NAME OF BUSINESS: Webster University
ADDRESS: 470 East Lockwood Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63119-3194
CONTACT PERSON: John Aleshunas
TELEPHONE: 314.961.2660 ext 7565
POSITION: Assistant Professor
INFORMATION INTERVIEW
1. How did you get into this business?
I sought a full-time teaching position with Webster University when I became disenchanted with
private industry. I taught for Webster for five years as an adjunct prior to applying for this
position. This experience convinced me that I would be very happy with this career path.
A. Education: This position requires a Master of Science degree in Computer Science
and a PhD degree was preferred. I have a Batchelor of Science degree in
Mathematics, a Master of Science degree in Computer Science with emphasis in
Machine Learning, and post-graduate study in Operations Research.
B. Interest: I worked with and developed automation systems for sixteen years prior to
starting my present position. Additionally, I taught as an adjunct professor for Webster
University before becoming a full-time faculty member.
C. Past Experience: While in the military I conducted various forms of instruction. I also
worked as a Systems Analyst, a Sales and Market Researcher, a software
development manager, and as the department manager for a corporate Data Mining
Department. Additionally, I taught as an adjunct professor for Webster University
before becoming a full-time faculty member.
2. What is it that you like about your job?
I particularly like the fact that every day I feel that I’m doing something that really matters.
3. What is it that you do not like about your job?
I don’t like grading papers. I tend to internalize and treat the grading as an evaluation of how well
I presented the material to my students.
4. Are there any specific skills/abilities/physical tasks that the job requires?
This position requires strong knowledge of Computer Science fundamentals with an emphasis on
programming, database systems, systems analysis and design, algorithm structure and
development, networking concepts and systems security. A candidate must also be able to
impart this knowledge to others in an instructional environment.
5. What are the minimum qualifications for this position?
Webster University requires a Masters of Science degree in Computer Science or a related field
but would prefer a PhD degree. They also have a strong preference for applicants with several
years of practical industry experience in Information Systems.
6. What computer programs and courses are required for this position?
The following software applications are used by Computer Science faculty at Webster University:
Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Visual Studio (C++, Visual Basic), Rational Rose, Sun Forte and
Sun One Studio, Microsoft Access, Oracle RDBMS, Dreamweaver within a Microsoft Windows or
Sun Solaris environment.
7. Would you have any ideas/strategies on how to break into the job market when I
graduate?
An extremely helpful tactic to break into the Information Systems job market is to work on an
internship. This provides you with experience and allows a prospective employer to get to know
you well. After graduation, two helpful techniques are working for a consultancy and working on a
user help desk. Consultancies are more willing to hire college graduates. They will train you and
the varied experience you gain will be most helpful. Many companies will recruit for their help
desk from recent college graduates. A help desk position will teach you about the company’s
systems and business processes while letting the company evaluate you for other opportunities.
8. Can you tell me of another person I can talk with/can I tell them you referred me?
No, I would prefer not to make a referral at this time.