Class of 2020 Career Spotlight: Mahsa Zarei
Information Systems Graduate Launches Data Management Career with TUV SUD America
Mahsa Zarei spent her formative years in Iran and moved to the United States following her high school graduation. Her location changed drastically, and she brought with her a love of computer science and information systems. This led her to the San Diego State University, the Fowler College of Business, and eventually, an impressive internship opportunity.
Mahsa Zarei, Class of 2020.
Zarei completed an internship with TUV SUD America, a commercial services company that provides consultancy, inspections, tests, training, and technical services, during the summer before her senior year at SDSU. This experience paired with practice interviews on campus helped pave the way for a full-time position with the company after graduation. Zarei looks forward to her new career and the possibility of an advanced degree.
Q: Can you describe a little bit about yourself and how/when you decided to pursue Management Information Systems as an area of study?
I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems from San Diego State University. I believe Information systems and technology are necessary and important in this world because of their ability to provide security in both personal and professional realms. I am an energetic, creative, organized, and collaborative professional who works diligently to meet goals and deadlines. I have loved Computer Science and Information systems since I was in high school back in my country of Iran. I enjoy working with technological tools and systems and coming up with innovative solutions to enhance daily life.
Q: Describe the position you have recently started (job functions, key role).
I recently began my role as Database Administrator/Data Analyst at TUV SUD America. I do a variety of tasks in this position. Some primary areas my job focuses on are: building database systems, using high-speed transaction recovery techniques, providing data management training to users, and providing evaluations to ensure data security and standards. There are many other facets to this position, but I am still learning all of the areas my position supports.
Q: When did you receive your official job offer and what was your reaction when you received the offer?
I got my job offer on May 29th. It made me so happy because I waited for it for a long time. At the first I was scared I would not successfully secure employment, because of COVID-19. I also didn't want to work in the office, but the good news was I am able to work from home. When I was offered the job, I told my mom, my siblings and we all had dinner together to celebrate it. I’m proud of myself to get a job during this time and I am so thankful to have the opportunity to work with this company.
Graduation cap of Mahsa Zarei, Class of 2020.
Q: How did you get connected with this company and position?
I did an internship with the company last year and I liked working there. The internship lasted for 9 months and I worked on sales and marketing projects, including the harmonization of lead and customer lists, as a business analyst. I assisted with market research to aid the opening of remote sites and expanding business development. Honestly, it was not related to the classes that I took at SDSU, but it was helpful to learn about their program and application they use.
My manager asked me if I wanted to join their team after graduation, so I applied, and I emailed them explaining that I was looking for a fulltime job or internship this summer. I was fortunate to be connected with the organization from my internship.
Q: Did you use any other campus resources to help you acquire this position? If so, describe the support.
I joined some of the career workshops and career fairs at SDSU, but I didn’t receive job offers from those. However, they definitely helped me to prepare for interviews and be more comfortable in those interview situations.
Q: Are there specific skills you learned at SDSU (in class or otherwise) that helped you with the role’s qualifications?
Yes, some of the most helpful classes were the programming and business classes where I learned about SQL, Tableau, Power BI, and RapidMiner Studio.
Q: What advice do you have for fellow students, regardless of their field, looking to jumpstart their careers and land their first job post-graduation?
I have several suggestions I’d offer to current students:
- Meet with your major advisor regularly
- Join career workshops and career fairs
- Update your LinkedIn account frequently. Try to make a connection with contacts at your favorite companies.
- Do your assignments on time
- Keep yourself healthy
Q: What is it that you are most looking forward to as you kick start this next chapter?
I look forward to being successful at my full-time job and applying what I learned in my classes to my current position as a Database Administrator. Eventually, I’d like to earn a master’s degree in science information systems as I always wanted to do that.
Q: What experience at SDSU has changed your life the most?
Experiencing the MIS research program and completing a publication on my first research paper. At first, I thought this paper would simply be good practice, not expecting it to be anything more than practice. But I learned how to trust myself and I’m proud to have published work. I believe nothing is impossible!
Q: What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU?
“Success is always a process, never an event. Failure is always an event, never a person” – Manolis Votsis
