Aliya Huseni ‘22 shares how her experience in the iSchool led her to choose a career in technology risk consulting.
“Since I was a kid, I have always enjoyed helping my family with their tech problems and staying up to date with the latest technologies,” Huseni says.
Her fascination with technology led Huseni to get her bachelor’s degree in information management and technology at Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies. She was named to the iSchool’s Dean’s List six times and graduated Magna Cum Laude last year with a concentration in information security management.
Huseni now works as a technology risk consultant at EY in Chicago, where she conducts IT audits for clients in the insurance, transportation, and technology industries. She evaluates her clients’ IT systems and technology practices to ensure they are secure, operating efficiently, and compliant with relevant regulations.
“Since starting at the firm last summer, I have had the opportunity to work on several engagements, where my day-to-day has consisted of client and team meetings, analyzing data, completing work papers, and internal work for my teams,” she says. “As opportunities arise for me to take on more senior responsibilities in my teams, I hope to improve my leadership, problem-solving, and coaching skills.”
For now, Huseni is working to learn as much as possible about IT auditing and how technologies are used by businesses. She also hopes to continue to travel, spend time with friends and family, and explore Chicago.
Honing Her Leadership Acumen
Huseni says she picked Syracuse because of the strong sense of community she felt on campus, as well as the endless opportunities to grow personally and professionally.
“The iSchool gave me a well-rounded education and many professional development opportunities that equipped me with a solid foundation of technical and interpersonal skills, easing the transition into my role at EY,” she says.
She credits extracurricular activities, such as her role as vice president of the South Asian Student Association, along with her work as a teaching assistant and ambassador in the iSchool, for helping grow her leadership skills.
Huseni remembers two standout iSchool courses that played pivotal roles in shaping her experience at Syracuse – Information Technologies (IST 195) with Jeff Rubin and Enterprise Risk Management (IST 425) with James Enwright.
“IST 195 was the first iSchool class that fueled my passion to study IMT, and IST 425 sparked my realization to pursue a career in technology risk consulting,” she says. “Beyond these courses, the South Asian Student Association also had a major impact on me in my college journey by providing a welcoming South Asian community on campus.”
Huseni advises current Syracuse students to make the most out of all of the opportunities that the iSchool has to offer, and stay in touch with professors and fellow alumni.
“Network, network, network! Building relationships with alumni and other professionals will be essential for your professional success, and there are so many people out there willing to share exciting opportunities and advice to help you get to where you want to be,” she says.
