Career Fair Prep
A management information systems degree opens doors to an infinite amount of job opportunities in almost any industry. Whether it is working for a company as large as Amazon or working for a small construction firm. Every company uses data and must have systems to use it, store it, and secure it.
One job I would enjoy doing is being a cybersecurity analyst. Their job is to prevent and manage any cyber security threats an organization experiences. Cybersecurity analyst can work under a specific organization or can provide consulting to clients. Responsibilities for a cybersecurity analyst include: making sure that existing security systems are up to date, create new security systems, respond to cyber-attacks, prevent new ones, monitor any abuse of company systems by current employees, and so much more.
A database administrator is another job that I find interesting. A DBA is essential to any large business. When a company collects large sums of data, the data must be organized, defined, secured, and accessible to all concerning employees. A DBA is part of the planning of the design and development phase of the database. After the database has been developed, it is the responsibility of the DBA to troubleshoot any problems users experience.
I would like to start my MIS career over in the Seattle area, but I also flirt with the idea of moving to the Midwest. The first job opening I found on the west side is a Systems Design & Integration Specialist for Boeing in Bellevue. Boeing is looking for someone to design and manage current identity and access management services that help support Boeing’s organizational activities and strengthen data security controls. This position gives you the opportunity to work across all sectors of Boeing.
The second job I found in the Seattle area was an opening for an Information Security Engineer for Amazon, specifically for their Amazon Security Operations Center division. This job entails responding to, analyzing and preventing security threats as well as develop and implement new security systems.
For jobs in the Midwest, I found an opening for a Software Engineer for Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan. This position provides rotational job assignments for the first three years with the company. You get to work on projects such as autonomous vehicles, manufacturing, mobility applications, etc. The responsibilities they list include cyber security, software engineering principles, product management techniques, and more. This would be a really fascinating job to have, especially due to my love for cars.
The second job I found in the Midwest is an opening for an Information Systems Analyst for McCormick Construction in Rockford, Minnesota. Responsibilities for this job include tech support for your typical office related functions, updating software on desktop and laptops, and making sure all business-related tech connects and works properly. This job doesn’t sound too exciting but would not be terrible for a starting IT position.
The last job I found was an opening for an Applications Specialist for Lexington Manufacturing in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. This job requires a wide range of responsibilities, such as managing databases, reviewing requests by users to develop or modify certain programs, developing and implementing new systems, and conducting maintenance.
These job positions require a very long list of required skills. For the two jobs for the smaller companies in Minnesota, the require you to know and understand the basics of IT business functions. They ask you know all of Microsoft’s office software, such as Office 365 and Microsoft Server platforms. These companies want you to be able to do simple tasks such as setting up VoIP phones, update computers to the latest operating software, troubleshooting coworker’s tech-related issues, and simple day to day maintenance. You should also be knowledgeable of how to manage the company’s database and servers so all users can easily access and share information.
Amazon requires you to have at least two years of experience in a related field before you apply. You should also be able to analyze malware and respond to security threats. You must be knowledgeable of network and computer security, web protocols, and must be very proficient in one or more high-level coding languages.
Ford only requires that you have a bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and be willing to relocate. The only requirement from Boeing is that you have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or MIS.
Almost all of these jobs require that you have strong verbal communication skills, be able to work in high-stress environments, work well with individuals and groups, and be able to show exemplary professionalism. These are all qualities you should have in any industry.
There are a lot of things I need to learn before I even start applying for my dream job. Right now, I am taking courses that teach me the basics of SQL server and Visual Basic. I will have to take a computer science course next semester if I am going to be doing any extreme coding and will need to continue developing that skill. I will need to be knowledgeable about cybersecurity, so next semester I will need to take a course on technology infrastructure and security.
So far, I have already interned as an IT assistant for a Care Provider company. I have learned the basics of distributing software across all company computers, managing and performing maintenance on company servers, setting up and training newly hired employees with devices and application software, setting up VoIP phones, and so much more.
Over the next year my timeline for developing and improving these skills is shown below:
– September 2018 – Become proficient in SQL and research online courses. Join the MIS Club
– October 2018 – Continue developing SQL skills
– November 2018 – Start developing Microsoft Excel skills
– December 2018 – Apply for internships in the Seattle area for companies such as Boeing, Amazon, Microsoft, KPMG, etc. and continue developing Microsoft Excel skills
– January 2019 – Begin computer science class to learn how to code
– February 2019 – Continue to develop coding skills in class and outside of class
– March 2019 – Begin tutorials on Power BI
– April 2019 – Research cybersecurity and advancements in cybersecurity over the past 20 years
– March 2019 – August 2019 – Intern for a tech company
– September 2019 – Start developing a new timeline for developing and improving MIS skills
Three firms that are visiting Pullman are:
– Boeing
– Microsoft
– Amazon Web Services