As a lead business analyst for the UCPath Center’s Information Technology Shared Services (ITSS) department, Roger Nguyen says his aim is to work smarter, not harder.
He recalls several times when management also promoted a culture of working smart hours. “In ITSS, they stress we shouldn’t be here too long,” he says. “A few times, my managers tried to kick me out, but I tend to stay a little longer because I want to get stuff done.”
Nguyen says a typical day for him at UCPath, especially in a virtual environment, consists of meetings with other business analysts to discuss project or task updates to ensure that they meet ITSS guidelines. Nguyen also spends his days interacting with the operations teams, the development team and management to improve current business processes, support payroll, benefits and HR operations and test new enhancements. He describes his work at UCPath with three words: innovative, technical and analytical.
“I’ve learned to work well in difficult and critical situations because issues always come up,” he adds. “What I’ve gained professionally is to work through those situations and be the liaison between different departments, providing feedback and support.”
At UCPath, the IT department also provides system support for PeopleSoft for departments like payroll and benefits, Nguyen continues. ITSS responds to issues that need attention, like day-to-day transactions, as well as enhancing the UCPath system.
“On a day-to-day basis, we would have to review, analyze and clean up that data, so we could process payroll,” he explains. “Since we run payroll both biweekly and monthly, it’s always a highly intense atmosphere.” As a result, UCPath employees must move quickly while ensuring accuracy and serving with passion.
An important aspect of Nguyen’s role is customer support, training and problem analysis for software applications. He considers the relatively new UCPath platform as one of the biggest challenges working at UCPath. “With the implementation of PeopleSoft, a lot of users are new [to the platform], so there were a lot of opportunities for us to provide training for the different teams as far as what they can do and how they can report off of it.”,” he adds.
Nguyen says his favorite aspect of his new role so far at UCPath is mentoring other senior business analysts, as well as his relationship with his managers. “They are always there to assist us – if we need new technologies or their support on deciding about certain topics,” he adds. “UCPath is always on the cutting edge with bringing in new technology.”
UC Growth Opportunities
Previously a business systems analyst at the County of Riverside, Nguyen says he saw many benefits working within the UC system.
“I have a very supportive leadership team, from my director down to my managers. As far as supporting my career path, providing me the necessary tools or training needed to further my professional skill sets,” Nguyen stated. “UCPath is a fairly new, up-and-coming organization, so there’s a lot of room for growth,” he adds.
The biggest benefit, he confides, is UC’s health and medical plans. “UC picks up a lot of out-of-pocket expenses, and goes as far as paying for our premium.”
Nguyen says UCPath management supports employees’ career advancement, including his own education goals.
“If I need certain courses to better myself, my manager would enroll me in classes,” he states. “[Management] is hands-on regarding my annual goal setting and they seek out opportunities required for my position or for something that would help the business.”
In the past two years, Nguyen has moved up the ranks, starting as a senior business analyst three, and is now a Lead Business Analyst.
“My favorite moment [at UCPath] so far is the promotion,” he states. “My managers are supportive of the work I’ve done here and the product I’ve put out. They follow up with me with my career path and let me know what is needed from me to get to the next step.”
For those seeking a new career challenge, Nguyen recommends looking at UCPath. “This job is perfect for those who are passionate about doing their job and want an opportunity to advance themselves in their careers,” he concludes. “There are so many opportunities for movement here.”
