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Michael, Director of Business Intelligence at Houston Rockets: Advize Career Interview
This interview with the Director of Business Intelligence at the Houston Rockets reveals a fascinating career journey, beginning with a mechanical engineering background and culminating in a pivotal role at the intersection of data and sports.
This professional's responsibilities encompass data management and strategic consulting, impacting various departments within the organization.
A typical day involves problem-solving, coding, and data visualization, demanding a blend of technical expertise in SQL, Tableau, and Power BI, alongside strong communication skills to translate complex information to diverse stakeholders.
What excites this professional most is working with data and understanding the intricate workings of the organization.
The biggest challenge lies in balancing varied responsibilities and constantly switching between technical and interpersonal tasks.
A love for sports and a competitive spirit are key to thriving in this industry, and this professional wishes one had realized earlier the significant impact team performance has on role priorities.
Internships and part-time positions offer valuable entry points, and adopting a detail-oriented mindset in college proves essential. Crucially, a career is viewed as a continuous marathon, emphasizing lifelong learning and growth.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Michael Wing
Director of Business Intelligence
Houston Rockets
Northeastern University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MBA
Engineering - Mechanical
Sports
Data and Analytics
None Applicable
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Career Path of a Director of Business Intelligence at Houston Rockets
Career began with a mechanical engineering background at Northeastern University, focusing on "building and manufacturing products" through co-ops in medical device and product design, then transitioned to a product design engineer role at a food and beverage startup; seeking a broader understanding of business growth, pursuit of an MBA at MIT Sloan led to involvement in the Sloan Sports Analytics Conference and projects in sports strategy, culminating in a business analytics role with the Rockets, eventually progressing to Director of Business Intelligence.
Main Responsibilities of a Director of Business Intelligence at Houston Rockets
Michael, as Director of Business Intelligence for the Houston Rockets, focuses on "two big pillars": data management, encompassing the collection and management of data from sources like "ticket sales or...food and beverage sales," and internal consulting, which involves extracting value from that data and providing it to stakeholders across various departments like sales and arena operations. This blend of data wrangling and strategic consultation enables informed decision-making throughout the organization.
A Day In The Life Of A Director Of Business Intelligence At Houston Rockets
As a Director of Business Intelligence for the Houston Rockets, the day typically begins with reviewing the project management board using "a software called Monday." The first half of the day is heavily meeting-focused, involving problem-solving with the team and stakeholders, while the second half is spent "heads down" coding in SQL, creating data visualizations in Tableau, or developing PowerPoint presentations for stakeholders.
Most Important Skills for a Director of Business Intelligence at Houston Rockets
For a Business Intelligence Director at the Houston Rockets, the most important skills fall into two categories: hard skills such as "coding with SQL" for data extraction and transformation, along with data visualization skills using platforms like Tableau and Power BI, and soft skills, specifically "being able to translate those really technical or analytical topics" to non-technical stakeholders. Thus, the director's role necessitates both a strong technical foundation and the ability to communicate complex information effectively.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Director Of Business Intelligence At Houston Rockets
Michael, as Director of Business Intelligence for the Houston Rockets, most enjoys "working with data" and being "at the center of information," gaining a deep understanding of the organization's functions and contributing to improvements in areas like customer experience and revenue. This understanding allows Michael to make valuable recommendations, making the role rewarding.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Director Of Business Intelligence At Houston Rockets
Michael's biggest challenge as Director of Business Intelligence for the Houston Rockets stems from the wide range of responsibilities, requiring constant context switching between different departments and projects that often "don't have overlap," such as improving customer service operations versus finding new ticket customers. Furthermore, the role demands a shift "from the technical to the more soft skill, talking to people side," creating a complex balancing act.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Sports Industry As A Director Of Business Intelligence At Houston Rockets
Michael enjoys being close to the entertainment and sports product, especially because they "grew up as somebody that was around sports a lot." Contributing to the growth of the industry and innovating within it is also very fulfilling.
What Type of Person Thrives in the Sports Industry, According to a Director of Business Intelligence at Houston Rockets
According to Michael, a Director of Business Intelligence at the Houston Rockets, individuals who truly thrive in the sports industry "really do love sports" and are highly competitive, driving them to excel in their roles, whether in sales, marketing, or even in delivering the best service in data-driven roles. This competitive nature, he suggests, "fits very well with the industry."
What a Director of Business Intelligence at Houston Rockets Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Sports Industry
As a Director of Business Intelligence for the Houston Rockets, Michael learned that the team's performance significantly impacts the focus and priorities of the role, noting that if the team is "doing really well, you may not have to do as much to sell tickets" and can instead shift focus to other areas of the business; Michael wishes someone would've told them that "a lot revolved around the encore product, the sports product" earlier in their career.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Business Intelligence Professionals
Michael from the Houston Rockets suggests internships, especially full-season ones, as good entry-level positions, which are often posted on Teamwork Online; additionally, Michael notes that part-time positions with teams, even outside of the desired function, can provide valuable exposure to the industry and organizational operations, demonstrating a candidate's interest in the field.
Significant Career Lesson From A Director Of Business Intelligence At Houston Rockets
Michael, Director of Business Intelligence at Houston Rockets, highlights the significant lesson that "a career really is a marathon," not a sprint to a comfortable role, and emphasizes the continuous pursuit of a fulfilling career through ongoing project work and advancement. Michael believes one should "never rest on any kind of achievements" because there is always a new direction to take or new thing to be doing.
College Experiences That Helped a Director of Business Intelligence at Houston Rockets Succeed
Michael, Director of Business Intelligence at Houston Rockets, attributes career success to developing a "mindset of, okay, the details really matter" in college, and that learning "to care and show it through detailed work" by going the extra mile and setting a high personal standard for work helped to stand out and demonstrate investment in work.
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