Byron Jourdan, BBA 2007
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Program Manager Intern, Microsoft
Like many students of his generation, Byron got involved with the digital media craze
jump-started by Napster. He went to the store, bought a brand new $400 CD burner, returned
home, and found that his 266 MHz Hewlett-Packard PC couldn’t handle writing to CDs. Cruising the internet,
Byron learned more about computers and eventually convinced his parents to invest in a 500 MHz
Gateway (which his younger sister still uses). That exploration boosted Byron’s interest in computers, and he went
from burning CDs to studying technology in business and the business of
technology.
Byron started his education at UT Dallas, where he played two years of basketball and studied in a BA program with an MIS concentration. Looking for a stronger program where he could major solely in MIS, Byron decided to become a Longhorn.
After completing a highly technical internship with Chevron in geographic information systems, Byron wanted something geared more towards general business. At an internship exposition, the Microsoft recruiting table caught Byron' attention. "It’s such a big company involved with just about everything in software." A Microsoft Co-op internship took Byron to Seattle for six months, where he joined a talented group developing software, attending meetings, and making presentations and conference calls to clients.
Ironically, Byron’s Microsoft internship dropped him deep into the rough waters of anti-piracy. This time around, he played a role in the decision-making process by running meetings and weighing the risks and costs associated with different proposals from manufacturers of secure DVDs. Since security for optical discs did not work for DVDs, Byron compiled a manufacturing impacts document, highlighting what would change in the world of recordable media anti-piracy. He also developed an internal website for training, communication, and scheduling purposes that became the template for the entire security department. His experiences with the software corporation were so rewarding that Byron has accepted Microsoft's offer to return after graduation.
Byron would suggest to students looking for a similar internship that they (1) develop good communication skills, (2) strengthen their time management skills, and (3) learn to be detail-oriented. On top of learning and growing as a student, Byron urges his peers to get involved with activities and organizations outside of their coursework. "You have to be good at something else other than work. Relationships with co-workers are that much easier to build once you find out you have something in common other than where you work."
What does Byron have to say to graduating MIS majors concerned with working in industry? “There are plenty of opportunities out there that aren’t pure coding. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Congratulations, you no longer have to take your work home with you!” Byron loves that work ends when he leaves his building, adding, “There’s no more homework and studying!”
During his nights and weekends, Byron enjoys coaching basketball for high school training camps, reading about and dabbling with computers, and spending time with his fiancé.
