Financial Systems Analyst, Lyft
J. Michelle (Abuda) Maraj, now living in San Jose, California, powered through her master’s degree in business analytics just a year after she earned her BS in what is now information technology and systems. In 2014, she was selected to give the commencement address for her Jindal School class, where she pointed out it took her a few semesters to settle on majoring in what is now known as information technology and systems. Thanks to the Jindal School’s Career Management Center, she held an internship each summer during her college years. She also is a past contributor to the JSOM Perspectives blog.
Tell us the highlights of your professional career. What are your proudest achievements?
After only a year and a half at my first position with Crowe, I became a go-to person for analytics and data visualization-related tasks. The travel was great, the people were amazing, and every day at work was a highlight. I had the opportunity to work on a variety of different projects in really neat cities including Boston, Chicago and San Francisco.
What brought you to UT Dallas?
It’s funny because when I first started looking at colleges, originally I wanted to study abroad. Then, I wanted to just go out of state. By my junior year of high school, I was looking at Texas schools, and then my senior year I ended up applying to UT Dallas, which was less than an hour away from home. Getting accepted into the Collegium V Honors Program and the Davidson Management Honors Program presented me with interesting opportunities, and I had the chance to be a bigger fish in a smaller pond. The programs seemed awesome, I liked the culture of the school, and the scholarship opportunities played a huge role in eventually leading me here.
What is your favorite UT Dallas memory?
Too many to say. My most recent favorite memory would definitely be our Davidson Management Honors Program trip to Australia. We visited businesses in Sydney, learned about Australian culture, and I got to check an amazing country off of my bucket list.
Who was your favorite professor and/or what was your favorite class and why?
I have so many favorite professors and favorite classes. One of my favorite professors is Professor Charlie Hazzard. Visit his office and read the quote on his whiteboard. I first met Professor Hazzard when we invited him to present at a JSOM Book Club meeting, and after that, I frequently was visiting him in his office. He has so much great experience and advice. My favorite class was probably Prescriptive Analytics, because it came so naturally to me and I really enjoyed the content of the course.
What’s the best advice you have received?
My mom always repeats the saying “Everything happens for a reason.” From constantly hearing it, it’s helpful to keep in mind that even if things don’t work out the way that you want them to, it’s only to give you a better opportunity elsewhere. You might not get the best grades in your class or get that job interview you wanted, but that just means you can excel somewhere else.
What advice do you have for current students hoping to succeed in the business world?
Take a programming class. Also, get to know your professors. Especially in the Jindal School, they have experience in the business world and know what it’s like out there. If you need advice or connections in your field of interest, they probably have a person they could introduce you to.
What makes an effective leader?
An effective leader is one who helps those around them grow. An effective leader identifies and presents new opportunities to those they are leading, and helps promote success all around them. Effective leaders who I have worked with present our team with smart goals, and specific ways to reach them.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy taking pictures and blogging about trips that I go on. When I’m not traveling, I also like to write, play video games, and spend way too much time browsing the internet.
