In our most recent edition of We Are IT, we highlight the work of Brittany Richardson, a Programmer Analyst III at The University of Alabama. Having been with the Office of Information Technology for nearly five years, Richardson shared with us her career journey, insights into her role, and the impact of her work.
“My role is in OIT, but I live in the Graduate School as their consultant in residence,” Richardson explained. “Day to day I work with the Graduate School to improve processes, particularly for admissions, enrolled students, and graduate faculty management.”
Her work centers around Slate, a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system utilized by higher education institutions. Richardson oversees the Graduate School’s application of Slate, which has helped to improve communication and facilitate application service. “Since implementing Slate, application numbers have grown significantly, and the overall processing has become much more efficient.” Richardson’s role demands many responsibilities, including designing new workflows, troubleshooting technical concerns, and liaising between the Graduate School and OIT teams. “Every day is different, and that’s what keeps it exciting.”
Richardson’s path to the IT field was unconventional; having graduated from UA with a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Business, Law, and Ethics, she began her professional career with roles in accounting, graphic design, and marketing. “I never saw myself in IT,” she revealed. “But I’m the type of person who loves a challenge. When I was asked to implement Slate for the Graduate School, I jumped at the opportunity — even though I had to do it in three months with no consultants or additional help. It was tough, but I found a passion for problem-solving and development.” Richardson continued this passion through her academic pursuits, earning a master’s degree in Human Environmental Sciences with a specialization in Interactive Technology in 2021.
When asked what the most rewarding aspect of her job was, Richardson credited the task of problem-solving. “My favorite part of my job is figuring things out. I love a challenge and knowing I can solve a problem,” Richardson shared. When asked what the biggest challenge of her position was, she expressed that the vast supply of strong ideas and initiatives within the Graduate School can be daunting for one individual. “The biggest challenge is the sheer number of projects. They’re all excellent ideas, but I’m only one person. Prioritizing and finding the bandwidth to implement them is tough.”
Regarding advice for those curious about IT, Richardson shares her story as a testament that the field is accessible to anyone with determination and inquisitiveness. “You don’t have to have a computer science degree to succeed in IT. If you’re willing to learn, the skills are completely attainable. It’s like learning a new language.” She further urges others to welcome challenges and investigate unexpected opportunities. “The best decision I ever made was taking that leap into IT.”
Richardson’s admiration for problem-solving extends beyond her work in IT, as she really enjoys puzzles and escape rooms. She also loves golfing, boating, and spending time with her husband, children, and their many pets. She finds relaxation in arts and crafts, particularly crocheting.
Her dedication towards IT extends beyond campus, as Richardson presented at the Slate Summit last year, highlighting the Graduate School’s progress with the CRM. This year, she will continue this work by moderating an affinity group session and contributing to a virtual presentation.
“It’s great working for OIT and the Graduate School. I truly love what I do,” Richardson concluded. Her experience showcases not only the impressive expertise she has contributed to The University of Alabama but also the power of resilience and adaptability in the ever-evolving IT field.