February Alumni Career Profile

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Name:  Brian Rittman                                                                                  Class Year: 1988 Major: Computer Science Current Employer:  EMC Corporation

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Describe your career path since graduation.

Since graduation I have been employed as a Systems Manager / Architect first supporting and later leading projects for several large companies. My background with Operating Systems, Databases, ERP applications, networks and storage led me to the point where I am now a Consulting Engineer leading efforts to design, build, release, and support software / hardware solutions to manage and protect large amounts of data.

 

What is your current position and how long have you been with your employer? 

 Consulting Engineer, 5 years.

 

Describe the main responsibilities of your position. 

As a Consulting Engineer I work with a number of teams on various aspects of design, testing, deployment and support of EMC's software / hardware products.

 

What do you enjoy most about your job? 

Interaction with the Customers who use my company's products and then utilizing their feedback to improve what we do.

 

What do you find most challenging about your job? 

The challenge of my job is that I have to constantly learn new technologies. At the same time this is one of the most exciting parts of my job because integrating new "stuff" with existing products lets me see how the industry I am in is constantly evolving.

 

Describe your typical work week.  (How many hours you work, your work environment, etc.) 

My work week involves 45 -55 hours per week ranging from working in the office with software and systems, to attending meetings with other team members with some travel.

 

What job search methods did you use to obtain your current position?  

 I was recruited by company.

 

What advice could you give to students interested in your field? 

While in college take advantage of internships, volunteer opportunities, and the like. This will show potential employers that you have the ability not only to get a degree but to apply the knowledge with practical applications. If formal internships aren't available consider offering your services to non profits that need help with databases and the like. This will help you build your network and gain valuable experience.

Last Modified: March 1, 2006