Ryan Tores hasn’t always wanted to be an information manager and technologist, but he has always loved using technology in creative ways. In high school, he made an online version of the show Big Brother for students to compete in, and it became a hit during the pandemic.
Now a senior at Syracuse University, Tores is continuing to improve his technology skills and have fun along the way. He plans to graduate next year with a bachelor’s degree in Information Management and Technology, with a concentration in data analytics/web design and management, and a bachelor’s degree in Linguistic Studies with a minor in Psychology.
“It’s been great to have such diversity in my classes, and I’m looking forward to a career overlapping all of those concepts,” he said. “Every professor I’ve had has been extremely friendly, and I love building a fun schedule with the confidence that anything iSchool will be a good time.”
After his Big Brother-type show took off in high school, someone recommended he apply to the iSchool. The more he learned about the iSchool, the more he loved it. But a visit to the school sealed the deal.
“There was a climbing wall at the Barnes Center, and I was sold,” he said.
Since coming to the iSchool, Tores has continued his creative work. He became a member of the Syrvivor club, a rendition of the CBS show Survivor with college students as the contestants.
“This fall I’m hosting our All-Stars season, featuring the best players of the last three years in one final showdown,” he said. “The production team met all summer planning team and individual challenges for the ‘castaways.’ Each week has brought new twists and blindsides as the contestants outsmart each other for the chance at being crowned Sole Survivor.”
This past summer, Tores interned at Synchrony in Stamford, Conn., in the company’s Business Leadership Program, where he worked on the Technology Track and created a system to automate digital organization.
Interns were able to work on “real, meaningful projects,” he said, and were given weekly opportunities to be part of the amazing company culture. Tores even entered a hub-wide pickleball tournament, attended a yoga wellness session with puppies and ran a Spartan Race alongside coworkers at Citi Field.
“I found Synchrony after attending the iSchool’s Career Trek to NYC last fall. It was my favorite company visit and I applied immediately after,” he said. “I’m happy to share that I’ll be returning next summer as a full time BLP! In this rotational position, I’ll take on three roles over the next two years. I’m so excited to continue my Synchrony journey in different parts of the tech world!”
As Tores wraps up his final year at the iSchool, he wants to encourage his fellow students to say “yes” to more opportunities and join more clubs and organizations.
“I could work backwards and list every choice that led me to my now future job, but it really comes down to taking chances whenever they’re given,” he said.
“Leadership skills from student organizations and opportunities offered through the university paved the way for my future. I owe so much to those who encouraged me to be myself. I wouldn’t be here without people dedicating their time to help with my success, and I’d love to pay it forward.”