Role within one of the world’s largest airlines allows alumna to impact others professionally and personally

St. Cloud State University alumna Mary Rathsabandith may have fallen into the information technology sector while in school, but that didn’t stop her from taking off in the field.

She earned her degree in business computers and information systems from SCSU in 2003, and interned with 3M as a student.

“When I went to college, I just knew that I didn't want to be in college for seven years or 10 years. So I kind of just stuck to it (the BCIS program),” she said. “Eventually it was like, ‘Hey, this is it. Whatever it is, it's going to take me down whatever path is meant for me.’”

Rathsabandith has worked in various roles in the IT industry for different companies since graduating. She’s now been with Delta Air Lines for nearly 20 years, and currently holds the title of IT manager.

“It came full circle. It's not something I ever thought I'd be doing; you just kind of fall into it,” she said. “Delta is so big and we have so many different applications and different divisions within it; there's no way to be bored. It's such a fast-paced industry that it just never gets boring and I'm always still learning.”

While she enjoys her role, Rathsabandith said it took some adjusting in order to see herself as a manager.

“I think it took me a while to accept wanting to be a manager. Being a manager is about the people; versus when I'm an individual contributor, I get to focus on me — what I want to do, what I want to learn,” she said. “I mean, yes, you do get to do that as a manager, but focusing on you has to come after you take care of your people.”

Rathsabandith enjoys her work, especially leveraging technology and collaborating with other departments or partners to remove or reduce some of the barriers to a safe, efficient and enjoyable travel experience. But she also appreciates the other ways she can be impactful.

“There's other things that I do outside of my technical role that also bring me joy. It's great to see your product or a feature or function roll out. But there's also other things that I do within the company with extracurricular groups or activities that bring a different kind of meaning,” she said. “For work I have these deliverables, and you know there's a sense of pride when you see it being implemented, but it's different from professionally and personally. The impact I see from a manager’s role is for my team members. Am I giving them opportunities to grow? Am I giving them work that aligns with where they want to go?”

GENGAGE — a Delta program focused on connecting the various generations of the workforce, and Elevate — a competition where employees team up to deliver pitches to senior leaders, are just a couple of the programs Rathsabandith is involved with through Delta. Outside of work, Rathsabandith has been involved as a member of the strategic planning committee focused on the vision of the city of Bloomingtion, where she lives.

She credits her time at St. Cloud State with getting her involved and helping her make connections that have continued into her professional life. While on campus, Rathsabandith co-founded Asian Students In Action with two of her friends. She was also involved with Multicultural Student Services and studied abroad. She still has connections on campus through those experiences, and previously served on the University’s Alumni Association Board.

“I think those opportunities to serve in those capacities have helped me grow on a personal and professional level, because if I didn’t have those opportunities to have those kinds of engaging conversations, it doesn't give me an opportunity to find myself or find what brings me passion or find what really motivates me,” she said. “I find myself always shifting toward community building connections; it's those kinds of things that I really enjoy. I love my job, but I have to find happiness in other spaces, too.

“I feel super grateful for all the opportunities I was given at St. Cloud. State, and the opportunities that I continue to receive through St. Cloud State and other entities.”

Rathsabandith encouraged others considering an IT-related career or any career in management to not be afraid to try.

“Somebody saw something in me, and I took a leap. I said, ‘Okay, I'm just going to do it,’” she said. “And it was actually the best decision I've made in my career, because it just opened up so many other doors and got me really enjoying what I did and really got me being curious about what else could be next.”

She said it also helps to be active in your work in order to feel fulfilled.

“I think one thing that makes my life at work full is being involved and engaged. A lot of people will come to work, and just work. But I think really being engaged with the community around you, even at work, is really important. I step out of my own division and go into others and just learn about what they do and other people in other areas. I find that stepping outside your norm and in your realm and really being intentional about getting yourself out there is important.”