Tim McAliley has navigated a successful career in IT by staying agile and embracing continuous learning. Now, he’s teaching a course at George Mason University to connect data analytics engineering students with challenges set forth by local technology companies, facilitating their professional development alongside their academic growth.
McAliley's journey from the Marine Corps to academia is a testament to his diverse experiences and dedication to continuous learning. Currently an adjunct professor at George Mason University, McAliley teaches a graduate capstone course in the Master’s in Data Analytics Engineering program, where his extensive real-world experience significantly enhances his teaching.
McAliley's career began in the Marine Corps before he earned a degree in political science and military science from Florida State University (FSU), graduating in December 1994. In 1999, he transitioned into the information technology (IT) field, earning his Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer certification while working at FSU’s Center for Academic and Professional Development. This certification marked the beginning of a successful career in IT, which included roles in enterprise file storage, network printing, and cloud solutions. Since 2012, he has worked at Microsoft as a cloud solution architect. His role involves various aspects of cloud deployments, including Azure and hybrid solutions.
In addition to his professional career, McAliley has continued to pursue academic success, earning a master's degree in information management systems from Harvard Extension School in 2023 and enrolling in George Mason’s Information Technology doctoral program this spring. He began teaching the data analytics engineering graduate capstone course in fall 2024. Balancing his full-time job at Microsoft, his teaching responsibilities, and his doctoral studies is no small feat, but McAliley approaches it with the same determination that has characterized his entire career.
McAliley’s teaching philosophy is influenced by his professional experiences. He emphasizes the importance of practical experience and encourages his students to document their projects and skills on their LinkedIn profiles.
"Everything you are doing in this class needs to go on your resume somewhere," he advises his students. The course is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in data analytics, working on real-world projects for actual companies. His extensive background in IT and cloud solutions allows him to offer students valuable insights and guidance.
"I was able to bring in my job experience about how to handle a customer or handle project changes," he said. This practical knowledge helps students navigate the complexities of their projects and prepares them for the challenges they will face in their careers.