Name: Elizabeth Austin
Job Title: VP, IT Application Services
Company: Family Dollar – Matthews, NC
What does your company do? Discount Retail – 7600+ stores in 45 states
Yes, but what do you actually do? Help ensure that our stores are open and able to ring sales.
Where did you go to college? UNC Charlotte
What is your degree in? Business Administrations
Did you always want to work in IT? I never considered IT as a career. I was recruited at school by a major technology company.
What is your favorite part of the job? Working with our people and the variety of challenges we work with – technology, business, change.
Describe the work environment at your company. Dynamic, growth-oriented
What qualities do you need to have to do your job? Business acumen, relationship oriented, team player, decisive, calm under fire, enjoy problem solving
What is (in your opinion) the biggest misconception about working in technology/IT? Importance of soft skills – communication, ability to work with business users and customers as well as team members.
Any advice for students or professionals going into your field? Start building your people network early in your career process with community support and industry relationships. Learn to use social media tools effectively and appropriately.
Personal hobbies and/or interests: “Junking”, Collecting NC Pottery & Folk art