Salih ‘05, CAE graduate and IT consultant at Blue Chip Consulting Group
How did your experiences while learning at Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State help you in post-collegiate jobs?
University life is a big part of anyone’s post-collegiate life. The friends you make while sharing experiences help you craft the basis of long-withstanding work networks.
Did you feel adequately prepared to enter the workforce after your education at CAE?
When looking at it retrospectively, I certainly believe that the base preparation I got at CAE equipped me for joining the workforce with ample tools on my belt.
What influenced your decision to work in the industry?
Prior undergraduate experience coupled with the work completed with my Master's degree, have contributed my decision to work in the IT industry.
What is your favorite Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State memory?
There are way too many to write however my favorite has to be meeting my wife at a Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State football game.
What does your average work day look like?
I am an IT consultant at Blue Chip Consulting Group, and we work with many clients across many industry verticals, primarily focused on the Microsoft Cloud technologies. As a natural extension of that my day varies on the focus of the current project in I am in. Sometimes I work with a single client, sometimes multiple at the same time. My day typically is split into couple high-level categories; Execution of current projects, working with new clients on envisioning and planning their new initiates, teaching/mentoring other consultants, and lastly keeping up with the rapidly changing cloud tech. so we can offer cost-effective and future-proof solutions to our clients.
What has your greatest professional accomplishment been so far?
I’ve been a part of global Cloud deployment projects that gained the recognition of Microsoft as a company, that in return increased our collaboration with Microsoft.
What advice would you give current students?
Learning never stops. Especially with today’s knowledge production and dissemination, and especially the speed that a new piece of information hit you, it is imperative to stay on top of your learning game. Stay hungry for learning.
How do you feel about the Aeronautics and Technology Building expansion?
It is AMAZING! Moving from the old Van Deusen Hall to the current building is what the programs needed. Improving it is a well-placed investment.
What are your thoughts on how Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State's engineering programs have evolved since you were a student?
As far as I can see, there is even an increased focus on hands-on work and solid engineering focus.
What's the most exciting part of your job?
Working with any industry, any type/size/focus clients. Every project is a great opportunity for learning, getting better and providing value to our clients.