careers in information technology strathmore university 15 th february 2008
TRANSCRIPT
Careers in Information Technology
Strathmore University
15th February 2008
Quick Introduction
Currently:Head of IT in KLM for the Eastern Africa Region:- Kenya Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Malawi, Sudan,
Djibouti, Ethiopia
IT professional since 1991• Degree in Mathematics and Economics
• Various IT certifications including (MCSE 2003, ITIL etc)
Industries:• IT Provider (Comp-rite) Publishing (JKF, Standard Newspapers) Banking
(Standard Chartered bank) and Aviation (KLM)
Areas of experience:• User Training, Graphics, Programming, Complete IT solution deployments,
Voice and Data Networks, Project and General Management
TelecommunicationsWireless (700MGHZ frequency excitement…)Challenge of cable and impact of mobile phones
ConvergenceIn telecommunication (voice, data use the same media)IT is in pervasive in the business environment
Programmers have there grove back!SOHO’s and SMEs want customized softwareERP’s and CRM’s need maintenanceOpen source movement,E-commerce, web2,Big market of games
Outsource or In-source?BPO’s BUT some outsourced roles are coming back inDay to day business support still high on IT budgets
IT in schools is no longer specialIT savvy society, PC’s at home
Some Current Trends
Key Success Factors
Degree from a reputable institution (e.g. Strathmore! )Bsc in IT or Engineering, strong business education backgroundVarious vendor Certifications
Strong people and problem management skillsHeavy user interaction at all levelsContinuous user trainingCustomer satisfactionProblem solving methodsCommitment to owning and solving problems
Multi skilled, multi tasking change oriented individual
Savvy with the trends in business and IT environmentNew technologiesNew business practicesContinuous learning (certifications)What matters most to the business organization?
A PLAN (3yr to 5yr plan)Clarity of one’s life objective = SELF DRIVEDiscipline, absolute.
Opportunity Areas
• Telecommunications (CCNA,CCNP…)Telecommutingvirtual officeGlobalizationBPO’s
• Software Application Development (Oracle, Java, Web)Voice, Alcatel 4400 with call centre NBOVSAT connectivityQ-management systems
• Security (CISA,CISM…)Firewalls, Hacking, phishing, identity theft,
• IT management (ITIL, COBIT Control Objectives for Information and related Technology )We must be more than geeksProject managementFrom IT to CEO?
Challenge: “Everything is becoming IT!”
Which way after Strathmore?
• Get engaged even if it is voluntaryPrevious job employment inspires confidence
• Have a clear career development plan
• Review your plan regularly and score yourself
• Update your knowledge (and contacts!) regularly
• Do not worry about money, you will have it, just keep doing the right thing…
• THOUGHTS BECOME THINGS, THINK POSITIVE AT ALL TIMES
