Alumni - Northern Kentucky University
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I am currently working as a Technical Support Analyst in MRO software, a leading provider of strategic asset and service management solutions. I’m supporting their IT asset management side of their Maximo Enterprise Suite which is the Company’s flagship solution. Išve been here almost two years now. A lot of technical and analytical skills are required in this position and a demonstrated ability to handle high-level customer escalations on a professional basis. My previous work experiences involved working with new software packages, a lot of calculations and then putting the numbers up in some graphical and report format. My degree in Computer Science and Mathematics has really helped me develop those skills in my professional life till now and provided a strong base in my technical aptitude.
As a Support Analyst we use Siebel to track all problems. MAXIMO MainControl products (the division I support) include electronic inventory of computers, electronic software distribution, helpdesk software, and an asset procurement module which includes purchase orders, contracts, budgeting and reconciliation between all. Our products run on multiple databases, which include MS SQL server, Oracle and Informix. Operating systems MAXIMO MainControl supports include; Win2000/XP/NT and Win98/95. Competitors include SMS (Microsoft), Tivoli TNG, NetCensus (Tally Systems), Janus (Aragus), and Platinum. As our software package is all about asset management, a lot of mathematics knowledge is required. A lot of the basic mathematical skills are required to manage the complete life cycle of strategic assets including: planning, procurement, deployment, tracking, maintenance and retirement. Some of my projects entail supporting this solution provider in the front end for the high-level customers to improve labor efficiency, material optimization, software license compliances, lease management, warranty and service management across the asset base.
I completed my Bachelor Degree in Science at Northern Kentucky University in Dec 2002. I did my major in Computer Science and minor in Mathematics. I have also done a couple of certifications since then. I am a certified engineer for an auto Discovery tool we use in the Company which is called Discovery. I am also a certified Engineer in ITIL which is a directory of IT infrastructure Library information, services and software. I found that all my mathematical skills played a major role as to where I am now. Calculus, linear mathematics, discrete mathematics provided me most of my calculation power and to see numbers in a more visual format. I did an independent study on MATLAB with my math professor while I was pursuing my bachelor degree. I think that prepared me for real life examples of what to expect when I go into the work field when I graduate. I think studying both in computer and math gave me a whole different level of skill set which I have been able to use in the technical field of my job. My journey to where I am now does consist of different levels of jobs and positions. I personally think that doing an internship or co-op wile studying provided me a good base when I graduated. And thereafter I looked for positions which could boost my analytical skills. I pursued a career to work with numbers rather than going into computer programming. I have been open to learning different types of programs and I have never been scared in regards to changes. I have looked for any opportunity that I think would better suit my career professionally.
My advice for all the prospective students who have or are going to take mathematics as their major is that, though it might seem tough sometimes, I don’t think any other major can broaden your technical and mental aptitude as much as math can. I think it’s a major that can really open up a wide range of possibilities and career paths and not limit you to one field. Have fun with Mathematics and, believe me, the sky is the limit from there on...
