Bridging Technology & Leadership at GGU

Ross, thank you for joining us to share your unique insights as Program Director. Can you share a little bit about your own background and how your career led you to GGU?

My own career path has been quite varied, with experiences ranging from sailing instruction to truck driving to operating heavy equipment. I initially studied civil engineering, then pursued a master’s degree in water resource management at UC Berkeley and was even a charter member of the EPA. Later, I transitioned into the tech sector, teaching myself programming and working in the early days of IT for banks and insurance companies, dealing with everything from healthcare systems to manufacturing.

Before coming to Golden Gate University in 2017 to lead this program, I spent three decades in the tech industry. My training is in engineering, so while I appreciate theoretical concepts, my focus is on practical application and getting things done. This aligns with the philosophy of GGU as a practical, business-minded school.

My diverse background has really shaped my perspective. I see myself as a career changer, even a late-in-life one, which underscores the idea that you can always reinvent yourself.

I believe the most important takeaway is that you don’t have to be bound by your initial career path. You can actively create your own future through thoughtful planning. Golden Gate University aims to provide guidance in this process.

As the tech industry continues to grow, many professionals are looking to gain the credentials needed to become a leader in the IT field. Why should they choose to earn their Master’s in IT Management from Golden Gate University?

The Master’s in IT Management program at Golden Gate University serves a multitude of student career goals. Some individuals come here with the entrepreneurial drive to launch their own technical startup companies. They need to grasp how these markets operate, and San Francisco, with its vibrant ecosystem and available incubator companies, provides the ideal environment for this learning. We actively refer our students to these resources.

Other students are looking to advance within their current organizations, such as transitioning from an engineering role to a lead engineer position in specialized areas such as databases, networks, business analytics, or business applications. These individuals need to acquire the skills to effectively lead programs and departments, and our curriculum is designed to provide that foundation. Furthermore, some students simply seek to enhance their understanding of leadership principles, which is also a core component of the program.

Another key feature of our program is the ability for students to tailor their curriculum. We offer four distinct tracks: security, leadership, analytics, and project management. Students can select courses from these tracks to create a personalized mix that aligns with their specific goals.

With the industry constantly evolving, how do instructors integrate current trends and technologies into the curriculum?

Golden Gate University distinguishes itself through its instructional staff, who are primarily adjunct instructors. These instructors are currently working in the industry, typically working daily in their current roles before coming to teach. As a result, they are at the forefront of industry trends and bring their direct experience from companies like NASA, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and other San Francisco organizations into the classroom.

Given the vast and constantly evolving landscape of technical skills, our program strategically focuses on the overarching strategies and business implications to prepare individuals for leadership roles. While we do offer skills-based courses in tools like Tableau and SQL, our primary emphasis is on corporate and technology strategies, as well as business strategies.

This is where the value of pursuing industry certifications comes in, allowing students to specialize in technical areas like Python, Cisco, or SQL, demonstrating mastery in specific domains. GGU also offers several graduate certificate programs in high-demand areas of technology and business for students who are interested in furthering their credentials.

In today’s competitive job market, how does this program equip students with the necessary skills to stand out?

This program offers a valuable technical master’s degree that importantly bridges the gap between technology and leadership. We introduce students to industry-recognized certificate programs such as ISACA security and PMP project management. These certifications hold considerable weight and value within the IT industry, providing students with credentials beyond their master’s degree. Some students even opt to dedicate a term to obtaining these certificates. Ultimately, our aim is to empower students to identify the optimal blend of education and certifications for their desired career paths.

Another significant opportunity for students is the option to participate in an internship. This is particularly beneficial for students who are new to the United States workforce or for veterans transitioning to civilian careers. It provides a chance to gain crucial industry experience, which is highly sought after by employers and often serves as a key factor in hiring decisions.

What are some of the career outcomes that students can expect after graduating from this program?

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds and work in diverse organizations. I’ve had students come from the San Francisco City School District, ServiceNow, and many others. They generally fall into two categories within the tech landscape: those working for major software creators – the Googles of the world – and those in companies that consume these products. For example, Delta Dental, located near Golden Gate, is a consumer of various tech products and requires an IT Director, just like Salesforce.

Our program prepares students for a variety of leadership and management roles, with graduates taking on job titles such as IT Manager, Director of Information Technology, Systems Architect, IT Project Manager, and even CIO or CTO.

A crucial element of my teaching is having students identify and interview someone who is currently working in their desired future role. These interactions can lead to valuable mentorships or simply provide crucial insights into career paths. The act of thoughtfully considering your career goals and structuring a plan significantly increases your chances of success.

As students plan their next career moves, what opportunities will they have for practical learning, networking, and professional development?

In addition to providing hands-on class projects and the option to complete an internship, we encourage students to seek out opportunities to connect with local professional networks. We actively engage with the Bay Area chapter of the Project Management Institute, often volunteering at their events.

Similarly, I also work to connect students with volunteer opportunities at the annual PyBay (Bay Area Python) conference in San Francisco. In exchange for their volunteer time, students receive free admission to the conference, providing valuable networking and learning opportunities.

I also work to connect students with volunteer opportunities at the Moscone Center, particularly for major events like the RSA conference. The proximity of these events to Golden Gate makes it a convenient option for students in San Francisco to gain exposure to significant industry events at little to no cost.

Of course, these local opportunities in San Francisco are less directly beneficial for students located in other regions. However, the insights and discussions from these leading-edge conferences are brought back to the university and integrated into student discussions.

For students who are earning the degree fully online from outside of the Bay Area, how does GGU support their professional development?

The key for online-only students is to understand how to leverage the technology industries in their respective areas. This involves coaching from me and the faculty on identifying local opportunities and becoming embedded in their local tech communities. This is certainly achievable, as most major cities have active professional technology networks.

The Bay Area isn’t the sole hub for technology. We connect our students with national organizations like the Project Management Institute and ISACA, encouraging them to join local chapters. It’s crucial for all students, especially in the post-COVID environment where some community connections were disrupted, to learn how to actively engage within their local professional communities to stay current.

Are there any opportunities for students to engage with each other and build community outside of the classroom?

To foster a sense of community, we have several active student-led clubs, including a Women in Tech club, a Business Startup club, an Analytics club, an IT Management club, and a Project Management club. The leaders of these student clubs often become involved in student government and are invited to present at university events. This club structure has become a vital part of fostering connections and building a strong campus community.

Another successful initiative has been gathering together for nationally recognized holidays and cultural events, such as Diwali, Passover, the Lunar New Year, and Veterans Day. Acknowledging and celebrating these occasions has created a rich social fabric on campus, providing opportunities for our students to come together, share meals, and build fellowship.

Is there anything else prospective students should know about the Master’s in IT Management program as they consider where to earn their degree?

Ultimately, our university is grounded in practical application and real-world business scenarios, not just theoretical concepts. We prioritize career-focused curriculum and maintain strong industry connections through our faculty, who are active professionals in their fields. Here, you will have the unique experience of learning from individuals who are currently working in the industry. The clearer you are about your aspirations and the better you communicate them to our experienced faculty, the more likely you are to achieve your desired career outcomes.

Whether you aim to launch a venture capital firm or become a software developer, the Master of Science in IT Management program at GGU can provide valuable support as you define your future career.