Today we meet Neslon Colon, a Bridging the Gap reader who has made the transition to business systems analysis at a New York financial services firm after a twelve year background in the Air Force. Â Nelson has leveraged a combination of targeted education and making an impact during a summer internship to break into the BA profession.
Here’s Nelson’s story:
First and foremost, I would like to thank you very much for creating this Web site. This Web site has interesting resources regarding the business analyst role. Currently, I am a student majoring in computer information systems. I am planning to graduate next May. This will be the second undergraduate degree that I am pursuing. My first bachelor’s degree is in aviation, with a minor in management.
Please allow me to tell you about my background. I spent twelve years in the Air Force. My role in the Air Force was an aircraft electrician. As an non-commissioned officer in the military, I was responsible for supervising and training up to ten people. Additionally, I was responsible for maintaining training records and Web-based maintenance record databases. Throughout my military career, I deployed around the world in support of military operations.
This summer, I interned for a major financial services firm in New York as a business systems analyst. Within the firm, I was employed in the business unit that is responsible for the firm’s information technology infrastructure. I managed one shared mailbox and two SharePoint sites. Additionally, I was part of a team that introduced a mobile application that provides technology support for employees, as well as update a technology product catalog.
Most importantly, I frequently communicated between end users and information technology professionals throughout the firm. This internship provided me with experience that I would not gain in college. This September, I was offered a full-time position with the firm, which I accepted. Next July, I will begin my employment with the firm. I am looking forward to a great career as a business analyst.
This January, I am participating in a study-abroad program to Shanghai, China. After graduation, I plan to enroll in a graduate program in business. I strongly believe that these two programs will provide me with additional skills needed in the global business environment.
Please join me in congratulating Nelson!