, increase dealership enrollments, and drive significant revenue.
Q: But now you’re a software test engineer?
A: Yes! I help test GM websites for features like Online Dealer Enrollment, My Account, and the Owner Experience. I'm also a GM Employee Influencer, creating and sharing content highlighting all the exciting things happening at GM. It's one of my favorite parts of the job.
Q: That all started with your work on Dealer Chat.
A: Essentially. As an advisor, I answered countless customer questions which filled my brain with knowledge about GM vehicles. Later on, I worked as a coordinator, traveling around the nation to promote this program. After five years, I was ready for something new.
Q: How did you transition to a new role?
A: My current manager reached out. I had no experience in software testing, but she believed I had transferable skills and I took the chance. It turned out to be the best job I’ve had! I love testing content before it reaches customers to make sure everything works.
Q: What excites you about working in the auto industry?
A: I’m a Detroiter, born and raised. GM is tough, creative, and resilient – much like Detroit itself. People know we make cars, but there’s so much tech involved. From the vehicle systems to web and mobile apps, there’s a full ecosystem. I love showing people what GM can really do.
Q: What’s your biggest achievement at GM so far?
A: Helping to launch the dealer chat program was huge, especially as my first real job. Even before I was officially a GM employee, I felt like I was contributing meaningfully. I also started a department newsletter that inspired other teams to create their own internal comms. And recently, I helped launch a web unification project for Canadian customers. But the Dealer Chat will always be a big milestone.
Q: What are your goals for the next few years at GM?
A: I want to help transform GM's digital footprint. As a software test engineer, I catch defects before they reach customers. I’d love to make our websites more intuitive, responsive, and engaging – especially My Account and Owner Experience pages.
Q: What are the biggest challenges you face?
A: Working with global teams across time zones – from Michigan to Arizona to Dubai – can be a challenge sometimes.
Also, the pre-production environment systems can sometimes go down, which can delay testing. To overcome this, I communicate issues immediately. That transparency helps us resolve problems to meet our deadlines as fast as possible.
Q: How does GM stay ahead in automotive tech and innovation?
A: People with strong software backgrounds help push GM forward. We recruit top talent, even from outside the auto industry.
Recently, I started driving a 2024 Buick Envision. The tech is incredible. It feels like having multiple screens on the road – navigation, music, and more – all integrated smoothly. It’s safe and fun. That’s what innovation really is.
Q: What role will GM play in the future of mobility?
A: I think GM is the future of mobility. We're transforming our software-defined vehicles to be even more enjoyable while continuing to prioritize safety. I hope GM helps Detroit become more EV-friendly too. We're educating people and developing products that people want to drive. That’s a huge part of pushing mobility forward.
To explore career opportunities at GM, visit careers.gm.com.
Check out these stories:
You aren’t going to come across many people on the General Motors software team that have had photographs published by Vogue. But Simone Kennedy has.
A Detroit native with a journalism degree and Vogue photo credits, early in her career Kennedy swapped stilettos for software, helping to launch GM’s Dealer Chat software and now testing digital platforms used by millions. Her path – detailed in the Q&A below - proves you can blend code with couture.
Q: Simone, how did you land at GM?
A: Originally, my dream was to be a journalist - I graduated from Michigan State in 2015 with a B.A. in Journalism. I interned at a blog magazine in New York for a few months, working with a fashion and travel blogger who collaborated with InStyle and Vogue. My photos were featured on Vogue.com
Q: What got you interested in journalism?
A: I’m a storyteller at heart. I wanted to be involved in the news – specifically style, fashion, and pop culture. At MSU, I worked on two student magazines and interned at a local newspaper in Lansing called City Pulse. Even though my career path shifted, I still use those skills every day.
Q: So how did you end up here?
A: I moved back to Detroit in 2015 after my internship in New York. That’s when I applied for a contracting opportunity here. GM was looking for recent graduates with a communications backgrounds. I fit the bill. Being a proud Detroiter with an interest in cars (thanks to my dad), it was a perfect match.
Q: What was your first role?
A: I started with GM’s digital chat group on the marketing support team. I worked in a few roles, including dealer chat coordinator. That was my first "big girl job”: I helped launch GM's Dealer Chat program on dealership websites across America. I also helped market the program, increase dealership enrollments, and drive significant revenue.
Q: But now you’re a software test engineer?
A: Yes! I help test GM websites for features like Online Dealer Enrollment, My Account, and the Owner Experience. I'm also a GM Employee Influencer, creating and sharing content highlighting all the exciting things happening at GM. It's one of my favorite parts of the job.
Q: That all started with your work on Dealer Chat.
A: Essentially. As an advisor, I answered countless customer questions which filled my brain with knowledge about GM vehicles. Later on, I worked as a coordinator, traveling around the nation to promote this program. After five years, I was ready for something new.
Kennedy strikes a pose at the 2025 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Q: How did you transition to a new role?
A: My current manager reached out. I had no experience in software testing, but she believed I had transferable skills and I took the chance. It turned out to be the best job I’ve had! I love testing content before it reaches customers to make sure everything works.
Q: What excites you about working in the auto industry?
A: I’m a Detroiter, born and raised. GM is tough, creative, and resilient – much like Detroit itself. People know we make cars, but there’s so much tech involved. From the vehicle systems to web and mobile apps, there’s a full ecosystem. I love showing people what GM can really do.
Q: What’s your biggest achievement at GM so far?
A: Helping to launch the dealer chat program was huge, especially as my first real job. Even before I was officially a GM employee, I felt like I was contributing meaningfully. I also started a department newsletter that inspired other teams to create their own internal comms. And recently, I helped launch a web unification project for Canadian customers. But the Dealer Chat will always be a big milestone.
Q: What are your goals for the next few years at GM?
A: I want to help transform GM's digital footprint. As a software test engineer, I catch defects before they reach customers. I’d love to make our websites more intuitive, responsive, and engaging – especially My Account and Owner Experience pages.
Q: What are the biggest challenges you face?
A: Working with global teams across time zones – from Michigan to Arizona to Dubai – can be a challenge sometimes.
Also, the pre-production environment systems can sometimes go down, which can delay testing. To overcome this, I communicate issues immediately. That transparency helps us resolve problems to meet our deadlines as fast as possible.
Kennedy enjoys a visit to the GMC display at GM Live Studios.
Q: How does GM stay ahead in automotive tech and innovation?
A: People with strong software backgrounds help push GM forward. We recruit top talent, even from outside the auto industry.
Recently, I started driving a 2024 Buick Envision. The tech is incredible. It feels like having multiple screens on the road – navigation, music, and more – all integrated smoothly. It’s safe and fun. That’s what innovation really is.
Q: What role will GM play in the future of mobility?
A: I think GM is the future of mobility. We're transforming our software-defined vehicles to be even more enjoyable while continuing to prioritize safety. I hope GM helps Detroit become more EV-friendly too. We're educating people and developing products that people want to drive. That’s a huge part of pushing mobility forward.
To explore career opportunities at GM, visit careers.gm.com.
Check out these stories:
