A New Career Path in Tech: The MSIS Journey That Led to Costco

When Isha Patel (MSIS 2024) finished her undergraduate degree in communications, she knew she was missing something. She had explored different fields—computer science, business, marketing—but none of them felt quite right on their own. It wasn’t until she found the Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) program at the University of Washington Foster School of Business that everything clicked.

Today, Patel is a project manager at Costco IT, recently promoted to the Value Management Office, which oversees top-priority programs. She credits Foster’s MSIS program for helping her bridge the gap between technology and business—something she hadn’t been able to do in her undergrad experience alone. “I saw this program as an opportunity to build a strong technical foundation while also gaining the business skills needed to succeed in a data-driven world,” she says.

Her journey wasn’t a straight line, but that turned out to be an advantage. Through hands-on coursework, supportive faculty, and a close-knit cohort, Patel found her way—and a job she loves.

Location, location, location

For Patel, finding the right career wasn’t about choosing a single discipline—it was about blending them. While exploring different fields in her undergraduate studies, she recognized that each of them offered something valuable but none felt like the perfect fit on their own. 

She realized she needed an opportunity to develop both technical and business skills. And she knew that if she wanted to break into the tech industry, she needed to be where the opportunities were. That search led her to Foster.

Patel explains, “I chose Foster because of its exceptional reputation and the strategic advantage it could provide. I knew I wanted to stay in Seattle after graduation—a city known to be a global tech hub.”

Blending tech and business strategy

Beyond its location, Foster’s reputation for high-quality education and a strong alumni network made it an easy choice. But Patel wasn’t just looking for a well-regarded school—she needed a program that aligned with her career goals. She wanted something that combined business and technology without locking her into a purely technical role.

That’s what made the MSIS program stand out. It struck the right balance between technical skills and business strategy while providing plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning.

“I saw this program as an opportunity to build a strong technical foundation while also learning the business foundation necessary to be successful in a data-driven world,” she says. “The professors weren’t just highly educated—they had actual industry expertise, which made the curriculum even more interesting.”

That balance made the program feel like the right fit, but Patel still had concerns. She was entering grad school straight from undergrad, with limited work experience. She worried, “What if I’m the least qualified person here? The least experienced?’”

That uncertainty didn’t last long. The MSIS program brought together students from a wide range of backgrounds—some with years of experience, some fresh from undergrad, and others looking to pivot careers. That mix gave Patel insight into different career paths and reassured her that she belonged. She reflects, “If anything, it helped me gain more perspective into different career transitions and where people go after getting a master’s degree.”

Building real-world skills in the classroom

One of the biggest surprises for Patel was how quickly she was able to apply what she learned in class to the real world. The program emphasized project-based learning, where students worked in teams to solve business problems using data and technology that she says helped her develop both technical and leadership skills.

Her favorite course? AI and Machine Learning with Assistant Professor Léonard Boussioux. “Instead of being scared of AI, he taught us how to leverage it to make our jobs easier,” she says. One of her standout projects in that course involved coding a website from scratch with built-in AI elements for music, videos, and images. Patel had never done anything like it before, but even after the class ended, she wanted to keep working on it—just for fun. “That class was so compelling that it made me think, ‘No matter where my career leads, I’d love to learn more about AI.’”

The ability to take a challenging topic and make it engaging stuck with her. She feels more confident engaging in conversations about AI at work. She also appreciated how the program helped her adapt to new technologies rather than resist them.

Landing a job at Costco

Patel landed an internship at Costco IT while still in the program, which eventually turned into a full-time role. “The skills I developed through the MSIS coursework played a significant role in getting hired for this position,” she says. 

One of her organization’s leaders at Costco even had a connection to the MSIS program. “When he found out that I was from Foster, he said, ‘I know the kind of people Foster creates and the kind of education the MSIS program gives you.’”

Beyond the technical knowledge and strategic thinking, Patel says the MSIS program helped her build confidence and genuinely enjoy her career. “I love my job, and I love the company I work for, too. Going to work makes me feel energized.”

The unexpected benefits of networking

Networking became one of the program’s most valuable—and unexpected—benefits. Patel initially saw it as just another professional skill, but it quickly became a lasting support system.

“People don’t realize the gold that’s within their own class,” she explains. “The connections you make in MSIS stay with you, and they can open doors when you least expect it.”

That sense of community extended beyond classmates. Through the MSIS mentorship program, Patel was paired with the CIO of Seattle Children’s Hospital, gaining valuable industry insights. Outside formal mentorship, the program’s tight-knit nature fostered strong relationships with faculty, alumni, and peers—connections Patel continues to rely on today.

Advice for future students: Make the most of it

For anyone considering the MSIS program, Patel has one piece of advice: make the most of it. “Time really flies. Make the most of each class, each day. Push yourself out of your comfort zone.”

That means saying yes to networking events, getting involved with classmates, and taking advantage of Foster’s career resources. “As cliché as it sounds, networking really is key. The program gives you so many opportunities to build connections, but you have to put yourself out there.” For Patel, the investment paid off—not just in terms of a job, but in long-term career prospects and personal growth.

Looking ahead

Patel’s journey from undergrad to project manager wasn’t exactly what she expected—but that’s what made it so rewarding. By embracing new challenges and keeping an open mind, she found a path that fit her perfectly.

Now, as she looks ahead in her career, she knows she has the skills, connections, and confidence to keep growing. And she’s happy to share her experience with future students who are just beginning their own journeys. 

“If you’re looking for a program that challenges you, supports you, and positions you for long-term success, MSIS is the place to be,” she says. “I’m grateful for everything that Foster has contributed to my journey.”

Learn more about the Master of Science in Information Systems here.