I'm a 2008 UMass alumni and I'm an Operations and Logistics Manager at Uber Technologies. Uber is changing the way people get around cities by calling a black car via a mobile app, with the push of a

I'm a 2008 UMass alumni and I'm an Operations and Logistics Manager at Uber Technologies.

Uber is changing the way people get around cities by calling a black car via a mobile app, with the push of a button. A lot of hard work goes on behind the scenes but Uber connects you with a safe, reliable ride in a rapidly expanding number of cities around the world. Try it next time you're in Boston!

As an Operations Manager I'm responsible for recruiting, on-boarding, and supporting our driver-partners. In addition, we analyze trip data, optimize intra-office process, and open new markets with a common goal of creating a more reliable service for riders. Working on the partner side of the business requires an analytical expertise but there is a large face-to-face component where you are engaging with driver-partners in person on a daily basis. There are often communication, technology, and process barriers that limit you from helping driver-partners and the challenge is overcoming those hurdles. It's an exciting role because things change every day. We constantly tweak our process to provide better support to driver-partners and to help get them signed-up and on the road faster.

As a student, if I were to prepare for a similar role I would focus on verbal and written communication courses, get some sales experience, and master pivot tables and VLOOKUPs. If you teach yourself some basic SQL, you'll be an extremely valuable asset. New graduates would be best suited for the Operations Coordinator position for which we are currently hiring in multiple cities across the US.

If you’re interested in entrepreneurship or want to explore a non-traditional career path, seek out Paul Silva and the UMass Entreclub. There are also a number of entrepreneurship courses that will be valuable to you as a working professional. In addition you can check out the NYC Startup List for more inspiration.

Do everything you can NOW to create a unique academic experience. No one will do it for you. Work hard, have fun - Go UMass!