MIS Mentoring

Career Profiles: Mel Milne

 

1. What is your education?
-BS in BA with a major in CIS and a minor in Finance from Drake University
-MS in MIS from UMSL
-MBA from UMSL
What would you do differently if you were to do it all over again?
Probably start my advanced degrees earlier than I did. Other than that, I believe getting a great background in business with a thorough knowledge of IS is wonderful. Also with the move to Globalization, some type of classes associated to world markets and maybe pursuing some other understanding of a foreign language like Spanish or French.
What do you suggest to students in the current program?
Just as I stated, get a good background of business courses and complement them with a detailed knowledge of IS and its interaction with business. An understanding of how business runs is crucial.

2. What is your experience? (job title and what it entails)
Essbase Team Leader ­ my responsibilities is to keep all my applications running and providing the right information to the users. Additionally, we develop applications as quickly as possible for our user by working closing with them in the analysis of their requirements. Essbase is a multi-dimension database.
What other jobs have you done?
I was a Computer programmer analyst, EDP Auditor, and a Financial Specialist at Ameren.
Which was your favorite and why?
My current position since it is new and exciting and on the cutting edge of technology as well as the work environment is conducive of excellence. Additionally, Ralston Purina is a global competitor which lends itself to more opportunities.
What is your advice for students who are just starting out in terms of the best experience to get?
Start out slow. Do not get frustrated due to the fact that you are going to be dealing with a lot of people who know very little about computers (this is reducing dramatically) but think they know a lot. This will be frustrating. Additionally, don't make the mistake of a "know it all" Offer your suggestions on a project but if the leader does not agree let it go. As you get more and more experience with a company then you can be a little more forceful in your ideas and suggestions. I made the mistake of pushing to hard too early and it hurt my advancement.

3. What do you like best about your job?
Dealing with others and solving their problems. This makes every day different. The same routine is not followed making each day new and different.

4. What do you like least about your job?
We put in 40+ hours a week in 5 days. In the IS area, you may be putting in 60-80 hrs a week in 5-days. It would be nice if there were 4-day work-weeks in IS. At Ralston, we do have the opportunity to work four 9-hr days and one 4-hour day which is excellent for yourself and moral.

5. Please finish the following sentence:
My job would be good for someone who....
Is very creative and interested in solving other's problems. You must be able to work with others and present your ideas well as well as listen and hear what others are telling you. 

6. Please finish the following sentence: 
My job would not be good for someone who....
Wants to do everything their way. We work as a team and everyone contributes. If you were an individualist, you would not make it in this environment.

7. What was your most challenging moment?
I had no idea what I was getting into at my current job. I wanted to get back into the computer arena and had spent the last 10 years in EDP and Finance but not in computer system development. This job was a total change of direction and required a lot of personal time catching up.

8. What kinds of community service do you perform?
Volunteer with the following organizations - Make-A-Wish foundation, Youth Emergency Service (YES), Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and Junior Achievement.

9. What are your hobbies?
Football Officiating, hunting and fishing

10. What is your favorite quote or proverb?
"Treat others how you would like to be treated" This will pay great dividends to you as you climb the corporate ladder.

 

 

 

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