Work Perfect
The day we strive for
Natalie Keller
Global business services emerging leaders associate
The Nielsen Co.
Tampa, Fla.
Resumé
2010 Global business services emerging leaders associate, The Nielsen Co., Tampa, Fla.
2010 Young professional chair, IIE
2010 B.S., industrial and systems engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla.
2009 Industrial engineering co-op, Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, Fla.
2009 President, IIE student chapter – University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla.
2009 Industrial and systems engineering teaching assistant, University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla.
2008 Intern, Oldcastle Coastal, Tampa, Fla.
2007 Joined IIE
The Nielsen Co. is known for providing clients the most complete understanding of what consumers watch and buy. My focus is on the “watch” side of the business, specifically television reference data, where we collect and maintain information about broadcast stations and cable service providers. Reference data is used as an input in the Nielsen ratings “factory process.” The Nielsen ratings are coupled with analysis of consumer viewing behavior and demographic information to provide insights for our clients: broadcast stations, cable networks, syndicators and advertisers.
I’m part of the Global Business Services Emerging Leaders Program on the operations track. In my current role, I support a media reference data business process improvement project. I am responsible for documenting the current state business processes and applying lean and Six Sigma techniques to reduce cycle time, increase throughput and improve quality.
One of the most valuable experiences I’ve had so far was an end-to-end process mapping session. We walked through a process from start to finish and brainstormed improvement opportunities. This activity brought to light many steps, sub-processes and pain points that weren’t visible to all parties previously. Through this, we were able to eliminate non-value-added activities and create a more streamlined process in the end.
The best part of my job is helping operations associates challenge the status quo and come up with improved processes that simplify their day-to-day. These improved business processes also free up their time to do other more value-added activities.
As part of a two-year rotational program, I look forward to experiencing three different areas of the business, particularly our “buy” side where we have operations in 100-plus countries. At the end of the program, I hope to take on a permanent leadership role within the company. I do see myself pursuing a graduate degree at some point, although I’m not sure whether I will follow the M.S.I.E. or M.B.A. route.
I’ve been an active member of IIE since spring 2007. The Southeast Regional Conference was the first big IIE event I went to, and since then I haven’t missed a regional conference. I hope to continue to stay involved with IIE throughout my career.
– Interview by David Brandt
David Brandt is the Web managing editor for IIE.