My Path of Professional Growth In and Out of srcLogic
Written By: Shi Qi Connolly
From the very beginning of my academic journey, I knew I wanted to pursue a master’s degree. The question was never if — it was in what field? After earning my Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Virginia Tech, I chose an unconventional path: Technical Consulting. I landed a role at srcLogic, a decision that has since proven to be one of the best I’ve made.
My role in Technical Consulting at srcLogic goes beyond the typical software developer position. I work closely with clients to fully understand their business needs, present tailored technical solutions, and build them out. The position provides a unique blend of business acumen and problem-solving, which I’ve come to truly enjoy. It was during this time that I realized my interest in client interaction and team management. This insight led me to pursue a STEM-focused Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) at The George Washington University in 2023.
One of the key reasons I’ve been able to balance both work and school is the unwavering support I’ve received from srcLogic. My supervisors were more than willing to write letters of recommendation for my MBA application, and my teams have been understanding of the flexibility I need to manage both my job and academic responsibilities. SrcLogic also offers partial tuition reimbursement, which was a large factor in the choice of program I made. I opted for a two-year, accelerated MBA program designed specifically for working professionals, with in-person classes scheduled during evenings and weekends. This has allowed me to continue working full-time while pursuing my degree.
Admittedly, juggling both work and school has been challenging. I often joke that it’s as if the universe schedules my toughest weeks to align with demanding deadlines from both school and work. That said, I couldn’t have done it without the incredible support of my colleagues at srcLogic. There are days when I need to leave early for class or a final, and despite the pressure of tight schedules, they’ve always been understanding and accommodating. I’m deeply grateful for their flexibility. I am also counting the days until I graduate in May 2025.
Throughout my MBA program, I’ve had the opportunity to explore a broad range of subjects, from accounting and strategy to human management. The timing of this learning couldn’t have been better. At work, I was entrusted to lead a project on my own for the first time. I managed everything—from gathering business requirements and creating user stories to development, testing, bug fixes, deployment, and production support. With these added responsibilities, I found myself stepping into the roles of both project manager and business analyst. The knowledge I gained from my MBA has been invaluable during this transition, helping me to excel in these new responsibilities.
I’m proud of the strong relationships I’ve built with clients and the positive feedback I’ve received on the deliverables. As I continue to grow in both my career and my education, I look forward to applying the management skills I’m learning in the classroom to real-world challenges, ensuring that my work and impact continue to evolve.