Relevant Coursework
Relevant Coursework
Throughout my undergraduate studies, I have learned a lot in both Management Information Systems (MIS) and business classes that I am able to translate into the real world. In my current co-op at Philadelphia Gas Works, I can see how aspects of what I learned in the classroom are applied in reality. It is interesting to see the correlation of classroom knowledge translated into real life scenarios that are critical to an organization. All of what I learned interests me because I am able to see different career paths at play. I chose a degree in MIS because it allows me to get a feel for the different careers that one can choose. The co-op experience also gives me a direct window into everyday life of someone who is a developer, database administrator, network engineer, project manager, or director. I feel as if I have gained a great deal on the different jobs that someone with a degree as flexible as MIS can have. Below list some courses I have completed and what I learned in each of them that have been reflected in the real world:
MIS 2501: Enterprise IT Architecture has taught me on working with hardware in a business and understanding how crucial it is to work at all times. Data centers are important because the majority of the company’s information is stored there are part of a company’s infrastructure. With the vast number of computers, phones, and tablets that are on a network, the data center has to be able to support the load of many machines accessing the information that is stored.
MIS 2502: Data Analytics showed me that databases are important in almost every IT job. As a project manager co-op student, I have gained a rich understanding that databases store important information for a company. There are databases for employee information, vehicle information, customer claims and complaints, payroll, and more. Databases store information in an orderly manner and are great for quick access. I have worked with database administrators on various projects in my co-op as they are a valuable resource.
MIS 3506: I have learned a lot in Digital Solutions Studio which pertains to the role of a business analyst. Soliciting requirements is very important, especially in the role of a project manager. A business analyst needs to fully understand what the business wants and how to successfully deliver the finished product to the stakeholders. This course has trained me to be meticulous and sequential and is one that I can see a direct correlation between the classroom and the job.
MIS 3535: Lead Global Digital Projects course is the one that bears the closest resemblance to what I am currently doing in my co-op at Philadelphia Gas Works. The role of a project manager is important because this individual has to balance scope, time, and money to ensure that a project is on track and will be successful. The job is not necessarily a walk in the park but when a project is completed successfully there is a great level of satisfaction that arises. I enjoy seeing how different kinds of people come together to work on a project. I also like to see work done sequentially which is why I enjoy the task that a project manager takes on in an organization.
HRM 1101: In Leadership & Organization Management, I learned how to work with people and demonstrate leadership. This course has challenged me to develop my interpersonal skills which are important for anybody who works in IT. As a project manager co-op student, I work with different kinds of people every day and I need to be effective at managing them to ensure that the project will be successful.
ACCT 2101/2: Financial and Managerial Accounting classes have helped me to understand invoices on projects and determine how much money is left to spend on a project. Accounting is important for anybody to know because it will give the individual an understanding of cash flow at any time, especially for a project manager. These classes helped me to understand where money is when I check the balance in Oracle database.
BA 2196: Business Communications is very critical especially in the IT field. These professionals need to be effective at communicating at all times, whether they are a developer, project manager, or network engineer. This class has helped me to become effective at writing emails by being short, concise, and direct. I have also learned on being a better speaker whether it be a casual conversation or a meeting with a vendor.
SGM 3503: Lean Startup: Fast & Frugal Approaches to High-Impact New Ventures, Product Invention, & Innovation is a course I took regarding my Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management minor. This course was structured around the Business Model Canvas and going in-depth regarding the nine different parts of the canvas. I enjoyed this class because it taught me how to take a business idea or innovation, break it down into chunks, brainstorm, and ultimately come back and look at the bigger picture to see if the idea is feasible.