Twitter Handle: @coolsport00
Blog URL: No blog per sè http://www.experts-exchange.com/M_4444420.html
Current Employer: Mazuma Credit Union
How did you get into IT?
I got into IT because I was intrigued at how PCs worked when I first saw them being placed in our office back in the early 1990s when I was in the Air Force. I wanted to know how “windows” was created, so that question was “driver” in my pursuit of computer technology ultimately. I completed my Business degree in Mgmt. Information Systems and then 5yrs later pursued MCSA/MCSE certifications to land a Systems Administrator role.
How did you get into working with VMware and becoming a 2011 vExpert?
I started working with VMware at my current organization. It was decided that we had outgrown our virtualization solution at the time, and that it was time to expand into new & deeper horizons. Needless to say, after my VMware POC (proof of concept), I was hooked. In my current position (Sr. Systems Administrator), & due to the size of our organization, I wear many hats, but virtualization, and specifically VMware, has become my ‘niche’.
I was awarded VMware’s vExpert 2011 award due to my involvement in the VMware Zone on Experts-Exchange.com and (assumedly) my involvement on Twitter. Over the past year, I’ve spent countless hours assisting, supporting, and spreading the ‘good news’ of VMware, and its partners, to the folks who post questions on EE. If the questions that get answered are “accepted” by posters, points are awarded. I was fortunate enough to finish with the most points for the year and thus was awarded the VMware Zone Expert of the Year Award for 2010 by Experts Exchange.
What would you tell someone who wanted to get a job like yours to do?
Lay the foundation by attending college & pursue a degree in Technology. Afterwards, get some career, hands-on experience. Be “ok” with starting towards the bottom. Do the job at the moment, and do it well, but don’t ‘settle’ for staying there. Look to the technology that interests you and pursue it. Take certification courses, as well as some personal time to learn it. Read all Guides associated with it. Find an avenue to share the knowledge (blog, experts-exchange, or the like…) that is conducive to you. Rewards & accolades will follow if you stay true to yourself.
