M.B.A., Management Information Systems Concentration, Helps Grad Become IT Analyst Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Meet Stacy Shatlock
Job title: IT Analyst, Engineering Automation
Employer: Eaton Corporation
Degrees earned: M.B.A. with a concentration in management information systems, Point Park University; Bachelor of Science in business administration, University of Pittsburgh
Graduated: 2014 and 2006
Hometown: Nazareth, Pa.
High School: Nazareth Area High School
Now living in: Evans City, Pa.
Professional memberships: Served as club president and area governor for Toastmasters International
Hobbies/interests: Ice hockey, riding my Harley-Davidson motorcycle with my husband, and reading
Why did you decide to concentrate your M.B.A. in management information systems?
My undergraduate major was finance, and while working in that field, I found myself involved in several IT projects. I became very interested in IT problem solving within the organization. Information systems play a major role in every department, and I wanted to learn more.
What factors made you select Point Park for graduate school?
Point Park was a school that had been on my radar for a long time. In fact, I nearly chose to obtain my undergraduate degree there. Years later, when I began considering graduate schools, I was impressed by how much Point Park had grown and expanded. Having the opportunity to interact with my professors and classmates in a traditional classroom setting was important to me. This was one reason why I decided against online programs. Point Park's accelerated format in the M.B.A. program especially appealed to me, because it allowed me to fit the classes into my busy life while maintaining a full-time job.
How has your M.B.A. helped you achieve career advancement?
At the time when I began my course work, I held a position within Eaton's finance department. I had set a career goal of transitioning into the IT field and had been actively working toward this goal by participating in special IT projects. Six months before graduation, I was able to obtain a position within Eaton's IT department. The fact that I was about to complete my M.B.A. degree concentrating in management information systems gave my new managers confidence that I could successfully transition into an IT-focused role.
What were some of your favorite experiences as a grad student at Point Park?
My favorite part of my graduate school experience was having the opportunity to interact regularly with fellow professionals working in the Pittsburgh area. I loved the fact that my education was supplemented with real-life examples from my professors and fellow classmates. This reinforced what we were learning in class and also provided great networking opportunities!
What are your career goals?
Being new to the IT field, I am currently focused on increasing my knowledge of IT best practices and project management methodologies. I believe this will help me grow as an analyst and will allow me to take on roles of increasing responsibility. I plan to obtain Project Management Professional certification in the future and look forward to leading complex IT efforts at Eaton Corporation.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Point Park University, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a real-world M.B.A. program that encourages collaboration and idea sharing among a diverse group of professionals!