Lisa Baker

Finishing my Masters in Information Management has been a phenomenal experience, and a long time coming for me. I started taking classes in the Telecommunications and Network Management program while working full-time as many as sixteen years ago. It was difficult to take classes and travel 80% of the time for work, and unfortunately the course work was pushed to the side in order keep up with my everyday work. I was a statistic, one of those that said “life got in the way of finishing my degree”. The turning point came in the winter of 2010 as a result of many other changes in my personal life; I decided to investigate what was required to finish. I met with Dave Dischiave, the Information Management program director, who encouraged me and instilled a sense of excitement about the program. When I learned I could wrap it up in a year I decided to go for it. I made it a top priority this past year, and have attended full-time. 

 

The excitement that Dave D conveyed was just a hint of what was to come. Through the iSchool, I have been exposed to ideas and concepts that I otherwise would not have stopped to consider. AND I’VE LOVED IT!! Every class was exciting. I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about policy and regulation, information privacy, net neutrality, technology as a business strategy, Peter Drucker, Posner, E.F. Codd, and many many others. I have gained a greater depth of understanding of technology and innovation and how these are integral to business strategy. I see the world differently now and it is incredibly more interesting! 

 

My professional experience has been in the contact center field as a consultant/project manager/technical trainer.   Getting my advanced degree has provided me an avenue to grow beyond the same old positions, tie together experiences and course work in the Information Management degree program, and expand professionally.   I have targeted growing my project management skills and am pursuing my Project Management Institute certification and positions in the project management field. My Faculty Advisor, Dr. Arthur Thomas has been an invaluable resource as I have worked toward my goals. He was generous with his time, always being available for discussions about my course work and my career. 

 

I have absolutely-positively-thoroughly enjoyed attending the iSchool. Everybody, faculty and staff included, has been supportive and helpful. I have felt as if the entire building is cheering me on. I would love to hear from potential students! Feel free to contact me at lisabskiing@hotmail.com.