Computer science alumna finds challenges and success as leader in IT industry

Computer science alumna finds challenges and success as leader in IT industry

DETROIT (July 2, 2012) - Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer for Dell Adriana Karaboutis attributes much of her success to her ability to embrace challenges. She also attributes it to a solid education from Wayne State University.

The 1986 WSU computer science alumna, who was appointed to her new position in November 2011, is responsible for managing an efficient and innovative global IT enterprise focused on technology breakthroughs for Dell and its customers.

"Dell is a leading provider of not only the hardware that made us famous, but we are now an end-to-end solutions company with servers, storage, networks and cloud offerings, as well as integration services," Karaboutis said. "As global CIO, I hope to provide opportunities for world-class IT professionals to deliver and grow professionally."

Before joining Dell in March 2010, Karaboutis spent more than 20 years at Ford Motor Company and General Motors in various leadership positions within IT and business operations. According to Karaboutis, shifting from the auto industry to Dell was one of her greatest and most exciting challenges.

"I've been in the IT and computer science field for more than 25 years and there has never been a point in my career where I didn't feel challenged or energized by the ever-changing technology environment," Karaboutis said. "I took a gamble, though, with Dell and moved across the country to the tech industry. Doing IT in a company that specializes in technology and IT was a huge risk - there's always someone in the company who knows more."

Fortunately, Karaboutis felt well prepared.

"In addition to my fantastic computer science education, Wayne State taught me how to structure, discipline and focus my knowledge," Karaboutis said. "I not only learned how to program, I learned great analytical, organizational and leadership skills. Wayne provided not just classroom teachings, but also provided me with two fantastic internships and also offered one of the most diverse environments around; this has helped me in my career and in my new role at Dell."

In addition to a bachelor's degree in computer science, Karaboutis also pursued graduate electronic computer control systems studies at Wayne State and completed the accelerated Fuqua School of Business, Marketing Strategy Program at Duke University.

Karaboutis' advice for current students is to hone their professional skills now.

"Make the most of your time at Wayne and build a portfolio of skills," she said. "Successful IT and engineering professionals know as much about technology as they do business, people and leadership skills. Great technologists who don't know how to apply technology are just that: great technologists. Great technologists who understand business and people can be very successful professionals."

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Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution of higher education offering more than 400 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 32,000 students. For more information about engineering at Wayne State University, visit engineering.wayne.edu.