Applying MSIT Lessons to the American Dental Association

Phil Kanellopoulos (MSIT '25) did not hesitate when asked to describe his experience as a part-time student in Northwestern Engineering's Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) program.

"Transformative, both professionally and personally," he said. "It not only expanded my technical and strategic skill set but also connected me with a diverse network of peers, faculty, and industry professionals who challenged me to think differently and grow as a leader. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have been part of such a rigorous and forward-thinking program, and I’m excited to carry these experiences and insights into the next phase of my career."

That next phase is at the American Dental Association (ADA), where Kanellopoulos is the manager of business intelligence. He started the role soon after beginning the MSIT program.

He recently took time to look back on his time in the program and explain why it was such a transformative experience.

What about MSIT initially appealed to you?

The program’s strong balance between technical depth and strategic business application. I was particularly drawn to the curriculum’s focus on real-world problem solving, enterprise architecture, and data-driven decision-making. The flexibility of the program also allowed me to continue working full-time while advancing my skills in areas directly relevant to my role, such as data management, data analytics, data cybersecurity, and technology strategy.

What are the most important lessons you learned in the program?

The value of aligning technology with business strategy. Understanding how IT decisions impact the broader organization, from operations to customer experience, has been critical. I also gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of cybersecurity, data governance, and change management in driving successful digital transformations. Equally important was learning how to communicate technical insights to non-technical stakeholders, a skill that has proven essential in my managerial role.

How do you hope to apply those lessons to your work?

By continuing to bridge the gap between data, technology, and business strategy at the ADA. I’ll use what I’ve learned to strengthen our data governance practices, enhance analytics capabilities, and help lead initiatives that align IT investments with organizational goals. Whether it's improving cross-functional collaboration, implementing secure and scalable solutions, or presenting data-driven insights to senior leadership, I’ll be better equipped to drive impactful, strategic outcomes across the organization.

How else did MSIT prepare you for success?

By enhancing both my technical expertise and leadership skills. Courses in enterprise architecture, data analytics, and cybersecurity provided a solid foundation for tackling complex IT challenges, while team-based projects and simulations strengthened my ability to collaborate, lead, and make informed decisions under pressure. The exposure to real-world case studies, industry guest speakers, and peer perspectives also broadened my understanding of emerging technologies and how they can be leveraged for innovation and growth.

Additionally, being a part-time student while working full-time helped me sharpen essential soft skills such as time management, prioritization, and adaptability. Balancing academic, professional, and personal responsibilities pushed me to become more efficient and resilient, skills that will continue to serve me well in my professional career development.