Job Responsibilities
Although no longer employed in my job (retired recently) as
Information Technology Specialist / Analyst / Programmer, I had
over 40 years doing various types of computer hardware, software
and analytical work. I have done actual computer operations
(mainframe, mid-tier, and pc), fixed many computer parts and
computers themselves, wired many networks, troubleshot most
every type of problem, wrote, fixed and analyzed numerous
computer language programs, and had to act as a customer-service
person between analytical, problemshooting, or fixing "jobs".
In this type of field you may need to just know what causes a
problem and how to correct it.
An employee must be able to work as little as 10 min or as long
as 60 hrs per week in any one area of expertise and be able to
constantly go to another type of job to analyze, repair,
instruct, or even do even though they are as different as "night
and day". Constant ability to change is a major item with this
type of job as well as the ability to keep up with the current
trends, changes in all types of hardware, software and
viewpoints of the industry and the ability to teach yourself
while still retaining the major points needed to do any one
job.
You MUST be able to write about what the client (who is giving
you the problem) said occurs, what you tried, what worked, and
how to specifically solve a problem. You MUST be able to
communicate (phone, person, writing, etc) everything you found
and all of the suggestions you can make to keep this from
occurring again, or what they can do if the same problem occurs
again. Speak clearly and use as few high-tech words as
possible -- "talk down" to them (not as children but with non-
tech words and as simply understood to the "lay" person as you
can.) If you DO use a non-tech word or terminology be SURE you
explain what this means.
You do not have to be an expert in a specific program language
to analyze if this program is working the way it should, working
as quickly as it needs to, or if it is satisfying your client's
needs. Same with certain hardware and software items. But you
MUST learn the basics of all things needed for a good analytical
insight to what is necessary, what is extraneous and just
the "frills", what is working correctly and what is not working
properly. If you know additional information (gleaned from web,
DVDs, self-help guides, television programs, books, other
experienced persons, etc) then you can not only analyze but can
also suggest ways in which to improve an item -- and ALL
employers are seeking persons who can do this -- especially if
it helps with the $ figures (more money income while paying less
expense for the hardware, software, troubleshooting,
customerservice problems, etc). The ideal person for an
employer seeking analysis, problem solving, customer service,
programming, and any computer specialty is a person who is NOT
set in his/her ways, who is able to learn and keep adapting to
new things in the Information Technology Field, and a person who
can not only write well, speak well, but who can also use tools
such as Word, Powerpoint, Excel. These office tools are
utilized in making spreadsheets, graphs, charts and other
training and analysis documents and which can also track
monetary pros and cons of any item being analyzed. MAKE USE OF
SPELL CHECKERS AND OTHERS TO PROOF READ YOUR DOCUMENTS
(including all emails)!!!
Even if "boring", the long waits (between jobs or analysis'
beginning and ending) can be off-set with educational reading of
the computer-related magazines and books on the market, or even
internet searching for answers. Making the best use of one's
time is often analyzed by the employers and will be a
scrutinized area when it comes to being retained, promoted, or
let-go -- whether it is with the government or a private
commercial enterprising company.
Learning to use [not actually learning how to use them, but
KNOWING HOW to use them in a timely manner] the office suite of
programs (such as previously mentioned) QUICKLY is also an asset
since it will allow you to go onto another specific problem more
quickly and make the employer realize you are equal to two or
three individuals, thus saving them $$$ -- and this money can
then be utilized to give you better job security, better pay
incentives, etc.
BUT -- don't let yourself stagnate either (very easy thing to do
in a job like this) -- keep yourself very very versitile in all
manners of Internet Technology -- no matter what the area is
(hardware, programming, technology upgrades, software, etc.)
Employers are looking for persons who really have knowledge of
various areas as well as a good expertise in "hands-on" of a
variety of areas too. They are NOT looking for persons who want
to "bull-shit" their way saying things that "sounds good" but
they don't really mean anything at all. They are NOT looking
for persons who are trying to impress them or other persons with
high-tech talk. They are seeking persons who REALLY have
knowledge and experience -- after all, your "bull-shit"
and "high tech words which don't mean anything at all" will
eventually be found out by someone who DOES know about that
subject -- then your integrity goes out the window along with
your job. ALWAYS tell the truth even if the employer doesn't
want to hear it. In the long run it could save them millions of
dollars, and the profits (even in government departments) are
STILL the name of the game.
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Job Requirements
Graduation of high school and some college is good even if you
can't get a college degree. Take as many courses as you can in
your various Internet Technology fields. Even if they aren't
college courses, you can get valuable courses online, via
television courses, technical schools, seminars, etc. Learn as
much as you can about EVERYTHING and keep yourself up-to-date
about the changing technologies via magazines, DVDs, television
programs, and anywhere you can. Don't EVER stop learning --
even when you have a college degree. Information Technology is a
constantly changing field and will continue to change as our
world around us changes, and computers touch more and more of
society and various jobs and technologies. SHOW your employer
you are not stagnant and willing to improve yourself constantly -
ask for OJT not really needed but still in the IT field; ask to
help out when they are doing upgrades of software, hardware,
wiring the building, etc; ask if the employer has any courses
you can take to help you improve various areas of IT or
communication fields. Sometimes them seeing you taking a course
online shows you are willing to learn and a plus in your favor.
REMEMBER -- if you volunteer your IT experiences to church,
clubs, non-profit organizations, etc -- this is STILL experience
and makes a better person out of you too.
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Uppers
I always thought the best part of the job was the constant change and never
knowing what next I would have to do. Not boring when you are doing different
types of jobs. I also thought the customers/clients were ALSO a part of the good
things that went along with the job (yes, they can be irritable when having the
problem -- but sometimes a smile, comment about something non-I.T.-related, or
some funny thing can help "lighten" them up and once you find them as a friend as
well as a client you will find them helping you by giving you more "clues" of
what you need to look for, and thus you can not only gain a nice client-employer
relationship but can do a better job for them in a much faster (expedious)
timeframe. LOTS of free-time waiting for phone to ring, a problem to diagnose,
etc. was a marvelous advantage too since it allowed me to continue (and enhance)
my education about all the new changes coming about in the Information Technology
world -- yes, there are those who WASTE their time doing non-work-related
internet browsing, etc -- but YOU can be better than they -- and use this
marvelous "free time" wisely and for your own educational benefit.
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Downers
Worst part of the job? Sometimes long hours, sometimes
frustrating problems that just seem to elude being solved,
sometimes very irate customers or bosses who want
things "yesterday". BUT even with the "down" part of the job --
you CAN make these better if you just use your mind (find a way
to make them better -- such as example I mentioned previously
about the irate customer and helping them "lighten up", and even
when times of real stress -- take a moment by yourself (even if
it is in the restroom) and breathe deeply by nose, exhaling
slowly while counting to 20, and imaging on one spot on a wall
or ceiling and imagining you fixing the problem while you are
sitting on a beachchair on a beach with sun shining down, light
breeze blowing, and you hearing the lapping of the ocean waves --
amazingly you will find that not only does this stress-reliever
help you stress-wise, but oftentimes the ANSWER to the problem
will come then too. Turn those "downers" into "uppers" using
your mind. Of course a softly sung song or tune in your mind
works too while you work -- the old song "Whistle While You
Work" actually DOES work and will help with most ALL down sides
of the job.
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Lifestyle
A person working a job like this must be able to work long, tiring hours. They
must be able to withstand pressures from all realms of the universes in your life
(your home one, your work one, your customers' ones, etc). Lots of travel can be
required, and sometimes NO travel. In all areas of this type of work you will be
required to realize that all persons are equal no matter what they look like,
believe in, their ancestry, their religion, etc -- so keep your opinions to
yourself and do NOT even voice them (especially if you are prejudiced) to anyone
-- not friend, family, and especially not to another co-worker. If you have
problems with diversity, prejudices, etc -- find help so you can do your job to
the best of your ability without allowing these little "nasties" coming out in
you. We no longer live in a tight little world of specific-type of persons -- so
we MUST conform and manage so we do our job to the best of our ability. Ask
about dress code and see if you can get a "dress down" day of the week or month
if everything is ALWAYS "coat and tie" in the organization.
Show your bosses and clients that you are special -- but not through clothing --
wear what the employer requires and see if you can occasionally wear other items
or possibly do as previously mentioned and get a special "time" where you can be
more relaxed. (Perhaps you can work out a "deal" with your employer where you
wear the coat and tie when at a client's office or when they visit (keep coat and
tie in closet or drawer and one of those warm-steam sprayers handy) while
allowing you to wear nice-looking shirt and trousers the rest of the time at the
office).
Find ways to get together with co-workers and others in the company just so you
can "relax". (I remember one time a little fish died in the aquarium so they put
into a matchbox, tied a ribbon and wildflower to it, and at a break had a
"funeral parade" out to the shrubbery where this fish was buried. Really helped
with a stressful day and someone even made a little headstone out of concrete one
day). Use your mind to make all your little universes compatible with one
another, and when not compatible -- figure out HOW you can make the best of what
you are (or not) required to do in this job.
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Compensation
Compensation can come from everywhere -- whether it is a pat on
the back or a "job done well" comment to huge pay raises,
bonuses, extra time off, etc. Whether you get anything or not
is up to YOU!!! But remember you MUST earn everything - no
matter how small!!! Anything given to you FREE and when you are
not doing your best is NOT the best compensation and will "blow
up in your face" eventually. No compensation? Make your own
and remember that when you smile and pat someone else on the
back with your comments -- these will ALWAYS be returned to you
when you least expct it -- and that type of compensation can
sometimes be much better than all the money in the world.
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Advice to Jobseekers
When you first are seeking a job you want to impress upon the
employer your knowledge, versatility, non-stagneticity, and your
desire to help them save money and time. Give examples of how
you were able to help someone in the past so they got their
problem solved, saved time and/or money, etc. Make them WANT
you. But do NOT lie to them about anything. Better not to say
anything than to lie about something.
BUT when you start working (even if hired as a manager or boss
of a department / workteam) you do NOT want to go in and start
changing things or saying things like "when we did this xxx this
is what we did" or other critical-type of comments. Instead, go
in with fresh mind and start LISTENING, taking NOTES, TALKING to
persons, and learning the current routines. Only after you
found out how the job is being done by everyone there can you
change FIRST yourself and how you do things (show them how you
can do it better by your actions, not your words -- don't make
them your enemies before you find out exactly how things are
done, and even then use common sense and move gradually). Then
try and SLOWLY show others how they can improve on something
they are doing. NEVER make bad comments about your fellow
employees to other departments, persons, managers, etc -- when
you do this you are giving not only a bad reflection on a
department that may really be a marvelous one (but slow
in "growing") but also a very bad reflection on yourself too.
ALWAYS keep an open mind -- sometimes others can teach YOU and
this can aid you in that job or a future job.
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