IPN Spotlight: Shirin Lalani (Senior IT Program Manager, American Airlines)
Shirin lives in Phoenix, AZ but her hometown is Chicago, IL. Currently, Shirin is a Sr IT Program Manager at American Airlines. She has been trained in various Project Methodologies over the years and has a PMP. Shirin has been a PM with the company for 6 years in areas of HR, Portal, Revenue Accounting, Alliances and Reservations. Her education background consist of a Bachelor in Science (double major in Psychology and Sociology) from Loyola University of Chicago and a Masters in Business Administration (E-Business concentration) from DePaul University, Chicago. Her past experiences include working for Rotary International and EDS.
What skills have helped you in your career?
Not only I have the Business background, but have the IT certifications (Microsoft, Cisco, etc.) to go hand in hand with it. In addition, my Psychology and Sociology education has helped me with building and maintaining strong relationships with my colleagues and Managers, while helping me create network of mentors.
What do you wish you had known or done differently throughout your career?
I wish I would’ve identified someone in my field to partner up with earlier in my career. Mentors are very important as I have realized, and having that right guidance really can make a huge difference in where you end up. Better late than never though, always surround yourself with folks that represent where you would like to be.
What do you do for continuing education and improvement?
Keeping up to date with project methodologies and attend seminars and forums for project managers. A member of the PMI network that allows me to network with other professionals in the area.
What is next for you in your career?
Leading a team of project managers and/or leading a team of IT professionals (Developers, QAs and PMs) in delivery of IT projects.
What advice would you offer to others?
Keep updating your skills. Always challenge yourself with new training and/or new roles. Never stop learning. Also, align yourself with a mentor or mentor(s) professionally, this relationship helps you create a brand for yourself and at the same time gives you champions around you who support and promote your skills.
Areas where you can help other Ismailis:
• Mentorship
• Networking
• Career development and planning in IT and Project Management
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