OITMP David Stone University of Oklahoma

A little about OITMP The Oklahoma Information Technology Mentorship Program (OITMP) is an outreach initiative that connects networking professionals from Oklahoma institutions with students who are studying networks at Oklahoma academic institutions. The OITMP is part of a National Science Foundation grant whose purpose is to boost Oklahoma’s education and research capability through network improvements.

Goals Official Goal: Expose Oklahoma students to the practical day-to-day life of networking, security, and IT Support professionals. Not So Secret Goal: Identify, develop and recruit talent!

My IT Journey Oklahoma Native Started working for OU IT in April 2004 OU IT Services HelpDesk - Student Worker

Advancing your Career Never be afraid to try something new at work. Keep your eyes open for opportunities

My IT Journey In Late 2004 I started work on a documentation project that would eventually help shape my career.

Advancing your Career Make the most of your time at work Never be afraid to take a chance and seek out opportunity

My IT Journey Fall 2005 –Transition to Full Time Status Helpdesk First (Temporary) IT Store (Permanent)

My IT Journey August 2007 –Joined the OU IT Training Team as an IT Learning Specialist

My IT Journey

Why is this important? The Consumerazation of IT: “The specific impact that consumer-originated technologies can have on enterprises; Reflects how enterprises will be affected by, and can take advantage of, new technologies and models that originate and develop in the consumer space, rather than in the enterprise IT sector”

Career Sustaining Recommendations Always be learning Build a strong foundation Understand how business works Understand how technology works Learn how to be a good public speaker Learn how to be articulate in communication Network with fellow IT professionals Be willing to learn new technologies

Career Sustaining Recommendations Find a mentor (formal or informal) to help you –Understand organizations –Develop your perspective –Provide a sounding board for your ideas –Locate more job opportunities –Derive higher job satisfaction Don’t always stay in your comfort zone Practice public speaking skills Develop time and project management skills

Career Sustaining Recommendations Know the business –Have to know how technology is used –Learn how to get things accomplished within the business Understand your customers Be a team player Build relationships Become a trusted advisor Never be afraid to take a chance (and sometimes fail).

THANK YOU! David Stone [ ]