Vinay Narang ’16

Education:
BS Computer Science
University of Bombay (Mumbai)
December 2012

MS Management Information Systems
Texas A&M University
May 2016

Internship:
KPMG
Austin, TX
Summer 2015

Professional:
KPMG; Chicago, IL
Advisory Associate
July 2016 – September 2017

KPMG; Chicago, IL
Senior Associate
October 2017 – September 2020

KPMG; Chicago, IL
Manager
October 2020 – January 2021

PayPal; Chicago, IL
Information Security Manager
February 2021 – Present

Describe your career and what led you to your current position? Before coming to Texas A&M, I had worked as an analyst for over two years at Ernst & Young in Mumbai, India. I had a great time and experience there and was looking to leverage this experience at a global level. The MS-MIS program at A&M was a great platform to build on my previous knowledge and also explore new areas. My current position is an extension of my previous work experience in India. The MS-MIS program was the catalyst in helping me shift gears and prepare to work on the global stage. The blend of courses, culture, and environment set up by the Department of Information and Operations Management has prepared me to deliver the goods in the new phase of my professional life.

What was your favorite course taken while in the MS-MIS program? My favorite courses were ISYS 630 – MIS Project Management, ISYS 640 – Information Systems Sourcing, and ISYS 643 – Corporate Information Planning. These courses were most relevant to what I will do in my career and interested me beyond the syllabi. Drs. Whitten and Jamieson are amazing professors who converted these courses to an experience which will help an industry professional.
What was the most beneficial course you took in the program?  The most beneficial courses were ISYS 630 – MIS Project Management and MGMT 680 – Business and Corporate Strategy. These courses were taught well and had challenging syllabi. The case studies, assignments, and exams made it essential to focus at all times and allowed us to learn many things applicable to the technology consulting industry.

What advice would you give to current students in the MS-MIS program?  With regard to exploring internship and full-time opportunities, I would suggest that students do a self-assessment of their own interests and examine their passions. It is easy to be swayed to what your peers may like or do, but if one lacks the inherent drive and passion for a position, then it will be difficult to reach to the desired destination. With regard to time management, I feel the MS-MIS program gives you ample opportunities to better oneself in managing time between courses, on-campus jobs, and other activities. Enjoy yourself!