Making Connections to Drive Your Career
The Mentorship Program is a core component of the Master of Science in Information Systems curriculum. The program connects MSIS students with Seattle-based IT leaders through a unique one-to-one professional relationship that can bridge the gap between academic concepts and real world practices.
Sonu Batra, Global Delivery Executive with Seattle-based management consulting firm, Point B, has been an outstanding MSIS mentor for the past seven years. She has a roll-up-the-sleeves and dive-into-life attitude, having moved to the United States from Mumbai, India over a decade ago while working for Accenture. With that move came new experiences and new knowledge, and she’s never looked back.
Through her role at Accenture, Sonu has worked on diverse projects in finance, retail, and banking. Her range of experiences are ideal for the MSIS students she mentors who come from diverse professional backgrounds and interest areas. Seattle is a dynamic, multi-cultural, and multi-national community. This dynamic community allows MSIS mentors to connect with international students in a unique and meaningful way.
“Coming from India, the idea of having a mentor was new to me. I didn’t know what to expect when I went to meet her, but I was eager to speak with her. Sonu was so open with me and we quickly established a great rapport. She had overcome everything that was coming my way and I really looked to her, and still do, as someone who can guide me.”
Sonu’s early advice for Keya, and for all students, is to look for opportunities to gain hands-on experience before joining a company. In addition to honing your skills, this allows you to network and see if the company culture is a good fit for you.
When I met Keya she was interested in cyber security. I had experience as a project manager on a security project, so we were able to talk about the coursework and types of opportunities for her. It’s a challenge to keep up with all the changes in the industry, but it’s essential and it helps when you have hands-on experience.” – Sonu Batra
Sonu recognizes the great difference that making connections has had in her own career, and her desire to spread that impact is one of the reasons she continues to be a mentor in MSIS and beyond.
“I’ve been helped in my career and there are many people who want to help and see you succeed. I enjoy talking to students and learning about their projects and what they are working on, and I help the students by making connections and introductions when I can.” – Sonu Batra
This guiding principle has stuck with Keya as she continues her post-graduate successes, and her mentee relationship with Sonu continues to thrive.
Working with Sonu during the program showed me how important it is to build good relationships with people. I’m still doing that now in my job. I learned a lot from her and I know that seeking out people who have more experience can provide me with an important bird’s eye view about problems and ideas.”
– Keya Madhukar
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