Bosnia Native, Business Management and M.B.A. Alumna is a Vice President at BNY Mellon Thursday, June 30, 2016
Meet Amela Burlovic
Job title: Senior Data Governance Officer, Vice President
Employer: BNY Mellon
Degrees earned: Bachelor of Science in Business Management, 2013; and M.B.A. in Global Management and Administration, 2016
Hometown: Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina
High school: Srednja Medicinka Skola (medical high school in Sarajevo)
Now living in: Upper St. Clair, Pa.
Hobbies/interests: Executive committee member of BNY Mellon Women's Initiative Network, co-chair of WIN Pittsburgh's Leadership Conference and mentor for BNY Mellon's Inspiring Multicultural Professional Acceleration Connections for Tomorrow Program
LinkedIn: Amela Burlovic
As an international student, what factors made you choose Point Park for your undergrad and graduate degrees?
While I was a student at the Community College of Allegheny County, I heard about Point Park from several Bosnians in my community who went there and had a good experience. I was already working in an accounting role so I was drawn to an undergraduate degree in business management.
I decided to come back to Point Park for my M.B.A. degree, thanks to Dr. Kraniou and Dr. Breslove. I went to a graduate open house and learned more about the M.B.A. program from Dr. Kraniou. Also, I took a sample grad class with Dr. Breslove before enrolling and was blown away.
Tell us about your key responsibilities in your role at BNY Mellon.
As a senior data governance officer, I am tasked to ensure that BNY Mellon's risk data aggregation and reporting is in compliance with the Federal Regulation Basel Committee Banking Supervision 239. I also collaborate with BNY Mellon's chief data governance officer on the implementation of data governance over risk data aggregation and reporting. Furthermore, I work closely on ensuring regulatory compliance and partner with the technology program team on building an IT infrastructure for risk data aggregation capabilities.
What were your favorite classes at Point Park?
For undergrad, I really enjoyed Dr. Eric Slomer's classes, especially Modern Marketing Concepts. Dr. Slomer had a unique approach to lecturing and was very inclusive, engaging and open-minded. I liked how much he focused the first part of class on current news that was relevant to business and how it was impacting the global and local markets.
For graduate, when I think of Point Park, Dr. Kraniou is the first person who comes to mind. He truly sets the bar high. My favorite grad class was Macro-Projects and International Regimes with him. I appreciate how much he made us think beyond our own circle. Dr. Kraniou would apply everyone's different perspectives to what we were learning. He had very high expectations of us but I loved the challenge and how we walked away with so much knowledge.
Tell us about your favorite Point Park memories.
I was lucky to have class with such a diverse body of students from China, Europe and Latin America. The fact that we all had quite different backgrounds, life experiences and cultural values made class even more intriguing.
Also, on top of my list is the graduate hooding ceremony. I am the first in my family to earn a college degree so this meant a lot to them. That day, I soaked in all the attention and told myself, "I did this." I am proud to have opened the door for the next generation in my family.
What advice do you have for our prospective nontraditional students?
Signing up for class and taking the first step is the most difficult, but once you get in a rhythm, school becomes fun. Taking classes, meeting new people and hearing new ideas keeps you current and relevant. I already miss it! So take a deep breath and make the first step! The rest will follow â€Â¦
What are your career goals?
Five years ago, I jotted down my five-year plan. I met those goals two years ago. I have caught a momentum in the industry I like and enjoy working in an environment that keeps me on my toes. The regulatory environment for the financial industry is very much in flux, so I constantly work on enhancing my skill set and gaining more knowledge to better serve my organization.
Additionally, it is very important to me to stay engaged with our community, and at BNY Mellon, I have great opportunities to do that. I am co-chair of the BNY Mellon Women's Initiative Network and I serve as a mentor for BNY Mellon's Inspiring Multicultural Professional Acceleration Connections for Tomorrow Program.
Do you have a favorite quote?
"Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Photo by Shayna Mendez, senior photojournalism major