Vladimir Sukonnik

Technology Management, February 2010

Please describe your academic background including the reason(s) for enrolling in the M.S. program at the School of Continuing Education.

I received a B.S. in computer science and a B.A. in mathematics from Northeastern University in Boston. Later, I went on to receive my M.S. in computer science from Boston University and most recently my M.S. in technology management from Columbia University. My education is very technical in nature. I picked up management, operational and business skills throughout my career. I wanted to have a formal foundation to some of the principles that govern the life of business operations. Technology management hit the spot for me. I was not very comfortable around finance because I did not understand the fundamentals of financial management or accounting. I took extra courses from the Business School to address the gap in my education.

Please describe your professional background leading up to your current position.

I have 25 years of experience in information technologies. I started my career as a software programmer, and then became an engineering manager, vice president of engineering, and lastly the manager of the perimeter security infrastructure team at the Bank of America. My first job was with Digital Equipment Corporation, followed by a series of start-up companies that pretty much followed the evolution of the internet.

What is a typical day like in your current position?

My organization, Global Perimeter Security Governance team, is spread across the globe. Most of the time, I communicate with my team and my peers over the phone. Sometimes we meet over Telepresence conferences and occasionally face to face. I spend my day developing various strategies related to the bank security infrastructure, work on projects for our customers, and of course talk about our budgets, finances and resources. I also meet with the bank business managers who are our primary customers, discussing their plans and requirements and how we can assist them in meeting their goals.
 
How did the Technology Management program help you prepare for your career?  
 
Technology Management had provided the framework necessary to make me more effective in my position. In my job I deal with making sure that our organization is effective, our budget is balanced, our contracts with our suppliers are sound, and our customers are happy. All of these topics were covered in various courses offered through the Technology Management program. While all of the courses were relevant and helpful, the specific courses that helped me were Technology in the Business Environment, Financial Accounting, all of the Executive Seminars and Technology and the Law.

What advice would you give to students who wish to pursue careers in Technology Management?

I believe this program provides sound fundamentals and the framework necessary for executives who run enterprise technology organizations. The degree blends together the right combination of science, best business practices, and politics of the modern enterprise. There is also an entrepreneurial aspect of the program for those who are thinking of starting their own business. I particularly enjoyed the mentorship program which gave me the tools and skills of communicating at very senior levels within the organization.

Networking is very important, so participate as much as possible in SCE events. I also took advantage of the classes offered by the Business School. They are very good, if you are interested in deeper understanding of financials, marketing, accounting, etc.