A RAPID-FIRE Q&A WITH DLE NEWCOMER KARAN TIWARI

By Allison Rinehart, Communications Intern, Senior at Clark University

Business Information Analyst Karan Tiwari is eager to share his experiences and interests as one of the DLE’s newest members. A dual master’s degree holder, Karan is enthusiastic when talking about his deep-seated curiosity that has led to compelling career experiences and exciting travel adventures around the world.

In this HUB interview, the Williams College staff member shares highlights, along with his insights on what led him to the DLE and what he hopes to gain from his involvement.

HUB: Your background is in computer science, with advanced degrees in CS as well as Information Systems. What drew you to this work and what keeps you interested after over a decade of learning and working in this field?

KARAN: I was just intrigued and found it interesting to move data around. That’s what really drew me to computers. It was just interesting to me how data can flow. I want to understand and learn what are the ways that we handle data in the industry, and now more than ever that’s a huge deal. I’ve learned it is much more interesting to understand how different teams, people and leaders are powered by data, are powered by technology and automation–and how to help that move forward.

HUB: What motivated you to make the move from India to the United States to pursue your advanced degrees and career?

KARAN: My sister had been here in the States for a while. I found out about the better technologies, better opportunities that exist in the U.S. Some of the tools and some of the courses I was being taught in my first master’s degree (in Information Systems from Georgia State University) were way ahead of any of the programs I had available to me.

HUB: You currently serve as the Business Information Analyst at Williams College. What drew you to this position?

KARAN: I hadn’t worked in higher education before this, so I didn’t know what to expect. But this job is really, really close to what I was doing in the past, but in a very different environment. I find it much more enjoyable than I thought.

HUB: From Nashville and DC to Mississippi and Massachusetts, you have plenty of experience traveling the U.S.! What advice do you have for quickly acclimating to a new community?

KARAN: I have been fortunate enough to connect with different but very nice people. And I think that’s what you should do. Venture into the local community. I do trivia most Thursdays, go out for lunches and join a lot of events, like the DLE’s. Try to involve yourself as much as you can in the community. People are really welcoming.

HUB: What do you hope to gain from your experience with the DLE?

KARAN: Different ways to exist and benefit in my current setting–maybe newer, different, better opportunities. I’d like to grow my leadership skills and build a bigger, diverse network.

HUB: What skills and/or experiences can you bring to the DLE community?

KARAN: Most or all of my background is in IT. So just helpful conversations about business process analysis, how to build better business processes and how to coexist with AI is something I can bring to the table.

HUB: What keeps you busy beyond work? What are your interests and hobbies? Any volunteer work?

KARAN: The Berkshires are really keeping me busy with tennis, short hikes, trivia, different restaurants and driving around the Mohawk Trail. I recently got married, and that was keeping me busy for a few months. My wife and I both would really like to learn about some volunteer opportunities.