The most exciting part of working with large data sets is to discover insights that drive decision making for businesses and organizations.

Meet Rafia Sultana, a graduate from the Master of Science in Information Science program. She is now a Data Governance Analyst at Georgia-Pacific.

Q. Where are you from? How long have you been in the area? Did you move here to go to school?

A. I am originally from Bangladesh. Just after finishing my bachelor degree I moved in the USA with my husband in 2015. I have been living in Michigan for almost three years. Before that I was living in Ohio (Cleveland) and Massachusetts (Amherst). I moved to Michigan because my husband joined BASF Corporation. I had a plan to pursue a masters degree and got enrolled in WSU.

Q. What other degrees do you have?

A. I have a bachelor degree in Computer Science and Engineering (2015) from the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Q. Why did you choose Wayne State's School of Information Sciences?

A. After I moved to Michigan I heard that there are opportunities in the IT sector in the Detroit area. So I was looking for a prestigious public school near the Detroit area that offers masters program in information management. Wayne State was the top school in my list because it is a prominent public school and close to where I live. After knowing about the MSIS program I realized that this will be the appropriate masters program for me to build my career in information technology sector.

Q. What area are you specializing in? Why?

A. In the beginning I wanted to specialize in web-based information services. But after taking a few core courses in my second and third semester I have changed my specialization to data analytics. I changed my track because I came to realize that working with databases and large data sets is more interesting and challenging. And the most exciting part of working with large data sets is to discover insights that drive decision making for businesses and organizations. So, there are lots of interesting things I think I can do in the data analytics track.

Q. What format do you take most of your classes? Why?

A. For me the good part of this MSIS program is that it is entirely online. Since, I wanted to work and study at the same time taking online classes was the best option for me. I don't need to come to in-person classes and maintain class schedules. I can make my own schedule and study anytime.

Q. What are you most proud of in your time as a student at SIS?

A. I am proud of being a SIS student because the faculty, advisors and coordinators are very good, they help students to find the appropriate track, and build a good career.

Q. Is there a professor who has really impacted your journey into becoming an information professional?

A. Every professor I worked with was really good. They all have encouraged me to learn new knowledge. My advisor Dr. Timothy Bowman inspired me to be in data analytics track. After taking a few courses with Dr. Bowman I changed my track to data analytics from web-based information services.

Q. Do you feel well prepared for a career in the information profession? Any long-term professional goals?

A. Although I need to complete few more elective courses but I feel almost prepared for a career in information profession. My long-term professional goal is to be an expert in data analytics.

Q. What advice would you give to someone considering SIS?

A. My piece of advice for everyone would be, try to utilize the opportunity of being a SIS student before you graduate from the master's program. If you are considering the MSIS degree I would say you are in the right place because you will get to have a practical experience in the practicum course. When I was new to this program I was little nervous about online classes but actually online classes are just like in-person classes. The online classes are more interactive than the usual in-person classes. You wouldn't feel any gap with the professor and also with your fellow classmates.