Lifelong learning leads to a big future

KALAMAZOO, Mich.— Studying business analytics and leadership and business strategy at Western Michigan University, Eric Isaksson has secured the future in business analytics that he has been working toward. From Northville, Michigan, the senior in his final semester in the Haworth College of Business is leaning into his academic community as he steps into the business world as a professional.

Spending his summer with General Motors, Isaksson worked as a data analyst intern. He was a part of a team that focused on statistical analysis, process building and dashboard buildouts and audits. He says he was excited to be doing work that was both meaningful to him and the company. 

Since the completion of his internship, Isaksson now works full-time at General Motors in the Global Business Solutions—People Services branch. He specifically works with the strategic analytics team as a business analyst and reporting specialist, where his duties include building, auditing and improving the company’s Power Business Intelligence dashboards. Through data migrations and process improvements, Isaksson and his team help to create a more efficient system and workplace. 

Balancing a full-time job while he finishes his undergraduate degree, Isaksson is committed to learning as much as he can about the world of business analytics and leadership. As he gets the chance to experience the realities of the business world, he also continues to grow in his position as a working professional.

“Being a dual major has allowed me to gain the skills and experience that will result in professional success,” he says. “The format of my classes allows for real-world experiences that help push me forward in my education. With practical projects and preparation for the workforce, the courses support me becoming my best self as a professional.”

Isaksson’s success is more than just the classes he takes—it is the people who are there to aid him along the way. “The professors have been great. They want you to succeed no matter what and make time for you. I have had plenty of meetings with faculty members, and they have always guided me in the right direction with an unbiased approach.” Being dedicated to his own education is one thing, but having mentors there to him on his path has been incredibly influential in Isaksson’s education and employment. 

Beyond his classroom community, Isaksson is also a part of the Western Michigan Project Management Institute, which allows him the opportunity to use his skills in a competitive environment alongside fellow business analytics students.

“Over a three-month period, I worked with a team to develop plans that safeguarded digital infrastructure from ransomware attacks,” he says. “We collaborated with industry leaders and submitted three reports during the project. Competing against other regional colleges, we were among the finalists presenting to executive judges specializing in cybersecurity and agile project management. As consultants, we built this plan using principles of project management, cybersecurity and data infrastructure.”

Hard work is something that Isaksson implements in his own life. He shares how his peers can follow this mantra as well.

“Working hard will put you in the places you want to be. Trust the process, set goals and actively work toward what you want,” he says. “Even if you feel like you are behind, keep moving forward. Hard work pays off in the end.”

After his graduation this December, Isaksson plans to pursue a master’s degree in either data science or business administration. Fully committed as a lifelong learner, he hopes to even achieve his Ph.D. in the future—a future that will be big due to his hard work and his experiences at WMU Haworth.

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