careers in it & math

Welcome to the Evisors Webinar

Visit us online at www.evisors.com

Careers in IT & Mathfeaturing

Michel Nahon

Hosted by: Career Advisors on Demand..com/webinars

http://www.evisors.com/webinars/webinar/60



Careers in IT & Math

About MichelOverview of Career PathsHow to Research the IndustryWhat are Firms Looking For?What to Expect in the Recruiting ProcessWhat to Expect in the InterviewQ&A





About Michel

• Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from Yale University

• Associate at McKinsey & Co. from 2001 – 2002

• Director of Customer Analytics at CDW from 2002 – 2004

• Director of Customer Analytics & Pricing at Petro/Star Gas since 2004





Overview of Career Paths

Academia

• Research• Teaching

Technical

• Wall Street• Modelling

• Software development• Applied

mathematics

Other

• Management consulting

First, right out of school:





Overview of Career Paths (continued)

• After a few years of experience, I went for Business Intelligence/Analytics: a bridge between Analytics and business

• The two sides of BI:o Software development (i.e. SAP, Cognos,

SAS, MSFT..)o Business (leverage the tools above to run

the business)





How to Research the Industry

• Industry specific:– Research companies: Forrester & Gartner– Software companies: SAP (Business Object), Cognos, MSFT,

SAS– Solution providers: TDWI & TechTarget– BI Guru/Evangelist such as Wayne Eckerson– News Source: The Economist Intelligence (article: Levelling

the playing field)• Generic:

– LinkedIn (feel free to connect)– Wetfeet guide– Career Services and Clubs– Classmates, alumni, family– Regional conferences and networking events







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What are Firms Looking For?

• A habit of excellence and impact• Facility with analytics and critical thinking• Technical knowledge: programming and

modelling• Strong communication skills for client

leadership• Industry and company knowledge• A proactive disposition• Cultural fit





About MichelOverview of Career PathsHow to Research the IndustryWhat are Firms Looking For?What to Expect in the Recruiting

ProcessWhat to Expect in the InterviewQ&A




What to Expect in the Recruiting Process

• Few rounds:– HR interview– Recruiting manager interview (usually

Marketing)– Cross-departmental interviews (Marketing, IT,

Finance, Operations)• Small case studies• Technical skills and modelling• Strong communication skills (verbal and written,

i.e. PPT)




What to Expect in the Interview

• Interest in the industry• Speak in plain English: ability to communicate

technical issues to non-technical employees• Problem solving: small case studies (not as

intense as consulting industry)• Modelling experience




Q&A




Questions & Answers

Question 1:

What is the importance breakdown between analytical skills and soft skills (Example: Attitude on the job) for these jobs?

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Questions & Answers

Question 2:

What was your biggest challenge in transitioning from an academic environment to a business?




Questions & Answers

Question 3:

If you were to give someone similar to you advice, what would you say?




Thanks for Joining!Book your session with Michel at

www.evisors.com/expert/1125


http://www.evisors.com/expert/1125

