How I Chose My Career in Information Systems #MyCareerStoryMonday

Name: Dillon Sylvester

Class Year: 2018

Major: Information Systems & Control (ISAC)

Position: Technology Assurance Associate

Company: KPMG

 

Can you describe your career path for me? (This may include HS jobs, internships, etc.)

I completed my first internship at a local bank after graduating high school.  After sophomore year at Bentley, I completed an internship with MassMutual at their headquarters in Springfield, MA.  After junior year, I stayed in Boston to intern at KPMG and signed an offer to start fulltime after graduation.

How did you become interested in this career?

Bentley has incredible curriculum and a diverse offering of majors.  The ISAC major was exactly what I was looking for: a little bit of accounting, a little bit of IT.  Many of my professors had valuable, real-world experience that helped me to decide on my career path.

What aspects of your position do you find most rewarding?

I find client-facing interactions to be the most rewarding.  I am able to directly apply the knowledge and skills I learned at Bentley to my job.  There is nothing better than clients being impressed by your abilities when you have limited fulltime experience.

What aspects do you find most challenging?

I think that it is always challenging to work with so many different stakeholders.  I see staff, management, and C-suite executives, and each offers a unique perspective on our work.  It’s important to consider your audience and tailor deliverables towards individual stakeholder needs.

What advice do you have for someone preparing to enter this career?

My advice is to always ask questions.  It is easy to do what someone has done before you, but it is more important to truly understand the purpose of your work.  Ask questions and make improvements, and you will better yourself along the way.

Are there any Bentley specific courses or resources you would recommend to help someone pursue this career?

Bentley provides the resources for all students to thrive.  I think that professors are often overlooked in this area.  Many professors have worked a variety of jobs in the business world and I was able to learn a lot more about my desired career path.  Take the time to cultivate relationships with professors outside of the classroom and learn from their experiences.

Who is one person at Bentley that helped you get where you are today?

I credit all of the professors within the ISAC program to my success as an IT Auditor.  The education and advice I received from them have provided a solid foundation to help me jumpstart my career.How I Chose My Career in insert major or career field here #MyCareerStoryMonday

By Yasmeen Alwani
Yasmeen Alwani CareerEdge Content Creator