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Business Systems Consultant

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Explore Being a Business Systems Consultant with Cynthia Driscoll

cz:Briefly describe your job.

I am a Business Systems Consultant for the Manufacturing and Hi-Tech industries. I contract my services to companies as the liaison between the business and the technology developers. I research and analyze technology problems and process gaps, recommend and architect solutions, write technical specifications for developers, design and implement test plans, write training documents and conduct training sessions.

cz:How long have you been working in this field?

22 years

cz:When and how did you decide to choose this career?


Some time around 7th grade I knew I wanted to major in Computer Science but it wasn’t until 1987 that I “fell into” manufacturing and the associated business systems. It was a natural fit.

cz:What education and training did you receive before entering your field?


I have a college degree in Computer Science and many specialized application courses. It’s important to continue to train throughout your career. Systems change quickly and your skills must remain current in order to provide the highest level of service. I have also completed courses in TQM (Total Quality Management) and ISO (Quality) procedures and auditing.

cz:How did you begin OR what was your first job in the field?


My first job, out of college, was completely unrelated to what I do today. I worked in a data processing center for a local bank. The important benefit of doing that for a year was experience in process, procedures and technology. 
My first job within manufacturing information systems was that of a systems analyst for a company in upstate New York. It was a small company of about 135 employees and they were on the verge of installing state of art technology for high tech manufacturers. I learned a lot from the implementation and older, more seasoned employees.

cz:Describe a typical day on the job?


I work from home, so unlike many who have to fight the morning commute, I shuffle into my home office around 7:45am and work until about 4:00pm. I work 4 days a week. My typical day is usually anything BUT typical, meaning there is generally not a pattern. I manage any priority issues with systems first and then work on “projects”. Working on a project could mean writing documentation, reading articles/whitepapers/manuals, investigating how a particular application or piece of an application functions, holding meetings to discuss requirements or conducting testing/training.

cz:What do you like most about what you do?


I really love to help people do their job better. It’s amazing the difference that one well written piece of software can make in a person’s work life. Also, my schedule is really flexible. It wasn’t that way as a “rookie” employee. I spent many long days and weeks on the job, but it’s paid off.

cz:What has been the most rewarding experience so far in your career?


Implementing a total workflow solution at a company in Boston. The project was well run, the people were fantastic and the technology was really cool!

cz:What do you like least about your job?


Having to tell people that they can’t have what they want. Some problems can’t be solved in the manner that people would like.

cz:What is the biggest challenge for you in this job?


Having to rely on utilities (Internet providers, phone companies, etc…) in S. Florida. Our weather can present a connection challenge and if I’m not connected, I’m not getting paid.

cz:What would you like to say to someone considering this career?


Take a lot of business classes, not just computer technology classes. Specialize in one area (finance, service, manufacturing, etc). Find a great mentor and build that relationship. Twenty years later, I still stay in touch with mine. This is a solid career choice. This need isn’t going away.

cz:What are the most important personal and professional skills necessary to succeed in your field?


Organization
Communication skills (written and oral)
Flexibility
Empathy
Listening skills
Visionary – the ability to “think outside the box” and yet logical.

cz:What would a person interested in entering this field have to do to get a good job in it?


After getting a good education in a broad range of technology and business courses, you need to be able to seek out an entry level opportunity in a good firm. Be willing to “pay your dues” (work late, volunteer for a lot of assignments, get noticed) and then move up.

cz:What could someone who is interested in this field do to learn more about it right now?


I would recommend requesting an internship or shadowing a Business Systems Analyst at a larger company. It’s important to make the distinction of which “side” of IT this role is part of. This is most definitely a software role, not a hardware/networking role or a developer’s role.

cz:Is there any general advice you would like to offer to students on making a career choice or on work life itself?


Think about the sort of activities that make you happy and that you’re good at. Let that be your career guide. You are going to spend a lot of time working, shouldn't it be doing what you love?

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