An accomplished senior IT professional with over 20 years of experience, Tameez Ansari is always looking to learn from new experiences. Over his illustrious career, he has lived internationally, garnered multiple certifications and worked in a variety of industries.
So, when Ansari decided to earn his master’s, he had high standards for his choice in university. Florida Tech’s MS in Information Technology online met these qualifications.
“When I was deciding on a master’s program and a college, after a very long period since I obtained a bachelor’s degree, there were three factors on my mind: the institute’s reputation, its ranking with respect to others in online learning and the flexibility it offered to working people. I found that Florida Tech met these criteria.”
As he pivots to consulting, Ansari says that his degree will enrich his experience and provide a competitive edge:
“I am at a stage in my career where I am focusing more on consulting, and a higher education in information technology will provide an edge when I combine it with other, complementary learning.”
We spoke with Ansari about his experience in the online program, future plans and more.
Q. Tell us about your background.
I have had a very varied and diverse education and career. I started out as a physiology student and changed my path to obtain a computer science degree. I started my career as a developer and over the years have worked in many different industries as a leader and mentor. I have international work experience and have lived as an expatriate outside the U.S. My career path has allowed me to work with people from many nationalities and cultures, and I have traveled to several countries. The jobs and travels have enriched my life, and I have much appreciation for other cultures.
Q. What were the most important factors in your decision to choose Florida Tech?
When I was deciding on a master’s program and a college, after a very long period since I obtained a bachelor’s degree, there were three factors on my mind: the institute’s reputation, its ranking with respect to others in online learning and the flexibility it offered to working people. I found that Florida Tech met these criteria.
Q. How will your Florida Tech degree make a difference in your career?
It will make a difference. I am at a stage in my career where I am focusing more on consulting, and a higher education in information technology will provide an edge when I combine it with other, complementary learning.
Q. Do you have any future plans with your degree?
I intend to gain additional certificates from accredited colleges in my field.
Q. What did you most enjoy about the program?
I appreciated the rolling schedule and the flexibility of the program. I could decide when I could take the courses depending on what was happening at a personal level or in my career. I also liked how I could prepare for discussions, assignments and exams.
Q. What was your favorite class and why?
I liked the MGT5154 Advanced Management Information Systems course because it was the last class I took before I graduated and because of the instructor, Dr. Michael Knight. He pushed us in our thinking and offered many angles to help us make our arguments whole. I also appreciated his comments very much for my discussions and assignments.
Q. What was your most valuable takeaway from the program?
My biggest takeaway from the program is that it’s possible to achieve one’s goals.
Q. What advice would you give other students who are considering enrolling in the program?
My advice is simple: keep pace, engage with others and think.
Q. Who has been your support system?
Definitely my family has supported me over the last two years. Without their help, the journey would feel like traveling on an unpaved road. The second support system has been the student representatives, who exemplified the support students need to get through the program.
Q. What was the most challenging part of your student journey?
In November 2018, my wife was involved in a severe traffic accident right in the middle of my last class for the entire program at Florida Tech. She required a hospital stay as well as time in a rehabilitation facility for about a month. I informed the professor and the advisor immediately because I knew I could not continue with my class. The professor was quick to let me know to take of the family and worry about the class later. The student representatives helped me to get through this difficult period and assisted me in applying for supplementary withdrawal. Of course, while it was not easy, in the end I was given the supplemental withdrawal, which allowed me to reregister for the last and final class for my graduation. Sometimes the challenges aren’t there where we expect them, but what’s important is how we deal with them.
Q. Who or what inspires you to succeed?
I am motivated to do better. My family provides the most support in this area. I am also motivated by my prior experiences. I have contributed to the development of people throughout my career, and I enjoy developing organizations as well.
Q. What is one fun fact about you?
I am all serious. Just kidding! I like to spend time on discovering new things, whether they are meant to improve skills, reduce wastage of time or provide a new way of doing the same things. I like to try something new on my own and share with others. I also want to try new experiences with my family members. One example is skydiving. It’s something I will be doing soon.
