Michael Little
B.S. in Information Management and Technology, ‘02
M.S. in Information Management, ‘09
The Hague, The Netherlands
Shortly after completing my Bachelor of Science in Information Management and Technology, I accepted a position with Citigroup Investment Bank’s Technology division. As an analyst, I was exposed to the world of post-merger system integrations, business analysis, and a variety of other areas within the financial services industry.
After two years in my first role at Citigroup, I began to miss the academic challenges that I was exposed to as an undergraduate, so I decided to enroll in the Master of Science in Information Management program. My position at Citigroup complimented the IM program’s curriculum perfectly: Courses such as Management Principles for Information Professionals and Managing Information Systems Projects were quickly applied to my day-to-day responsibilities. I was able to align Advanced Networking and Distributed Computing to relevant projects at work. As my career advanced, and I moved into leadership roles, I found courses such as Strategic Management of Information Resources and Behavior of Information Users both fascinating and great for my professional development.
In addition to the IM program’s curriculum, the program’s flexibility is unique, ideal for individuals with demanding professional responsibilities: While based in New England, I enjoyed condensed courses on the SU campus. In 2006, when I accepted a promotion that led me to Citigroup’s London, UK offices, I was able to complete a number of courses through the distance format.
While the distance learning program is challenging and requires a great deal of peer collaboration, I feel that it is extremely valuable, as it closely simulates the professional work many of us perform in global, cross-regional organizations.
In the fall of 2008, I joined The Boston Consulting Group as the IT Head for The Netherlands. Looking back, I am confident that the IM program was the right graduate program for me. I attribute much of my career’s progression, as well as my global mobility, to the knowledge and values acquired through the School of Information Studies.
If you have any questions regarding the IM program, or would like to know more about balancing graduate study with professional responsibilities, please feel free to contact me.
michael.j.little@gmail.com