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Q:
When did you come to Wesleyan, and were you always
a computer operations specialist?
A:
I started July 7, 1977 or 7/7/77. A lucky number? I was hired as a computer
operator, and in time my title changed to production manager for
administrative systems. I left Wesleyan in 1982, because at that point in my
career I felt I needed more exposure to ever changing technology. From 1982
to1985 I worked 2nd and 3rd shift jobs for different
employers ranging from a computer operator to a plastics mold injection
operator. During that same time I worked as a daytime temporary employee
for Wesleyan for what was then known as the Computing Center processing and
printing materials at the peak times during the academic and fiscal
calendars. When a permanent job became available in 1985, I was hired
permanently. I had just two requests, that the salary was at least the same and it
was first shift only. The administration agreed, so I came back as a
permanent employee in the role of computer operator.
Q:
What does your job title, computer operations specialist, mean exactly?
A:
During the years the responsibilities have changed, but basically I respond
to and resolve requests in the request tracking system operations@wesleyan. I also
support ITS’ desktop support, help desk and technical staff by adding and
removing computer accounts, processing printing requests, restoring files,
solving access issues and creating and adjusting e-mail lists.
Q:
What’s a typical day like?
A:
Most of my
time is spent on my computer. I communicate mostly via e-mail and phone. The
only direct contact I have on a regular basis is with ITS staff. On any
given day I could spend a lot of time on unanticipated issues, as well as
routine technical maintenance.
Q:
What are typical problems you help people solve?
A:
People contact me with a variety of problems. It can be anything from “my
e-mail isn’t working” to “the Internet is down,” or “Saturn is down.”
“PeopleSoft gives me a blank screen,” “I am getting denied access to these
files,” or “I have lost a couple of files, can you restore them from last
Tuesday?” They’ll also say that MeetingMaker is suddenly asking them for a
password, and that it hasn’t done that in two years, and they want to know
what their password is, or “I am a new faculty calling from California, are
my computer accounts setup yet? How do I access them from here?”
Q:
What has been one of your most memorable problems?
A:
One of my most unique calls was from someone saying, “I keep getting denied
dial-in access so I went out and bought a new phone, can you help me?”
Q:
What lead
you into computer-type work?
A:
After high school in 1974 I worked at Fafnir Bearing in New Britain and my
coworkers, who had been in factory work for many years, all told me that I
should get out of factory work. I have since realized this was very good
advice. I checked out the Computer Processing Institute, CPI, in East
Hartford. It no longer exists, but I went there in 1976, and earned a
diploma in operations. At that time I trained on IBM mainframes 360/370.
Q:
What are typical programs or programming languages you use at work?
A:
Visual BASIC is still being used in the programming area somewhat, but now
it’s mostly C++, SQR, Procedural Language/SQL,
Java and COBOL. These are mostly for business applications. There are
different languages for math and statistical and web applications.
Q:
Do you prefer PCs or Macs?
A: I
prefer PCs. My first computer was a Mac, which I liked, but Macs are mostly
used to start your computer exposure in grade schools or high school, or if
you work in publications or art.
Q:
Do people ever use their keyboard trays for coffee mug holders and end up
with disasters?
A:
Of course, haven’t you? I can get an entire lunch just by turning my
keyboard over and shaking. Desktop support specialists deal with this all
the time.
Q:
At home, are you on a computer much or do you try to stay away?
A:
I do have a computer, a PC. This is where I do personal stuff like emailing
friends and relatives, banking, buying stuff and research. I’m not much of a
computer game player, and don’t spend much time ‘surfing.’ There are times
when I do work-related projects from home, but not often. It’s funny how
different your mindset is when you’re on your computer at work versus
home.
Q:
What are some of your hobbies?
A:
My hobbies seem to center around physical activities. I like to play squash
here at Wesleyan, and have met many people in other departments who also
play that otherwise I would not have met. I feel fortunate to work for an
employer that provides opportunity and encourages exercise at lunch time.
Also, I have played racquetball for years at the YMCA in New Britain. I like
to rollerblade, play tennis and lift weights.
Q:
Where did you grow up and where are you living now?
A: I
was born in Kensington but I have lived in Southington for about 12 years
now. I have four sisters and a brother. Three sisters and their families are
local. One sister and her family lives in Massachusetts. My brother lives in
Cape Coral, Florida.
Q:
What do you like best about working at Wesleyan?
A:
To choose something I like best is difficult because I like so much of what
I do. But mostly I enjoy working with a diverse and interesting population.
In a given hour I can speak with students, faculty, alumni, parents, staff
or vendors. I like that each phone call and each e-mail request exposes me
to a different challenge in my work day. I never know what is in store for
me. That’s the beauty! |
