Jesse Goodman

For the past 16 years, Loyola University Chicago has been Jesse Goodman’s professional and academic home. After earning a bachelor’s degree in information technology through the School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) and steadily advancing his career within Loyola’s IT department, Goodman is now pursuing a Master of Professional Studies in Information Technology Leadership and Strategy (ITLS) to enhance his expertise and position himself as a leader in an ever-evolving field. 

Expanding his skill set 

As a student in the ITLS program, Goodman has significantly deepened his understanding of IT leadership and governance. “It’s really helped me zoom out and swap my technician hat for my leadership hat to think more strategically. I’d always been focused on technical project work, but leadership and management positions have a different set of challenges to think about that require a more strategic and holistic focus,” he says. The curriculum combines concepts from IT and business and emphasizes skills such as strategic planning, security and risk assessment, and ethical technology use, all of which are essential for taking on leadership roles in the field. 

The program also offers a forward-looking lens on emerging technologies and industry trends. “We’ve been looking at AI and how it's become so prevalent in both technology and education. For leaders in the technology space, thinking about how AI can be used ethically is a big topic,” he says. “Another big topic is data privacy. As IT professionals, we're often exposed to a lot of personal data from different sources. We look at how we can use the ethical frameworks that we're learning about to protect people's information.” 

Flexible and supportive 

From its emphasis on practical applications to its flexible online format, the ITLS program has been perfectly suited to complement Goodman’s personal and professional life. “I have two kids, and my wife and I both work. Being able to take care of my family but then also get this really quality education online from home has been huge,” he says. He has also appreciated the opportunity to learn alongside peers who are working professionals themselves, and who all bring unique perspectives and experience to the classroom. 

Even with the flexibility of the online format, what’s really stood out for Goodman is the support and dedication of the faculty. “Some of the faculty are full-time, and others are IT professionals that work at major corporations. What unites them is that all really love teaching and love sharing what they’ve learned from years in the industry with students,” he explains. “They’re constantly offering their personal time to students to have one-on-one sessions if we’re ever stuck.” 

A transformative experience 

As he nears the end of the program, Goodman says the experience has completely transformed the way he approaches his work. “It’s really broadened my understanding about how IT management works,” he says. “It’s prepared me to make decisions with more intention and to think about the long-term impacts and how they’ll affect not only my own work as a technician, but also the institution and key stakeholders as a whole.” 

After experiencing its impact firsthand, Goodman also encourages others aiming for leadership roles in IT to consider the program. “There are so many options out there for different programs, but this is one of the good ones. If you’re aspiring for a leadership role, whether as a manager, a director, or helping your organization make strategic decisions, you should take a look at this program. It will prepare you to think like a leader.”