David Friedrichs
Senior Manager KPMG LLP
B.S. Accounting and B.S. MIS, 1997
David is a Senior Manager in the St. Louis Advisory practice at KPMG LLP with extensive experience in auditing information systems. After Graduating suma cum laude in 1997 from UM-St. Louis with a BS in Accounting and a BS in MIS, he worked in the Business Consulting practice of Arthur Andersen until 2001, when he moved to the Advisory practice at KPMG. David holds a number of certifications including CPA, CISA and CIPP. He recently completed a two year rotation in KPMG's IT Risk Management function under the leadership of the firm's Chief Privacy Officer. While on rotation, David served as interim Chief Information Security Officer. As a member of KPMG's Information Governance Center of Enablement, David helps his clients protect information assets based on their business value and associated risks. As a student, David was very active at the University of Missouri - St. Louis, and continues to be involved as an alumnus. He is a member of the Alumni Association, is a mentor in the MIS Mentoring program, and regularly participates in University and COBA functions throughout the year. David and his wife Alicia live in St. Peters.
We sat down with David and asked him some questions.
Why did you decide to come to UM-St. Louis?
After ten years in the retail industry, the company I worked for closed my store. With an interest in computers and determined to go from a "job" to a "Career", I researched my options for a college degree in St. Louis and chose UMSL based on location and value.
Why did you pursue a career in information systems?
During my previous job, I had demonstrated an aptitude for computers and technology. MIS was a good fit for my experience and goals.
How did you continue your education after your first degree?
Working for a Big 4 accounting firm requires significant CPE credits each year. Our firm provides continuing education opportunities to meet these requirements.
How did you find your first job?
An honors fraternity I was in at UMSL published a resume book and distributed it to local employers. A recruiter picked my resume out of the book and called me, everything moved quickly from there and I found myself working for Arthur Andersen shortly after graduation.
In what non-academic activities did you participate in college that you would recommend to others (and why)?
I was involved in the MIS Mentoring program, the Student Activities Budget Committee, Student Government Rep for the school of business, and held various officer positions in Beta Alpha Psi. I also held jobs on campus in MIS and Accounting labs as well as tutoring.
How would you change your career if you had it to do all over again?
I would have gone to college right out of high school instead of waiting 12 years.
What advice would you give to someone just starting in the field?
Find mentors working in the fields you are considering. Understand the work for new employees and the career track. Find something you enjoy doing for your career.
Look into your crystal ball. What do you see changing in the IS field in the future?
More and more shared service centers, outsourced data centers, etc. IT professionals will remain in demand when they can help business achieve their goals.
