Rusti L. Conley '95
Infrastructure Specialist
Position Description:
I am responsible for the development and delivery of the key systems
and processes underlying the TDS Telecom IS Infrastructure. This
includes infrastructure and application support, development, planning,
analysis and reporting. I serve as a member of a rapidly
growing and diverse team for product design, planning, development,
integration and process development, as well as on implementation and
roll-out teams. The group is responsible for infrastructure
currency, new product development, as well as the planning and design
of new computing infrastructure to ensure that our company's investment
in computing technology as economical, reliable and scaleable as
possible and is consistent with the company's business objectives.
Necessary education or experience:
A B.S. degree, along with extensive experience and certifications in all the area's mentioned above.
Key skills that are necessary to be successful in your position:
Troubleshooting skillset, knowledge of hardware and software in the
system, logical thinking, being able to research problems for answers,
strong professional communication skills (for dealing with customers
and members of project teams), and strong team and leadership qualities.
A description of your path to your current position:
I became a consultant for a company. I first worked on help desks while learning the
operation systems and programs, which helped build my troubleshooting
skills. Then I became a computer technician with a few different companies
(through the consulting firm along with some projects for other
companies). I developed a large network of contacts and knew
how several different companies operated, so I was able to use my contacts
to get into a company I would be happy with.
Good (and bad) aspects of your current position:
Good: Ever-changing environment so I'm never bored, and not stuck doing same things all the time. Plus, a high
salary, flexible working schedule and ever-changing technology are great.
Bad: If something goes really wrong (virus, bad patch on servers, exchange blows up) you could have to work around the clock to get the system back up and running. Other then that, I cannot think of anything else that is bad.
On MSOE and Biomedical Engineering
Do you think a degree in BE is a good choice?
Even though I am not using the BE degree, I believe it was the best degree I could
have gotten. Due to all the different areas of engineering and studies that
you learn, you had to have good troubleshooting and research
skills, and team skills to get through it. Every company needs someone
to take care of their computer network so you have job security.
Why did you choose MSOE's BE program?
I had a high interest (and still do) in the field. I liked challenges, and wanted to go into design of
imaging equipment. From that I somehow found my way to a position that
I believe I am happier in.
What did you like about MSOE?
Small class sizes and individual attention.
What did you like about the BE program?
The challenge and the way
the class is pulled together as a whole team to make it through.
| For information about MSOE's B.S. in Biomedical Engineering program, contact interim program director Dr. Charles Tritt at (414) 277-7421. |