Kevin Haris

 

Meet Kevin Harris. Kevin works at Cisco, an IT and networking company that specializes in switches, routers, and cybersecurity.  Their main product is Webex.  Kevin is a Business Analyst.  He evaluates the straights and weakness for companies IT project plan.  He will also develop a detailed analysis and validation for projects or enhancements.

 He got into accounting in college because he knew he wanted to do something in business.  To really understand business though you need to know the numbers for the business.  Kevin’s first project in the company was working with the payroll department.  He implanted a new payroll system.  At the time their existing system was 30 years old.  His first job was working at one of his local grocery stores as a stock boy.  He works there part time while going to college.  This gave him the opportunity to talk to the different customers which is what he enjoyed.

 Kevin has enjoyed his time with Cisco and would recommend working there.    Cisco tries to do their best for their employees and are employee orientated.  He’s met a lot of hardworking co workers and has made some great friends.  One of his favorite projects he has worked on was the pay roll project.  His knowledge grew and he enjoyed working with his team.  Working for a start up company, which was with one of his past employers, was a bit challenging.  Most start up companies aren’t stable and not managed well.  They are still working out the “kinks” and living by trial and error.  However, with Kevin also emphasize that he did learn a lot working at the start up and he was grateful they provided him with the experience.

 One of Kevin’s mentors is an ex-manager when he worked at the start up company.  He still talks to him to this day and even uses him as a reference.  His mentor has even recommended and has gotten him jobs.  Keeping an open mind has been one of Kevin’s keys to success.  Another key has been not to be afraid of change.  Making the best of changes you don’t always agree with can be a learning experience and you might learn that, that change is actually what you need or needed to be done.  He has learned to embrace change and see what happens.

 The best advise Kevin can give to someone in his field or wanting to become a Business Analyst is to always look for ways where you can improve.  Never give up trying.  You can always make the process better no matter what department you are working with.  Learn from other people and what has/hasn’t worked prior.  Accepting change is not bad and should be taken as a learning tool.

 Kevin balances his work and personal life by taking 10-minute breaks throughout the day.  You need that break at times during the day to take a walk and clear your head.  Talk to other co-workers.  Having human interaction is key.  You can then go back to work with a clear head.  When your workday is done turn off the computer and focus on your family/friends/or your time.  Don’t let yourself get burned out.  Just as work is important for you, so is spending time with your loved ones.  After all your loved ones are the ones will be there for you at the end. 

Comments

Popular Posts