Aptitive’s data consultants embrace their careers on their own terms. Because we focus on finding projects in the Chicagoland area, our consultants can create the work/life balance that suits their lifestyle. They have access to the many rewards of a technology consulting career — challenging projects, rapid career growth, and a competitive salary — without the drawbacks typically synonymous with consulting. To read more about the perks of an Aptitive career, head to our Careers page.
Each month, we’re shining a spotlight on three of Aptitive’s data consultants to learn how they got started in data consulting, how they have benefited from their Aptitive careers, and who they are when they aren’t at work. This month, we’re spotlighting Greg Marsh, Shyam Shah, and Alex Astarita.
Greg Marsh | Principal Data Consultant
Alma mater & major: undergrad: Bradley University, electrical engineering; master’s: Georgetown University, MBA
What has been your favorite Aptitive event? Can’t beat the holiday parties!
In 5 words or fewer, describe what Aptitive means to you. Challenging, engaging, passionate, creative, gratifying
What do you wish more people knew about technical consulting? It is so much more than coding! It’s an opportunity to apply technology in creative ways and create a lot of value for your customers. (It can be very gratifying to see the “eyes widen” with excitement.)
Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work? The professors at Georgetown taught me a lot about thinking “bottom-up” and solving problems with analytical thinking.
Shyam Shah | Senior Data Consultant
Alma mater & major: Loyola University Chicago, bioinformatics and statistics
What has been your favorite Aptitive event? Last September, we had a team event at a rooftop. It had been about six months since I had actually met with someone from Aptitive in person (since we all had gone remote), and I didn’t know how it’d go. But when I walked into the event it was just like walking into the office on a Friday six months before. The event was fun, casual, and down-to-earth, which mirrors Aptitive’s culture.
In 5 words or fewer, describe what Aptitive means to you. Challenging and dynamic, but overall fun
What do you wish more people knew about technical consulting? Not every project will be something exciting and not every project would be doing what you want. Even so, every project will offer a unique challenge and an opportunity for growth. Being adaptable, creative, and determined are all required to be successful as a consultant.
Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work? My high school calculus teacher. He always put an emphasis on understanding why something is being done and how it came about. He would challenge us to come up with creative and alternative solutions/reasonings to better improve our problem-solving abilities.
Alex Astarita | Data & Analytics Consultant
Alma mater & major: James Madison University, integrated science and technology (with a minor in computer information systems)
What has been your favorite Aptitive event? My favorite event was last spring when we had our virtual fundraiser for Blessings in a Backpack. So many people stepped up to do outrageous and silly things for different monetary goals. It was so fun to see a carefree and fun side of my coworkers during an overall glum time in the world.
In 5 words or fewer, describe what Aptitive means to you. Endless opportunities for growth
What do you wish more people knew about technical consulting? That it is so much more than writing code and solving technical issues. It’s a lot of communication, collaboration, and creative thinking.
Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work? My mentor, Evi, has always been extremely influential and supportive of me during my time at Aptitive. She’s taught me when to speak up and not to stress over the small stuff. (You’re the best, Evi!)
Originally published at https://aptitive.com on June 28, 2021.
