Activity 1-8: KSA's

The Information Technology field is one of the fastest growing career industries in the world right now.  Everyone uses computers, and unfortunately, or fortunately for us, not everyone is well versed in the operation and the troubleshooting steps that need to be taken to resolve some of today’s most common issues.  I have had the privilege of working for three different IT companies the past ten years that have helped me gain the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the computer and user support field.  Through my first job I gained experience in office management, and computer support for small businesses and home users.  Through my second job I gained hands on experience in large business and corporate support solutions as well as help desk management.  Finally, my current job granted me experience in technical support in the medical field.  All of my careers have allowed me to gain a comprehensive knowledge that would be useful in most user support positions in many different industries.  I am currently working on furthering my knowledge by earning my associates degree in Network Administration.  I am also in the process of completing my Net+, Security+, and A+ certifications.

Some of my qualifications are as follows:

Knowledge:

•   Knowledge of server, desktop and laptop computers and their components.
•  Experience with Mac, Linux, and Windows operating systems.  Including Windows 98, XP, Vista, 7, and 8
• Knowledge in the use and maintenance of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Visio, Publisher, InfoPath, Outlook, SharePoint, OneNote, and Access
• Knowledge of Microsoft Windows Server 2003 and Server 2008
• Knowledge of image creation and deployment with Symantec’s Altiris, and Ghost
• Knowledge in Active Directory maintenance and management
• Knowledge in malware protection and removal

Skills:

• Key 51 words per minute with 96% accuracy
• Manage and deploy computer systems and software
• Have custom built more than 50 computer systems for various uses
• 5 years of experience troubleshooting Windows operating systems, computer components, and software
• 1 year experience with Cisco Call Manager and VPN

Abilities:

• Able to communicate clearly and effectively with customers and coworkers via email, phone, instant messaging, and face to face interactions
• Able to manage 6-10 personnel 
• Ability to multitask, with strong organizational skills, and accomplish tasks in a timely fashion
• Able to work in a fast paced, constantly changing environment without losing quality of work
• Flexible and reliable when accommodating the needs of the business

In searching for potential employers I was able to find a Techinical Support Analyst position with the American College of Surgeons.  The position is a midlevel technical support career in Chicago, IL.  I selected this position for several reasons, first the location, my family’s goal has been when we complete our education to move back to my hometown of Chicago.  Second, this position will allow me to further my skills that will eventually lead to a position in Network Adminstration.  The best thing about this position is that I already have the knowledge, skills and abilities required.  The company is asking for the ability to provide individual assistance to users by troubleshooting PC hardware and software problems, managing outlook and active directory accounts, coordinate repair resolutions efforts with other IT staff members or outside vendors, as well as several other skills.

This company came highly recommended through several coworkers in the my current occupation.  Due to the large number of staff and students the company is constantly growing and always opening new positions within their IT department.  This leads me to believe this is the perfect career for me to pursue as I work towards a position in Network Administration.

http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobDetails.aspx?APath=2.21.0.0.0&job_did=JHN6Z86NVL9YBWBFQGR&IPath=JRKV0C

Activity 1-4: Health Concerns

       

 Computers are part of our everyday lives.  Most people, no matter what their profession, deal with a computer or some sort of technological device on a daily basis.  Though most careers come with their fair share of risks, we sometimes forget the risks that stem from our use of computers.  I interviewed three people who work with computers every day, and asked them to list their top four health concerns that come from working with computers.  The first person I interviewed was Carley.  Carley works for a call center doing troubleshooting for credit card processing and uses computer every day.  Next, I interviewed Rennes.  He works as an I.T. technician for a local healthcare facility.  Finally, I interviewed John who is also an I.T. technician for a small technical support company.  I recorded their top concerns and compiled the information into a table.

Carley	Rennes	John
Eye Strain	Eye Strain	Eye Strain
Lower Back Pain	Carpel Tunnel	Headaches
Carpel Tunnel	Weight Gain	Carpel Tunnel
Weight Gain	Headaches	Lower Back Pain

  

During the interview process I began to notice a pattern of very similar concerns from each individual.  Eye strain and Carpel Tunnel were the two concerns that all of the interviewees expressed concern about.  However, I found that lower back pain, from sitting in an office chair or crawling under a desk; headaches, from staring at the screen or at small computer components; and weight gain, from sitting at a desk all day we shared concerns by the interviewees as well.  When I began the interview process I thought I would see a few similarities but to see that at least two of the three expressed the same concerns was stunning.

“No matter what I do, I leave with a headache every day,” said Rennes.  John told me, “The worst part of the job is leaving work with a sore back.  I go home to my kids and feel like I’m 90 years old.  I can’t even get on the floor and play with them.”  Carley said, “The last thing I want to do when I get home is pick up my laptop or hop on the computer.  My wrists are sore from the amount of typing I do.  When we work at such a fast pace to keep up with incoming calls we are forced to type fast and the ‘proper technique’ for typing goes right out the window.”

As someone who works with a computer all day every day, I never really stopped to think about the hazards of the job.  Over the course of the interviews I began to say to myself, “I experience that too.”  It’s surprising to think about all the risks that come from sitting in front of a computer, and even more surprising to see how the majority of the complaints are all similar.  The other similarity that we all seemed to share was our agreement on the fact that ergonomic devices are often referred to as the solution for many of the ailments tied to working with computer, when in reality they tend to offer little to no relief.  We all continue to work in these positions as we try and do our best to deal with the discomfort and pains associated with the use of a computer because as Rennes put it, “…it’s a small price to pay for having a great job that isn’t going away anytime soon.”

Introduction

Hey class,

I'm Nathanael LaDow, but you can call me Nate.  I'm looking forward to this semester.  I'm currently working on two degrees one in Theater the other in Network Administration.  I work for the WVU Heathcare System as an IT technician.  My wife and I welcomed our first child in September and are always busy with her.  I look forward to working with everyone involved in the class.  Good luck this semester.