Sydney Truscott
Computer and Information Technology
IAM Analyst at Centene
In what ways did the Polytechnic and/or Purdue help make you uniquely qualified for your new job?
The Polytechnic gave me the hands-on skills required for my new job by offering multiple different labs covering a range of topics. It also gave me the opportunity to grow as a leader through clubs like Women in Technology and strengthen my communication skills while serving as a Polytechnic Ambassador.
How has the college or someone in the college (feel free to name them) helped you achieve your goals?
Being a member of Women in Technology has helped me grow professionally and grow as a person. As a three year board member (Publicity Chair, Vice President, and President), I learned so much from the members, my fellow board members who became my best friends, and the professionals who dedicated their time to speaking with us. Toni was the best advisor and I can't thank her enough for everything she did for us. Dawn Laux also helped me find a passion for Governance, Risk, and Compliance and I hope I can spend my career in that field.
What specific classes (titles are more helpful than course numbers) helped prepare you for your new job?
Systems Administration and Enterprise Information Governance were two courses that helped prepare me for my future. In Systems Administration, I gained hands-on skills from the very first lab. Most of my technical knowledge came from this class. Enterprise Information Governance helped me land my favorite internship and it sparked my passion for the field.
If you had a favorite class, project, experience, or professor, what/who was it, and why?
My favorite professor was Abrar Hammoud, who taught my Gender in the Workforce class. She cares so much about her students and shows it every class. I really appreciated how she took the time to really get to know us.
The Polytechnic gave me the hands-on skills required for my new job, and the chance to grow as a leader through clubs like Women in Technology. I even strengthened my communication skills while serving as a Polytechnic Ambassador. "