<strong>The job: </strong>Information technology financial analyst.</p><p><strong>The employer: </strong>Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City has been serving customers&rsquo; health insurance needs in the Kansas City area since 1938.</p><p><strong>My role: </strong>I have most recently worked with members of information technology management to develop next year&rsquo;s IT budget. My additional responsibilities include requisitioning products and services, working with vendors on staffing, developing IT or monthly budget variance reports and assisting in the development of an IT service catalog and operational service level agreements. I also use a &ldquo;cost transparency tool&rdquo; to help increase visibility into our IT expenditures.</p><p><strong>How long have you been in this position?</strong></p><p>Since December 2008. </p><p><strong>How did you find your job?</strong></p><p>Through networking that I had done while still a student at the University of Kansas, I had heard that this new position was going to be made available within the IT division of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City. I knew if the position was created, it would be good to already have my resume in front of people. </p><p>Beginning in September 2008, during my last semester of college, I set up several informational interviews. These helped me to get my foot in the door. I was called by the person who would be my manager after other managers with whom I had done informational interviews recommended me to her. I met with her, and also with several other IT co-workers at the end of October. I found out I had the job about two weeks before I graduated in December.</p><p><strong>What helped the most in the job search? </strong></p><p>Attending multiple career events, such as job fairs, etc., while in school. This allowed me to get a feel for what jobs were available for people like me with similar interests and skills. But more importantly, it allowed me to meet with people who were currently employed in jobs that interested me and allowed me to network.</p><p><strong>What didn&rsquo;t work?</strong></p><p>Solely relying on job recruitment sites. With the current state of the economy, the jobs that I was interested in did not appear to be available.</p><p><strong>What is your best advice for others in the job search?</strong></p><p>Continually network. There are quite a few people in the job market. Being able to make connections and then have somebody who knows you and your abilities and that is willing to vouch for you when a position becomes available can&rsquo;t do anything but help.</p><p><strong>What is your educational and work experience?</strong></p><p>I have a bachelor&rsquo;s degree in business/finance from KU (December 2008). This is my first career job. However, jobs I had while a student in Lawrence, as an assistant manger at Hy-Vee and a retail sales associate at Wireless Lifestyle-Sprint, have helped to prepare me for where I am now. I&rsquo;ve transferred invaluable skills from job to job. I&rsquo;ve seen different elements of teamwork in different settings. </p><p><strong>How does this job fit into your long-term career plans?</strong></p><p>Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City has been an excellent place to work. The responsibilities of my current position combine two of my greatest interests, finance and IT, and align with my long-term career plans. I feel very fortunate that I get to go to work and love what I&rsquo;m doing.</p><p><hr class="infobox-hr-separator" /> <div class="infobox"> </div>