Meet Raul

IT Technical Analyst; Soccer Midfielder

Chicago Corporate Headquarters
Member of USG Team Since 2006


The word that comes to mind when I think of USG is “opportunity.”  I wanted a position where I could utilize both my computer science and MBA degree.  At USG, I have been given an opportunity to go beyond information technology and become involved in the broader business functions of the company.  I regularly work with people across the entire organization from manufacturing to finance to human resources.  That exposure broadens my knowledge and skills opens up new career options and paths for me.

I’m an administrator for a core set of applications that supports the Oracle® infrastructure throughout the company.  Nearly all of our business applications go through Oracle at some point and I connect the pieces together.  I also work with developers to test and implement new and fixed code, and assist in installing upgrades.

USG employees have a high level of integrity.  We set high standards and strive to perform our best everyday, which makes for a very challenging and rewarding place to work.  People get along very well here and the company culture is very optimistic, positive and supportive.  There is also a high level of collaboration and communication among IT team members and employees throughout the company.

Before joining USG, I worked as an intern in the IT department of a large Fortune 500 company.  Outside consultants, rather than in-house staff, completed most of their IT work.  The company’s IT staff merely functioned as managers who were one-step removed from the day-to-day business operations and employees.  At USG, I enjoy being the one who interacts directly with employees throughout the company to plan and complete the work.   

My favorite part of the day is walking into the IT department in the morning, saying hello to everyone and getting started on projects.  There is always a lot to do, but you are given adequate time to do it right.  I like solving problems and have modeled myself a little after my grandfather, who was a jack-of-all-trades.  I have worked hard to become knowledgeable in a wide range of applications throughout the company.  It’s very enjoyable and rewarding to help make someone’s job easier through technology.

I began playing soccer when I was 6 years old, and still play in a league today.  I enjoy the competition.  Soccer also taught me the importance of balance – sometimes you win, sometimes you lose and you have to keep yourself motivated to learn from mistakes and excel.  I’m also lucky to have a very strong and positive group of family, friends and colleagues around me that help keep me moving forward everyday.