UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A full-time database consulting engineer, an independent financial adviser, and a commissioner with Susquehanna Township in Pennsylvania, Fred Faylona’s typical day is anything but typical. As he manages his current responsibilities and looks at what’s next, he credits self-discipline as key to his success.
After receiving his associate degree in computer information systems from Harrisburg Area Community College, Faylona earned his bachelor’s degree in information sciences and technology from Penn State in 2016. A first-generation student from the Philippines who moved to the United States in 2005, Faylona kept technology at the forefront of his mind as he kick-started his career as a graphic designer.
“When I was doing web design, I’ve always known that I needed to know the other side, the data side of it. Analytics is a big thing right now,” he said.
Before graduating, Faylona landed his first job with Select Medical as a database administrator. After working in the health care sector for 10 years, Faylona made the switch to his current role with Synoptek as a database consulting engineer, where he primarily manages his client’s SQL servers and database platforms.
“That includes everything from auditing, in terms of database access and usage, such as if a server is being used, to create and implement plans to migrate data to newer and supported platforms,” he said. “I get to interact with all those different applications as well."
In addition to technology, Faylona also has developed a newfound interest in politics. He ran for — and won — a seat as a Susquehanna Township (Pa.) commissioner for the 6th Ward in 2021, and Faylona recently announced his candidacy for Dauphin County Treasurer.
Faylona appreciates the wide range of courses and experiences offered by the College of IST, which helped him explore his interests and grow his skills.
“I love the fact that even though I did not start at Penn State, the program was open for students like me. The curriculum was flexible enough to accommodate the interest of the student,” he said. “The fact that Penn State offered that really great foundation for any person to spring his or her career from is really awesome.”
Added Faylona, “Even though I have varied interests, I took advantage of all these different courses that allowed me to get to where I am right now.”