Logan Sackett

What was your major at CI? What was the month and year of your graduation?:

Sociology, May 2013.

What is your job title and the name of the company where you are currently employed?:

Title: Business Intelligence Analyst

Company: OmniUpdate, Inc.

What particular skills or talents are most essential to be effective in your job?:

One of the most important skills needed for my job is an understanding of both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. This is an area where my background in Sociology has been very useful in helping shape some of our processes for not only the methods we use to collect and store data, but also what to do with it next to get the most value.

Why did this type of work interest you, and how did you get started?:

I was most interested in the problem solving and analytical aspects of the job. I really enjoyed learning about quantitative analysis and statistics in my classes, and the idea of using some of those same skills to identify and interpret trends in a corporate setting for a tech company was very appealing.

How well did your college experience prepare you for this job?:

I think my experience prepared me very well. It wasn't as direct of a training as maybe some other majors are, but I really feel that I was prepared on a broader scale for a wide range of jobs.

Did you complete an internship while at CI? If so, what was your position? How did the internship help you in your career development?

Yes, I participated in an internship at the American Red Cross through CSUCI's Hank Lacayo Institute, where I helped with donor prospect research. This was hugely beneficial as it provided me with my first experience in an office environment. It also introduced me to how businesses operate technology-wise, using things like Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools that I now manage in my current job.

Did you utilize Career Development Services (CDS) during your time at CI? If so, please describe how engaging in programs and services (e.g., Career & Internship Fair, CI Connection Luncheon, Drop-In Career Counseling) offered through CDS contributed to your career development:

Yes, attending the Career Fairs was very helpful in exposing me to potential employers in the area. This was particularly useful for me as I grew up outside of Ventura County and did not initially have a good sense of what local companies were around.

Do you have any advice (job hunting or otherwise) for CI students?:

One thing I've learned is to be open to any job opportunity, even if it may not be your dream job. It seems like many of don't even know yet what our dream job is exactly, and being willing to try new things could be the key to finding it.

Would you be willing to connect with current CI students who have questions for you on LinkedIn? If so, please include your LinkedIn url.