At the Romain College of Business, our alumni are making an impact in organizations and communities across the country. This edition of our alumni spotlight features Ashley Chenevert, a 2012 Computer Information Systems graduate from Evansville who is also currently pursuing an MBA in Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence. Chenevert is a Digital Deployment Analyst at MasterBrand, Inc. and Vice President of the Tri-State Women's Network.
We sat down with Chenevert for a brief Q&A about her career path, favorite memories from her time at USI and advice she has for current and future Screaming Eagles.
What brought you to USI? I am from Evansville so going to USI was a no brainer for me. I wanted to go to a school that was close to home and relatively inexpensive.
What made you choose computer information systems as your major? I knew that computers were going to be the future. My mom always said to make sure you pick your degree early and pick something that you will use in the future. Now I am on my way to getting my master's degree in data analytics and artificial intelligence.
Did any professors make an impact on you while you were in school? Yes! There were actually two professors who really made an impact on me. Mr. (Ernest) Nolan was HILARIOUS. He always made learning fun and always shared stories about his own personal career journey. I always felt he was very relatable. Jennifer Williams was also another professor who made an impact on me. She was always so interesting to listen to and made staying engaged in the topics easy. She had a really laid-back personality and was also very relatable as well. I felt like both professors would be someone you could talk to really about anything.
What has been the biggest joy and challenge after graduation? The greatest challenge I would say is getting a job in your field. When I originally graduated in 2012, the market was not oversaturated. I was able to find a job at a company and start working in the help desk department. The biggest joy was actually graduating. There are so many people who start and never finish, and it was always important to me to push through and finish.
What advice would you give to current or prospective USI students? Take advantage of your counselors and office staff. They are always willing to help and walk you through what you need to do to make sure everything is mapped out for you for graduation. USI is growing, has a great campus and is very affordable which is something you might not think about now, but when you graduate and student loans are due, you will be happy you did.
Anything else you would like to include? Don't necessarily do what the market tells you is the newest and hottest job. Do something different. Do something that you love. Get into programs that are not quite as popular as others, so you have the advantage. Make sure you network with people and your professors. Go to job fairs. Start early so you are ready when you graduate. Remember that you might have to move to a bigger city to get the opportunity you are looking for. Stay positive and always remember that this is your future and it affects the rest of your life.