From helpdesk analysts, technicians, engineers, developers and team leaders, through to security consultants, project managers and CxO level roles, each person has a responsibility and duty of care to attend to their own learning and behaviours.

But what about our industry, who is responsible for looking after it? Who is responsible for its development?

What’s happening?

Fortunately, there are a number of great people doing great work in order to advance our profession. These people develop and apply the following in order to advance their own careers and also our profession:

1. Experience
2. Ethics
3. Education
4. Engagement

Each of these four elements forms a fundamental part of growing your career and our profession. They also determine the way we conduct business, provide customer service and interact with our customers.

Let’s break down these four elements and look at what they are made up of.

Experience

You can’t rush experience yet it is very important for a successful ICT career. From design and development, delivery of services, troubleshooting and issue resolution for clients through to concurrently managing streams of work crossing several sectors.

The longer you have been involved in your line of work, the more likely you are to have the skillset needed to tackle the day to day challenges that our profession brings.

Education

Education on the other hand is something that you actively pursue. It involves dedication and commitment, and can take a number of forms. You could attend a tertiary institution which is generally the most common form of education but it is not the only option.

ICT Professionals who pursue higher education show:

1. Commitment to the ICT profession.
2. Commitment to advancing their own level of knowledge.
3. Commitment to ensuring that they are providing the best solutions as governed by current “best-practice” methodologies.

Based on the above, education can be defined as:

“a degree, level, or kind of schooling”

but also, it can also be defined as:

“the act or process of imparting or acquiring particular knowledge or skills, as for a profession”

According to the latter definition education can encompass several other mediums which could include:

• · Attending industry held events.
• · Membership through Professional Bodies.
• · On the job knowledge sharing with colleagues.
• · Mentoring.

It’s not limited to the above of course. Education isn’t just about knowledge gained; it is also the sharing of knowledge with others.

Engagement

Engagement is the odd one out: it may not appear as important as the other Es, but should still play a part in growing ourselves and our profession.

Engagement is how “involved” you are with what you do. How engaged are you at your workplace and with the wider profession?

Everybody has a certain level of engagement with their workplace. This is simply because you work within the constraints of your workplace. However, how many people can take this same level of engagement with their work place and go a step further and engage with the wider ICT community?

To give you some examples, low levels of engagement might be:

• · Knowledge sharing internally within their company.
• · Building relationships with those within their company.
• · Assisting others internally with issues and problems that arise.

And high levels of engagement:

• Converse with the wider ICT community via social media and other forums.
• Frequent ICT events in the local area.
• Have a professional body membership enabling like-minded people to come together.
• Use their knowledge to help solve the issues, problems experienced by the wider ICT community
• Communication and application of externally gained knowledge to their day to day work.
• Building of relationships and networking with others in the sector.

Ethics

Ethical behaviour is paramount to the sustainability of our profession. Whilst in every profession you are going to get good eggs and bad eggs, the IT profession needs to continue to focus on two major areas:

• · Adoption of an ethical framework.
• · Educating the sector as a whole as to the merits of ethical operation and the flow on effects this has on the sustainability of our sector whilst ensuring ICT continues to be seen as a profession.

Ethics can be defined as:

“The branch of philosophy dealing with values relating to human conduct, with respect to the rightness and wrongness of certain actions and to the goodness and badness of the motives and ends of such actions.”

Maintaining a level of ethical behaviour challenges each of us to evaluate our available options, take into account all affected parties and potential conflicts and then make an informed decision.

We are all individuals acting on behalf of our profession. How do we ensure that we maximise the good eggs? There are two simple methods:

1. Become a member of a professional body.
2. Obtain a professional certification.

Joining a professional body with a Code of Conduct or Ethics is a fantastic start.  For those looking to really commit to their professional development then making a move to become ITCP certified is a great goal.

As the current generation of ICT professionals move onwards and upwards it’s important to instil good practice, clear codes of ethics, networking opportunities, professional development opportunities into the incoming generation. I am a firm believer of lead by example.

Whilst it does take time and commitment to grow our own individual careers and also to achieve some of the bigger goals of increasing the level of professionalism within our industry, if everybody pulls together in the right direction, I am sure we would see a significant change both internally within organisations and externally within the industry.

So who’s responsible for our industry?

We all are of course. It doesn’t take a lot if we all contribute to help raise the level of professionalism within our sector but the impact will be, and is significant.

This blog written by myself was recently published in the NZCS weekly Newsline e-newsletter (September 16th 2011). Newsline is an online newsletter which goes to 10,000 ICT Professionals in New Zealand.

Original article can be seen here http://www.nzcs.org.nz/newsletter/42

But here we are in 2010 and did exactly that. We held off the current world champions in a pool play match and not only did we help force them to the bottom of our pool, but also out of the running to retain their title.

This world cup, and in particular the All Whites reminded me of the movie ‘Cool Runnings’, the film about the Jamaican Bobsled team. Who’d ever heard of a Jamaican bobsled team? But more to the point a Jamaican Bobsled team qualifying for the Winter Olympics??

This concept behind the film goes on to show how through determination, hard work persistence and keeping your head held high anything is achievable, no matter who looks down their nose at you. It also goes on to show how changing the mindset of a few people can have far reaching positive effects.

I would imagine these concepts were displayed in this 2010 world cup. Other nations displayed the “Who are the All Whites”, “They don’t stand a chance”…… cards. Then as soon as we entered those stadiums and played competitive, Grade A, honest and quality football, mindsets started changing, heads were turning. Who were these ‘All Whites’ and where did they come from………

…..New Zealand. The little nation that could!

For too long has the size of a nation dictated the impact it had. Well not this time! Our small nation of 4 million supporting our 15 players while they represented us at the top level of Football was amazing! Not only did the bulk of New Zealand get behind the team through conventional mediums but also new media initiatives (through such communication channels as Twitter and Facebook) but also the All Whites were headlining international newspapers and news broadcasts!

Unfortunately last night the All Whites needed a ‘win’ to push through to the next round, alas it was not meant to be. We drew nil all at full time.

You can sugar coat it any way you want, by saying we were ‘undefeated’, but at the end of the day, at the core of this is a dedicated team who played some fantastic football and had a nation of supporters behind them. These supporters were probably not just people from New Zealand, but also other nations who wanted to see New Zealand succeed!

Singularly the All Whites may not have made it through, but as a nation, together, we have succeeded in showing the world who we are. Whats important is that we all came together for a single cause.

Look at what we achieved this time, the All Whites, NZ as a nation. Who knows… could be the All Whites facing off in the final in 4 years time.

I am proud to be a kiwi and I think that’s something we all have something to be proud of.

All white, back to it.

Ben
twitter: @bensmithnz

Facebook status’ or statii, I dont even know what is gramatically correct…. I see hundreds and hundreds of facebook statii roll down my news feed weekly..

I have always found the concept of Facebook status’s, or statii (which ever one is gramatically correct) quite interesting. What is it that makes people post an update? Is it image based or some sort of insecurity people have? Or is it because they generally have something they want people to know?

As a facebook user, I am constantly bombarded with these ‘status updates’ from people…..Some are interesting, some are funny, but most are a bunch of nonsense which most of the time I am not interested in.

I see facebook statii’ of all kinds.

Acceptable facebook statii

<<insert name here>> is going to the pub
<<insert name here>> is off to the gym

<<insert name here>> if status’s was to be made plural would it be statii or status’s (thanks to Belinda for making this a status as I write this)

<<insert name here>> thought that <<insert name movie name here>>had great special effects would recommend people to go and see

<<insert name here>> thought that the customer service a <<insert shop here>> was substandard….. <<insert reason here>>

<<insert name here>>’s phone has been cut off, so dont worry if I dont reply.

A lot of these updates have relevance to people. Both from an entertainment point of view, but also from a informative point of view. Informative status updates by people can yield a wealth of information.

I wont bother to ring or text that person if their phone has been cut off.

Poor example of a book status update

<<insert name here>> is posting a status update <—– Oh come on!!!!!

The “like this” functionality

But one of the amazing features of facebook status updates is the ability to “like” peoples statii. But this is not just limited to othe peoples updates. You can also “like” your own status.  This feature is largely under-utilised by a lot of people I feel.

How can one post a status update, but not like it? (assuming its a good thing, as one wouldnt “like” a bad thing)

Example: <<insert name here>> passed all her exams with great results.

Its like ‘hey thats great, fantastic, well done’
<< Ben likes this>>

but shouldnt the poster also like his/her status???? One would think that they would, wouldnt they?

For example, I always like my own status updates. I posted one recently titled “Guitar Hero with the lads + drinking”. Sure enough I “liked this”, along with several other people. I could of not added that I liked my own status, but wouldnt that seem silly????

OR OR is this “likes this” functionality implied when one makes a status update???

Just some food for thought I guess….. thats all for now….

Ben
“likes this” blog.

Being 25 years old and being asked to speak was a huge honour. Finally I could talk to people whose shoes I was in only a few short years ago. It was going to be brilliant. I thought what a better opportunity for people to listen to somebody who could relate to the situations they were facing during University and giving advice.

Unfortunately for me I was unwell and unable to deliver on the presentation I had prepared and was looking forward to giving. So now that my blog site is up and running, I thought I would type up (briefly) what I was going to talk about.

—-Going back 4 weeks—

I decided that my 5-10 minute speech was going to cover 3 main areas that I think are important to students who are looking to graduate and also young people who are looking to enter the ICT workforce for the first time;

1. How do I get my foot through ‘that’ door?
Working within the ICT industry whilst studying, is it a good idea and how can I make it happen?

2. Selling myself……. on paper.
My CV, am I doing it right?

3. So my CV is good, and my foot’s through the door, and now I have an interview….. now what?
Interview techniques, things to possibly say and do and not……

How do I get my foot through ‘that’ door?

I believe thats its never too soon to get involved in the ICT in New Zealand. Studying full-time (as I know) can be highly stressful. Exams, assignments, lectures…. it can be a big workload. But there is no need to wait until you have that ‘piece of paper’ from the University or tertiary institution.

Being active within the ICT industry can take many forms. You can:
1. Work in ICT
2. Read/comment about ICT
3. Get involved with Community Groups or Profession Bodies.

During the course of my study at Massey University, I quickly found out that I was actually only attending for about 15 hours a week, that was a FULL-TIME course load. I decided to find myself a part-time job working in the Industry I wanted to pursue a career in. For the better part of 2 years I worked 20 hours a week for a company in a supporting role (IT support). WOW did I learn a lot in a very short time frame. I learnt the in’s and out’s of office culture, time management (balancing University life and a working life) and real life ICT skills.

Having this balance in my life allowed my transition from Univeristy life to full time work to be very simple. I knew what was expected as a ‘junior’ staff member and I also knew what I could expect from an employer.

This sort of balance has a few benefits. You are able to see your university skills manifest themselves in a work capacity, but also, it allows you to take real life situations and apply them to your university studies.

It might not be practical for some students to take on part-time work in that capacity. Alternatives can include getting involved with Professional Bodies (NZCS) or get along to local ICT events in your area.  These sort of local events can help provide insight and information about whats happening in ICT on a national or international scale. It will also allow you to start ‘networking’ and interacting with like minded people. Who knows you could end up sitting next to your next employer

In my opinion, STANDING OUT from other candidates or ICT professionals is important. Showing your own personal ‘point of difference’ from other people can mean getting that job that you are longing for over somebody else.

Personally, I strive to show my ‘point of difference’ through networking, interactions and generally being involved and knowledgable in the area I work in.

Selling myself……. on paper.

Creating a CV is a very important part of migrating from University life to the real world…..actually IT’S important all the time.

I guess I term it “selling yourself……..on paper”.

The number 1 key feature I think is important is

1. Customize Customize Customize + keep it concise.

I dont believe anybody should have a single CV! Each person should have a couple of variations of their CV, each one slightly tailored. One common mistake I have learned and have seen in others CV’s is that they are generic and standard.

Having several CV’s each customized for the job or role in which your applying for will give you an advance when it comes to the selection process.

Applicants who have a CV tailored or customized to a job description I believe stand a better chance during the selection process. Having spoken with my former bosses after I was hired, they confirmed this, that customised CV’s really stand out when they are having to go through several, sometimes hundreds of CV’s. The only thing they have in common is the white paper and black text.

I have an interview….. now what?

So you’ve successfully landed yourself an interview! Now what? You’re sitting in a room… waiting for somebody to break the silence…

I am a firm believer of technical skills can be taught, but teaching interpersonal skills cannot (such things include attitude, working in a team, humour).

One of the main things I like to think about when at the ‘interview’ stage is just be yourself. Remember, they already like you on paper. They’ve seen your CV, they know a bit about your background, your hobbies, your skill-set and also your strengths.

How much do you know about them as a representative for the company they work for? Its a great opportunity for you to enquire about things like the company goals and visions. You can also ask questions such as “How does the see itself in 5 years?”, “Does the company see much growth potential?” and things that most potential employees never ask, but should!

Building on my “2 way street” theory, you work for the employer, but also the employer works for you. So its in your best interests to find out as much as you can during this time.

I have also taken the opportunity to talk with a couple of people who are directly related to hiring staff. The comments below come from managers who sit in on face-to-face interviews and also people in HR departments who have to read through CV’s and shortlist. Here is what they had to say about some of things they look for in CV’s and some of the common pitfalls people make:

“I usually distinguish knowledge (what), skills (how) and attitude (want) when looking at a candidate relative to the role. With the focus on the attitude and trying to find evidence during the interview”

If only I had to opportunity to speak this to you all

The new Young IT Professionals Group’s first newsletter went out this afternoon via the NZCS mailing list. I am not sure of the number of people who subscribe to that mailing list, but its lots
If you missed the Newsletter, you can sign up here

What is the Young IT Professionals Group about? Well to summarise what we have written in the newsletter:

” YITPG is a new Specialist Group of NZCS, the body for ICT Professionals, and is basically a networking group for 20- and 30-something ICT enthusiasts (generally those with up to 10 years’ professional work experience) and students.”

YITPG will be running regular events tailored to those who fit the description above. Whether you’re a young professional or a keen and eager student we want to see you there! To register for the first event, with guest speaker Ben Gracewood you can sign up through the NZCS website here .

YITPG is currently run by myself and Annaliese Bishop and we are looking for some keen and eager Young People to help us on our journey to helping expose the facets of ICT to anybody who is willing to listen and participate. We will be looking for a small handful of people to form a “committee” to help steer this group in the right direction with us.

Being on a committee is not all dull and full of meetings in crowded rooms!! We would like to get people together share a beer or 2 (not sharing mine personally…..) but to share thought and ideas which would in turn would form the basis for YITPG events (and be of interest to Young IT Professionals)

If this sounds like you, fire off an email to yitpg@nzcs.org.nzwith a bit of a BIO about yourself (where you’ve come from, IT wise) and why you think you would make a great addition to our committee. We dont bite and would love to hear from anybody who thinks they have something to offer

Anyway, thats all for now

Ben Smith (@bensmithnz)
Co-Chairman
NZCS Young IT Professionals Group (Auckland)
twitter:@yitpg

Shortly after I came aboard I was very fortunate to be invited to sit on a Working Group Committee for a Pilot project named ICT-Connect by Paul Matthews. The idea was to put an ICT professional into schools to build an interest in ICT into some of the younger minds of Generation Z!! This pilot project ran until mid-2009 when a formal report was submitted to the NZCS Council with the outcomes of the project. We are still waiting for an outcome from the Council.

I guess thats all for now

PS: I recommend all ICT professionals get involved in a this professional body….. Details on memberships are here

I thought I’d start with a worthless post stating this!

I have decided to try a lighter looking theme. This one appeals to me more for the following reasons

1. It looks more welcoming and forthcoming with the lighter colours
2. The layout displays the functionality slightly better than the other style
3. It was easier to ‘hack’ bits of code out with my favourite ‘delete’ key, removing redundant options and functionality that I didnt want nor need.

Welcome to leave me any thoughts or comments.

Chur

….heres hoping