Student Spotlight: Vishwanath Ram, MS-MIS 2013

Vishwanath Ram
MIS Candidate, Full-time student

• Undergraduate degree in: Computer Science and Engineering
• Undergraduate School: University of Mumbai
• Organizations involved with: INFORMS
• LinkedIn Profile

I am currently working with KPMG as an Experienced Associate. My job profile is focused towards risk assessment and compliance to ensure organizations adhere to the regulations imposed by governing bodies. Being based out of Houston most of my projects are in the energy and healthcare domain.

What prompted you to return to school to achieve your master’s degree?

I started working with Infosys Limited after my under graduation and was involved in development of enterprise and CRM systems in the financial services area. After close to three years of experience, I was keen to learn about product management of these systems. I decided to pursue my masters to focus on the business of technology and learn why we build systems rather than how.

What was the most important factor for you in choosing the MIS program?

The most important factor for me was choosing a program that would give me the opportunity to leverage what I had learnt as part of my professional experience and to build on it as I learn new things. The MS-MIS program gave me the opportunity to choose the courses that had industry projects facilitating my learning in a professional environment.

Why did you choose UIC Liautaud for your graduate study?

For its diverse course structure which gives a individual opportunity to specialize in fields of Project Management, IT Strategy, Information Systems Management and even in technical areas for our techie counterparts.

We all know that people pursue graduate school to increase their business knowledge, but since you have started the program, what has been the most unexpected gain the program has given you?

My most unexpected gain as part of my program has been my network. Apart from working with individuals on group projects, there was also a lot I learnt from them on a personal front which has been one of my greatest takeaways from this program.

The UIC Liautaud professors are continuously involved in researching new business trends and innovations. How have you felt the professors have been able to integrate their theoretical knowledge into practical applications? 

The Information Strategy coursework by Professor Ranga and Capstone Project by Professor Liotine would be the best examples. Apart from working on various cases in class, we also had an industry project in each of these courses. We could apply our understanding in a real world scenario to create strategy for implementing health record system for a professional clinic in the IDS 515 coursework and re-engineered business processes for another prominent audit firm as part of the capstone engagement. It gives the students an opportunity to an additional internship experience apart from their summer activity.

Which class/professor has been your favorite thus far and why?

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to enroll in a few management courses in addition to the MIS courses. Personally, I found the strategic management coursework by Professor Chris Barlow to be one of the best. The takeaways from this course are beyond the three books and two case studies that we work on. As part of this coursework, we get an opportunity to restructure the operations of an entire organization considering factors like market trend, economic and risk analysis. It gave me a whole new perspective to the field of business management.

What is your favorite aspect of the UIC campus?

At UIC, you will have the opportunity to explore different paths and pursue experiences that are professionally rewarding. The best way to do that would be to network well with your peers and with students from other programs and work with the diverse work force that the university offers.

How would you define the Liautaud student?

One who takes the program seriously and puts an earnest effort towards his coursework and at the same time makes the most of every fun opportunity that comes his way. You will spend some time in Idea Commons library area and hit the places on Taylor Street on Friday evenings!

What advice would you provide to incoming UIC Liautaud students?

The UIC Liautaud graduate program is a great place to learn and shape your career. As much as help the faculty and seniors can offer the final success, however, depends upon every individual. I would recommend the students to be extremely proactive and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way.

Remember: Every connection on LinkedIn is a job opportunity! So keep networking and make the most of your two years in school, don’t miss out on any fun!