Applied Computer Science Major Sisan Tuedor Interns with One of the Largest Social Service Agencies in Toronto Student Profile
Meet Sisan Tuedor '25
- Job Title & Employer
- Technical Project Management Assistant Intern, WoodGreen Community Services
- Major/Program
- Applied Computer Science
- College Activities
- Treasurer of the Black Student Union, senator for Student Government Association
- Hometown
- Toronto, Canada
- High School
- Ridley College
- Now Living In
- Pittsburgh, Pa.
- Dream Job
- Entrepreneur focused on data analysis
- Hobbies & Interests
- Entrepreneurship, basketball, music, playing drums, metaphysics and philosophy
"My internship definitely related to what I’ve been learning at Point Park. There were some tools and concepts that were completely new to me, but that happens with any new role. The foundation that I got at Point Park helped me master those things."
Why did you choose Point Park’s applied computer science program?
I’ve always been interested in data and analyzing numbers. At my previous school, I was data science major, but I quickly realized that data science and data analytics are two very different things. At Point Park, they combine data analytics with computer science, so it’s like you’re getting two majors in one. The way that Point Park’s program integrates both subjects and shows you how to apply them to different topics, such as marketing and accounting, definitely stood out to me.
How would you describe your experience transferring to Point Park?
The transition was smooth. I played on the basketball team when I came here, and my teammates and the University's athletics department helped me acclimate to campus.
Which faculty members have had a positive impact on you?
Professor Paige Beal has been a terrific mentor, encouraging me and connecting me with the right people. I only took one class with her, but I’ll remember the lessons she taught me long after I graduate. My applied computer science professors Mark Voortman and Jeffrey Seaman have also been great mentors. When I first transferred here as a sophomore, I wasn’t doing too well in class, and Professor Seaman helped me build discipline and good habits. I have a lot of respect for Professor Voortman, too. He always helps me after class and responds quickly whenever I reach out with questions on our coursework.
What do you like about living and learning in Downtown Pittsburgh?
I think Downtown Pittsburgh is beautiful. There’s always something to do. Even if there isn’t a specific event I want to go to, I can always just take a walk to Point State Park. I like the scenery, the architecture – it’s just a great aesthetic.
How did you land your internship at WoodGreen Community Services?
I was applying to many internships through LinkedIn and Indeed and landed a few interviews, but the ratio of my submitted applications to the number of offers I received was kind of low, so I just started reaching out to different people on LinkedIn based on my interest in their work and set up quick chats with them to learn more about their careers. I met with the senior technical project manager at WoodGreen, and we had a great conversation. She connected me with another manager, and through that discussion, they shared information about their internship position and encouraged me to apply. It was really through making those connections and building relationships that I landed my internship.
What work did you do?
The biggest task I managed was AI implementation. My colleague and I held a weekly presentation after gathering information about Microsoft Copilot, an AI system they wanted to implement to help streamline processes and complete repetitive tasks so that staff could focus on other priorities. We explored its data analysis capabilities and learned how it could be a useful tool in generating reports, drafting emails and summarizing meetings on Microsoft Teams. My colleague and I answered staff members' questions and gave them assignments to practice using Copilot before we rolled out full implementation.
I also worked on building a data repository to generate a 360-degree view of each of our 37,000+ clients. We have many systems and databases for the services we offer. We wanted to create a central location to house all the services so we could gain a more holistic understanding of client needs and make informed predictions about their future needs. It was a challenge because it was my first time working with Microsoft Azure, and building a data repository was very new to me, but I learned as I went along. I also worked on generating reports with Microsoft Power BI and learned how to create data visualizations for presentations to funders.
My internship definitely gave me a sense of fulfillment. When I started with WoodGreen, I told the managers that I wanted to help out and give back to the community. I wanted to find a way to do that and also work in the data field. The work that I did was on the back-end of their systems, but it helped WoodGreen execute their mission. I felt a sense of pride in helping out the city.
Aside from the technical skills you gained, what were your key takeaways from the experience?
Time management was a skill that I improved significantly. I got better at prioritizing tasks and just locking in to complete my work. I also realized how important teamwork is. The group projects we do in class are truly prepping us for the real world. Being able to relate to others and get along with different personalities is key.
How did it connect to your studies at Point Park?
My internship definitely related to what I’ve been learning at Point Park. There were some tools and concepts that were completely new to me, but that happens with any new role. The foundation that I got at Point Park helped me master those things. My willingness to listen, knowing how to take feedback and direction and meeting assignment deadlines all translated to this real-world experience. On the more technical side, there were specific courses that contributed to my success in my internship, especially business analytics. A lot of what we did in that class, I used in my internship.
How has Point Park helped you to become career-ready?
Point Park’s Professional Career-Readiness Center (PCRC) has been a valuable resource. I’ve had long talks with the PCRC staff, and they help prepare you for the future. I reached out to them in 2022 when I started thinking about what path I wanted to take with my career. They helped me with my first resume, and they play a big role in student success. There are opportunities I couldn’t have landed without their help. They stay in touch with you, too. I remember when I was submitting internship applications last spring, and they continuously reached out to ask how my search was going. They follow up with you.
Why would you recommend Point Park to a prospective student?
I would recommend Point Park due to its location and how it feels like a big yet small school at the same time. You get to have a personal connection with your advisors and professors, which is something not many schools offer. The ability I have to reach out to Professor Voortman or Professor Seaman anytime and just go to their office for help – it’s a luxury that students at a lot of other schools don’t have. The community here is good. I’ve made a lot of friends here that I hope I get to keep for the rest of my life. It’s a great community, great people and great environment, and we’re only getting bigger and better.