Informatics is similar to Information Systems and includes various courses ranging from Computer Science and Programming Languages to Project Management.  It's the bridge between technology and business.

Informatics is the best of both worlds. It is a very broad major and shaped me into the professional I am today. I can program language code, design the HTML on the backend of my blog, and also engage in business meetings at work because of my educational background. 

My first job in college was as a group exercise instructor, where I was promoted to Program Assistant. In this position, I trained and supervised the group exercise instructors, which allowed me to gain confidence and leadership skills. 

My internship was as an Information Analyst Intern at Acadiana Computer Systems, a local medical business solutions company. It was my first introduction to the IT/business world and I fell in love with the atmosphere. I learned how to conduct meetings, analyze client information to create deliverables and how to present myself professionally. 

I applied to a ton of jobs relevant to my skill set and degree. Once I received the invite from IBM, I was put through three interview settings. 1) Basic Interview Questions – “Meet & Greet” 2) Technical Questions 3) Face-to-Face – “Behavioral/Teamwork”. The process went smoothly and the recruiters helped me through the transition so I was informed in each step.

I chose IBM because it's a great company to jumpstart my career. Being given the opportunity to explore and travel to new places for the first time is a once in a lifetime chance. 

The most difficult part of the transition was the 9-to-5 work schedule. In college I was accustomed to going to class for maybe three hours a day and then going home to complete homework and projects. I quickly had to adjust to working 8-10 hour days while at the client’s site, often in a different state. 

I overcame the transition by adjusting to the work schedule and taking every opportunity to learn. I’ve learned so much in 12 months from being attentive and open to learning additional technical skills.

An average day at IBM begins by traveling to the client site, which can be anywhere in the U.S. My travel day is usually four to six hours flight time. I fly out to the client’s site Monday-Thursday and work with other consultants to implement business software into the company’s system.  

IBM's culture is innovative and diverse.  My center in Louisiana is filled with college graduates, and we are placed onto projects that stimulate our learning experience.  It’s also rewarding to work with many consultants of different backgrounds and cultures. 

My ultimate goal as a security specialist is to implement business software across all client systems. I’m focused on ensuring that client's employees are able to access and authorize necessary job duties to complete day-to-day tasks.

A short description of my job would be “problem solver.”  I’m the person to contact when users are locked out of the logon screen. I also play a role on the business side when it comes to deciding what authorization users should receive.

Pros: Most of the seasoned professionals are willing to teach me the ropes of IBM. I have an understanding of the project methodologies and life cycles, which is a big help when sitting in meetings for the client.

Cons:  Being that I am only 23 and I graduated college a year ago, I am immediately looked at as inexperienced by many people. But I am a quick learner and take each opportunity to grow into a better person. Whether I’m given a compliment about my skill set or underrated in a certain situation, I take it all in and it makes me so much more humble. I am now quicker to listen than to speak. 

I stay connected on LinkedIn, Business Insider, or Google News. For my role, I have to be aware of changes in business and software products. I need to know if the stocks are changing and the partnerships that companies are making.  It all plays a role when getting placed onto a project in different sectors of the industry and helps engage with other consultants. 

I didn’t understand the importance of mentors until I started my career as a consultant. In all aspects of life it is important to have a mentor in your career, education, or relationships. I met my first official mentor on my second project; she’s a seasoned professional and has many years of consulting under her belt. She is where I would like to eventually be in my career and helps advise me of the necessary steps to get there. When I face difficult situations in the workplace, she provides a different perspective, gives advice or lets me know if I’m simply overreacting (I tended to do that a lot when I first began consulting). 

Outside of the workplace I really look up to my older siblings for advice on life and relationships. They are married and have successful careers, and help steer me into the right direction or away from bad decisions. 

As I am mentored by others, it is vital for me to also pour knowledge into someone else. I have a mentee that is on a similar college degree path as I was just a year ago in undergrad. 

I am very passionate about my blog, MoreThanJustAPrettyFace. It’s a stress reliever for me. I have big dreams for the direction I would like to take my blog but great things take time. I use my blog as an outlet and to demonstrate to others that you can turn your dreams into a reality. 

My newest hobby is bike riding. I love just having that “me time” after months of travel. Nature is a refresher for when my mind gets cloudy or I just need a second to myself without technology.  

Work/life balance is one of the most important things to me while consulting. After a long week of traveling to a different state I love to come home to my friends and family just to spend quality time with them. Even if it is for an hour, that single hour means the world to me. 

The most rewarding experience thus far would have to be the confidence I’ve gained. Before consulting I was very timid and really disliked public speaking. I can now stand in a room of executives and speak up about the ideas I have or begin a conversation in the airport with a complete stranger.

The mistakes I’ve made were due to being new to consulting. I’ve learned to overcome those mistakes by being prepared before the workday begins and also confronting others before a situation escalates.

 I look forward to networking with others in and outside of my career field. I’ve met so many professionals in just 12 months, which has opened my mind to so much in life. 

The next move for my career is unwritten. I would love to become a freelance blogger and a social media strategist. For now I am enjoying life and allowing for opportunities to present themselves.