What are our alumni doing?
Jessica McFarlin
Graduation Year: ‘14
Major(s) and minor(s): math major
Post-grad education:
Current position: IT Application Analysis Supervisor
Employer: Business Information Services, Credit Acceptance Corporation
The most helpful aspects of my undergraduate education in mathematics were: critical thinking has been the most important. Throughout my career as a Software Tester, Business Analyst and People Leader it's been extremely helpful to ask "What problem are you trying to solve?" and having the tools to understand how to help. It's allowed me to collaborative in my working relationships because we all know in mathematics that there's more than one way to solve a problem and there's likely more than one interpretation of data. Taking in different perspectives and having tools to solve the problem is what's allowed me to achieve everything I've worked towards so far. I can't stress enough how helpful the experience of problem solving has helped in all aspects of my life.
The advice I’d offer to current undergraduate students in mathematics: The most fulfilling work comes from situations where you are challenged. Chase after opportunities that sound interesting. You are always evolving and it's unlikely you will have the same interests 5-10 years from now. Try to understand the why in everything you do, it will allow for more creativity and innovation.
In a typical day in my work, I: supervise Business Analysts, Quality Assurance Testers and Developers who develop on and enhance the reporting tools for Credit Acceptance Corp. We work alongside a Data Warehouse team to develop and publish Corporate and Strategic Reporting for all areas of the company. Our team works to provide information that allows for data exploration and for performance management of our operational areas. I work alongside another supervisor to build high-performing teams who provide business value to the company. Additionally, I strive to develop each person individually to ensure they are making progress towards their own personal career goals.
Other thoughts/comments: I have so appreciated the education I received at GVSU. It has set me up for success in my professional and personal lives. I have fond memories of sitting on the top floor of Mackinac working through problem after problem. There was nothing more satisfying to me than throwing my pencil down after solving a challenging problem. Even though the atmosphere has changed, I get the same feeling going into work everyday that I had sitting outside Professor Novotny's office completing hard proofs!
My husband also has a Mathematics degree (from MSU), we got married on Pi Day as an ode to our love for the subject!
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