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Name: Matthew N.

Employer: Galen Healthcare Solutions

Title: Director

What do you do?
Responsible for day to day management and development of a small HCIT consulting firm.

How did you get your job?
I founded the company.

What is your educational background/degree(s) earned?
I earned my degree in Finance.

Which degree(s) do you recommend for this career field?
I don't think there is a specific degree that is necessary, but certainly a computer science degree is a plus. I tend to think that motivated individuals, regardless of their degree, will find what inspires them and will, ultimately, be successful.

What talents, skills, or personality traits help someone do well in this job?
Certainly a talent for computers and learning new software products is necessary, but the ability to interact with people is the single most important. Much of the job is challenging physicians and clinical staff to change their current behavior--which is not the easiest thing to do.

What are the challenges of this job/career path?
In the beginning the challenge of debating physicians on the benefits of an EMR/EHR. They can be stubborn and set in their ways. When you gain a few successess you become confident. When you know, and you know you know; fear becomes confidence.

Any misconceptions about your job?
I think 'consulting' as a general rule has some negative connotations, but when you add value that quickly disappears.

What do you know now that you wish you knew as an undergraduate at The University of Iowa?
Definitely choosing my major. I wish I chose something that really interested me, rather than something I thought would get me a good job. Good job's always seek talented individuals regardless of a degree.

Final words of advice...
Go Hawks!