Learning Outside the Lines at Iona Gave Alumna Maureen Murphy ’19 the Confidence to Succeed at PepsiCo
Name: Maureen Murphy ’19
Hometown: Monroe, Conn.
High School: Masuk High School
Job Title: IT Lead, Sr. Analyst
Major: Information Systems
Company: PepsiCo
What do you love most about what you’re currently doing?
My role centers around networking and collaboration between multiple teams and vendors in different functions. As someone who is energized by building relationships and being involved in different areas, my role within PepsiCo is definitely a great fit for me.
What is a day in the life like at your company?
At PepsiCo, an IT lead is the liaison between the business and IT functions. My typical day consists of aligning with multiple teams, and my specific role can change based on the project. Sometimes I need to be heavily involved with stand-up calls with the development teams, gathering requirements from stakeholders, managing vendor relationships, as well as continuous learning of current technology trends. Each hour of my day looks different. Some of my most recent tasks have been around data analytics for communications channels, digital collaboration platforms, and partnering with HR for employee data improvement for permission groups and distribution lists. I also stay heavily involved with our internship and campus hire programs.
Why did you decide to study your particular major?
During my second week at Iona, I met with my advisor, Dr. Richardson, to talk about which majors would be a good fit based on my interests. I knew I wanted to stay in business, but wanted to focus more on technology. He pointed me in the direction of information systems and encouraged me to pay close attention during my classes to see if it would be a good fit. He was definitely right and halfway through the semester, I claimed it as a major.
How did Iona prepare you to get where you are today?
Iona's Business Analytics and Information Systems Department gave a great look into how technology platforms work and how they are used in business. One class I took in 2018 focused on digital collaboration spaces like online communication channels and shared documents. Half of our classes were taken at home to mimic how a team would use the platform to work and learn. With COVID-19 I think the class was definitely ahead of its time for stressing the importance of fully virtual collaboration in business.
Were you involved in student groups or activities? If so, how did they shape or support your career path?
I was a member of the Iona women's lacrosse team during my four years. Lacrosse taught me about accountability, managing my time, and communicating with coaches and professors on obligations and issues. I was also a member of the Student Government Association for two years where I sat as a sophomore senator and the vice president of internal affairs. Finally, I was able to sit in as a student representative for some College Council and Board of Trustee committees. It was amazing to see that students truly did have a seat at the table and the Iona faculty made sure that we were visible and had a voice in these conversations.
What is your fondest Iona memory?
My fondest memory of Iona was walking around the campus. I always remember how many people I got to say hi to from sports teams, student government members, or campus club leaders. It always made me happy that I got to opportunity to meet all those amazing people.
Was there a professor, staff member, or peer who made an impact on you while you were at Iona? If so, who and why?
Joanne Steele, vice provost for Information Technology & chief information officer, was someone who made a huge impact during my time at Iona. As a student representative for the Information Technology Committee, I got to sit with her during their conversations around Iona's Technology Department which tied into my major perfectly. After a few meetings, I finally got the courage to speak my thoughts. After the meeting, Joanne had thanked me for voicing my opinions and how my feedback was not only appreciated, but would be actionable. She quickly showed me that even though I was not a staff member or professor, my thoughts were important. After that moment I became excited to attend these meetings which I did for three years. She gave me confidence that has transferred over to my career with the knowledge that there are many people in my company who would support me like Joanne did at Iona.
What is the lasting impact Iona has made on your personal and professional life?
Iona really shaped my confidence. I was able to make some of my best friends who have been a huge support system to me during and after college. Professionally, I feel that the involvement opportunities I was given at Iona helped me learn about working with others and growing strong networks.
What advice do you have for a current Iona student who wants to follow a similar path?
Iona really shaped my confidence. I was able to make some of my best friends who have been a huge support system to me during and after college. Professionally, I feel that the involvement opportunities I was given at Iona helped me learn about working with others and growing strong networks.
What seven words would your family use to describe you?
Energetic, happy, friendly, passionate, excited, goofy, and talkative.