From London to Berlin to San Francisco - Operations & Technology Emerging Leader, Bobby Ries, has had the ability to do what he loves most – travel the world and make an impact! Learn more about his experience at Nielsen!

1. Emerging Leaders Q&A
Operations & Technology
From London to Berlin to San Francisco - Operations & Technology Emerging Leader,
Bobby Ries, has had the ability to do what he loves most – travel the world and make
an impact! Ries is in his third rotation supporting the Google Client Service team in
San Francisco. A recent graduate from the University of South Florida, Ries received
a B.S. in Computer Science and a B.A. in Psychology. Before joining the Operations
and Technology Emerging Leaders Program, Ries worked on the Nielsen Consumer
Neuroscience team as a software engineer, where his main focus was on updating and
improving the technology (EEG caps, eye trackers, collection systems) we use in our
laboratories around the world. This week, we sat down with Ries and asked him about
everything from his involvement in the MIT Hackathon to his current rotation in San
Francisco.
1. Why is Nielsen a great place to start your career?
Nielsen is smack dab in the middle of the media and retail industries. Being
the data company positions Nielsen associates with broadly applicable
skill-sets. Despite our large size (40K+ employees), it still feels small and
career options feel limitless. This is a result of Nielsen’s emphasis on career
development with the Emerging Leaders Program, Emerging Technologists
Program, mentorship programs, and others.
2. Total audience measurements is a huge part of Nielsen’s DNA. Can you
talk about your experience working on the Engineering Next Generation TV
Meter?
Having a hand in engineering the next generation TV meter was rewarding
in the sense that I was able to continue the 90+ year legacy of our core
competency: measurement. It is no secret that the TV meter is iconic, and
one of the things we’re most famous for. It’s what I get asked most often
about when talking to someone seated next to me on an airplane.
Operations & Technology
Emerging Leaders class
3. Currently, you are working on the Google Client Service team. Can you talk about your rotation and life in San
Francisco?
My focus on this rotation is to support Google as a client, and as a partner. The Client Service team acts as the
main interface between the two companies – working from Nielsen’s San Francisco office with meetings at Google’s
Mountain View headquarters. As a client, Google leverages our many services to make business decisions. As a partner,
Nielsen products are directly integrated into Google’s platforms so clients can seamlessly leverage Nielsen products in
the Google interface.

2. 4. What project are you most proud of ?
I’m most proud of my work in Nielsen Consumer Neuroscience. We’re truly breaking new ground with the dry, wireless,
high-density electroencephalogram (EEG) cap we’re developing (more prevalent neurotechnology patents than any
other company). Not only is this applied to market research, but we are working closely with academics to ensure that
it meets the standards of the scientific community. This technology has the potential to vastly reduce the costs and
complexity of traditional EEG equipment; which has major implications of changing lives for the better. I also had the
opportunity to work on-site with our engineering team in Berlin, as well as laboratories in London, Atlanta, Chicago,
and others.
5. You currently led efforts to increase Nielsen’s participation in the
HackMIT Hackathon? Can you talk about your experience?
Virtually all Nielsen associates have the opportunity to volunteer for
recruiting efforts. As someone who was recruited at a hackathon,
I wanted to increase our presence at these events. A coworker and
I spearheaded this effort and have been supported in sponsoring
and attending several hackathons around the country. HackMIT
was one of our first choices because of the sheer size. I had the
great opportunity to present on behalf of Nielsen; stay up all night
to mentor students; judge submissions; and deliver the Nielsen
awards. An unforgettable experience. I am looking forward to
attending the next hackathon wherever we go!
6. What advice do you have for students interested in breaking into the media industry?
Internships are a great way to get a taste of what a job is really like. The media industry is so big, and there’s so many
options. I love science, technology and being creative. Being at the intersection of these and touching so many parts of
the Media industry is awesome.
RIES AT THE HACKMIT
HACKATHON