Spring 2010 - Minnesota State University, Mankato

Page 2 I/O Update
Alumni Focus: Carrie Christianson DeMay, Data Recognition
When Dan asked me to write a piece describing my career path, I
responded immediately that yes, I am thrilled to do it! Every day for
several weeks it was on my task list and every day for several weeks I
was excited to have it there. But every day for several weeks it
moved from the current day’s task list to the next day’s list, not at all
begun. And it wasn’t because I was too busy. In fact, I wasn’t very
busy at all. I found myself cleaning out my email, reading old trade
journals, sorting old paperwork, etc. It occurred to me that these are
the tasks I do when there is something else I should be doing but am
putting off as long as possible. Why was I doing this? I have struggled
with the cause of procrastinating something fun like this, but now,
putting fingers to keyboard, it has become painfully clear to me. My
career progression has not been a path. A path is long and meandering
with curves and direction changes. Mine is more like two stepping
stones across a trickling stream. In fact, I could write ―a piece describing
my career path‖ in two concise sentences and not overlook a
thing. But then they might just make the picture bigger to fill up the
space… So, here’s how it went. I had an interview at Questar for a Survey Research Project Manager Intern
position. I was offered the job and I loved it! Then, 13 years ago, I had an interview for a Project Manager
position in the Survey Division at Data Recognition Corporation. I was offered the job and I still love it!
So, yes, my path consists of only two companies, but I have and continue to find my career very interesting
and fulfilling. At DRC, I spent the first few years learning the ropes in both Project Management and Research
Consulting. This is when I realized I was born a Project Manager. (Or, being the oldest of 7 kids, maybe I
learned it.) Nonetheless, it was my calling.
A few years ago I was promoted to Director of Project Management, which means I fulfill the role of Program
Manager for our commercial accounts. These are very large-scale, complex employee engagement, 360,
and customer satisfaction survey programs. Every day is exciting and challenging; no two days are alike; and
my priorities change from hour to hour. In graduate school, I didn’t know this is what I wanted to do (or
even that it existed) but I look back now and can see there were particular things I was learning to which I
was drawn. The ―I‖ side more than the ―O‖. I jump right into managing details, creating processes, developing
tactics - it is second nature for me. I definitely feel very fortunate to have jumped onto the two stones I did.
The advice I have for students:
1) Always seek opportunities to learn
2) Always accept challenging assignments
Even though my current role is not extensively research-focused, I make sure to remain involved in research
in order to keep current with the field – particularly within SIOP. I feel that no matter where I am or what
I’m doing, I’ll always be an I/O first. I also obtained an MBA a few years ago. And, just like with the I/O program,
I LOVED being a student again, learned a ton, and use the information I obtained every day. Having
always been on the provider side (for which the I/O program prepared me well), I feel the business degree
gives me a much greater understanding of the client side as well.
And finally, I find it impossible to describe my career without providing huge kudos to the program. If you
have been around awhile, you know what an amazing program this is. If you’re a first year student, let me just
say that I could effortlessly write a piece advocating the program – without any procrastinating at all… and
there would be no room for the photo.