Nabeeha Hussain ’20, M.S. ’22, information systems, is currently a DevOps Engineer at Accenture. She received her B.S. in Business Technology Administration and M.S. in Information Systems from UMBC. She shares with us how the Online MS program was so convenient as she continued to work full-time and how a class from Dr. Ravi Kuber changed the trajectory of her career path.
Information Systems: You received your Bachelor’s in Business Technology Administration also at UMBC. What was it about the Online MS program that made you want to continue your studies at UMBC?
Nabeeha Hussain: After graduating from UMBC with an undergraduate degree in Business Technology Administration, I entered the workforce as an IT Specialist for Berkshire Hathaway in 2021. In my mind this was only a temporary position until I found something more stable. The time after the pandemic made it extremely difficult to find more of a reliable position in my field of study. At this time, I decided I wanted to pursue my masters while working and searching for new positions. I knew I wanted to get a master’s in information systems due to the demand, but I needed something convenient, and flexible enough for my work schedule. I decided to go back to UMBC and see if they offered anything that would fit my new lifestyle. Thankfully, UMBC has the Online MS program, and it worked out flawlessly. I could work full-time and complete my degree online on my own time, and in the comfort of my own home.
Information Systems: Why did you decide to pursue the User Experience (UX) specialized track?
Nabeeha Hussain: I decided to pursue the User Experience specialized track because of a specific class I took at UMBC in 2019. Dr. Ravi Kuber taught IS303 Fundamentals of Human-Computer Interaction, and I instantly knew that this is something I want to do as a career one day. User Experience combines business, technology, and strategy, to create seamless end user experiences.
Information Systems: How did you first get interested in the tech field?
Nabeeha Hussain: My interest in the tech field dates all the way back to when I was 3 years old. I knew how to fully turn on and set up a desktop…I guess you could say that was the start of it all! Besides that, throughout high school I was good at coding, and loved technology. I believed that a degree in technology would set me up to have the ultimate career. The thought of being a woman in a male dominated field, seemed like a challenge, but it was something I definitely wanted to conquer.
Information Systems: You are currently a DevOps Engineer at Accenture. Can you talk a little bit about what your day-to-day work here looks like?
Nabeeha Hussain: My current position as a DevOps Engineer is something that was out of my comfort zone, but I wanted to challenge myself, and put my knowledge to use. DevOps engineers are responsible for many things including, infrastructure, code changes, maintenance, deployments, releases, and everything in between. My day-to-day includes all these responsibilities, while trying to create an automation-based environment. We make sure to focus on putting out continuous integration and deployment. The Online MS program prepared me with the classes they had to offer. I enrolled in classes like, project management operations, computer and network security, networking, system analysis and design, and database management. I believe this truly gave me an edge in comparison to other candidates for the job and allows me to perform at my absolute best.
Information Systems: What are your short and long term goals?
Nabeeha Hussain: My current short-term goal is to try and take more certification courses to keep up with technology, and to continuously learn to keep my skills sharp. My current long-term goals are to one day attain a managerial position where I currently work, become an overall successful woman, and to help/guide students that were once in my position.
Information Systems: What advice would you give prospective students thinking about pursuing an MS in Information Systems?
Nabeeha Hussain: My best advice that I can give to students is, just do it! I believe we have all been in a position where we thought we weren’t good enough, it wouldn’t be worth it, and it would take too long. I was in that position, but I pushed myself and put all my doubts to rest. You do not know how capable you are, and when you see your accomplishments come to life, I promise there is no better feeling.
Information Systems: What do you like to do in your free time?
Nabeeha Hussain: In my free time I love to travel, bake, play volleyball, workout, and spend time with friends!