MORE ABOUT ALIA
Graduation Date: June 2008
Hometown: Bensenville, Illinois
Undergrad: Computer science/math, with a minor in information systems
Awards & Achievements:
- Commencement Speaker for School of CTI (June 2007)
- Dean’s List
- O’Brien V-RBA Scholarship
- DePaul Faculty/Staff Scholarship
- Bensenville Rotary Club Scholarship
- Community Service Based Grant Scholarship
- Nominee for the Jack Cooke Kent Graduate Scholarship
- Annual 2006 Grace Hopper Scholarship for Women
- Arthur J. Schmitt Academic Scholarship for Leaders & Scholars
- Published in: International Conference of Knowledge of Management, West Charlotte, NC (October 2005), Women in Machine Learning Workshop, San Diego, CA (October 2006), SPIE Medical Imaging Conference, San Diego, CA (February 2007)
Campus Involvement:
- Student Representative, CTI Leadership Board Council
- Treasurer, Upsilon Pi Epsilon
- Event Coordinator, Computer Science Society
- Student Mentor, herCTI (currently member for herCTI)
- Member, IEEE
Current Employment:
- AT&T Inc.
Alia Bashir Sheikh
Area of Study:IT Project Management
I chose my major because... I knew I liked to be around technology and gadgets, plus math was and is one of my strengths. The first two years of undergrad work at DePaul, I had no idea really what I was getting into when I said 'computer science' and realized in those years that I did not want to be in that direct field. Later that second year, I had a class called 'Systems Analysis and Design' with Dr. Olayele Adelakun, who made me realize that that my passion was project management, and so I added the information systems minor. (It was too late to change the full major, and besides, I wanted the math part.) Also, I knew what path I wanted to take as a graduate student and was able to go into information technology (IT) project management.
My favorite thing to do on campus is... attending networking events and socializing with friends and classmates. One can spend hours just doing this and not realize where the time has gone! I absolutely love some of the events that DePaul CDM (formerly CTI) -- and DePaul in general -- holds for its students; they really are great opportunities for all.
My favorite professor at DePaul is... not just one professor—but if I were to choose—it would be two. Dr. Olayele "Yele" Adelakun and Dr. Lsucia Dettori. Both of these professors have had a significant impact on my studies and personal growth. Dr. Yele has helped me find my career path through his teaching styles and methods and Dr. Lucia has been almost a motherly figure in getting me through my undergrad years. She was the reason why I became so involved with CDM and learned to appreciate my school and represent it. I am truly grateful to these professors.
The class I most enjoyed here was... the global Study Abroad course to Brazil in Spring 2007. This course was a 10-day class trip to Brazil, visiting three different cities: Rio de Janeiro, Curitiba, and Florianopolis. Being out of the American culture in a third-world country was truly an amazing experience. It was very different, yet so much fun. Our purpose was to examine the technology level in Brazil and we were pretty impressed—being third-world, they had strong ambitions. A very awesome experience, to say the least.
When I have free time, I like to... just relax with my husband. Free time is usually rare — so it is my only downtime. I also love to read and haven’t been able to do much of it since entering college. However, I do love the "Harry Potter" books to death and have read the last one. I also enjoy watching some traditional Japanese style anime — the good ones.
One thing I didn’t know about DePaul before coming was... the time balance needed for success. I was still in that high school mode and had no idea the flexibility of classes and scheduling. Oh, and never to schedule most of your classes in back-to-back order on the same days — it always burns you out no matter what. And not classes on Friday is completely worth having even that Thursday night class!
The greatest thing about going to school in Chicago is... the street smarts and other experiences one can obtain only by living in the city. Even though at one time I grew up in the city, I never truly experienced it. I was able to learn so much more about Chicago and the many things it has to offer, so attending DePaul here has been one of the most gratifying experiences.
DePaul's School of Computer Science, Telecommunications and Information Systems (CDM) program appealed to me because... CDM is absolutely the best college at DePaul — hands down. CDM has the best advising staff, extracurricular programs, professors and networking events. I have absolutely enjoyed and continue to enjoy my experience at CDM because it has been so rewarding. CDM professors relate to students and are flexible, caring and creative. They have so much knowledge and experience to share, and some really go the extra mile and take their time to help us. I have been fortunate to meet and develop great relationships with these professors.
The experience of working on a combined undergraduate/post-graduate degree with CDM has been... absolutely the most beneficial program I was able to partake in. I knew that I would not want to go back to school if I took a break in between and with work overtaking most of my mental health and time, it would be very tempting not to go back. This program allowed me to transition smoothly into post-grad studies with an added benefit of having three undergrad/grad classes roll-over onto the new graduate degree! With so many benefits, why not join it? I would highly suggest this option to those wanting to obtain a master's degree.
The best thing about DePaul is... diversity. There are so many different types of students, cultures, religions, etc., and all are honored here at DePaul. It really just makes you feel at home and comfortable.
My greatest success as a student here has been... getting involved in the research field and being able to present my work at conferences. This experience has given me so much more than I could have ever asked for. It has helped me work exceptionally on my communication skills, confidence, speaking abilities and more.
After completing my combined undergraduate/post-graduate degree, I plan to... I plan to continue working full-time as a project manager. I hope to achieve my long term career plan of becoming an executive level manager and will do everything to work towards this goal. Also, I am looking to continue school to obtain an MBA; in the future, I do plan on pursuing a doctoral degree.
The one thing I’d like to say to students considering DePaul... just make sure you are open-minded and ready to experience all DePaul has to offer. If you are simply going to go to class, do homework, and study for exams, and not get involved or participate in the many events, then it is not worth it. If you are coming to DePaul, that means you want to come to a school which is calling out to you to learn, live and experience personal growth in so many ways.
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