I just joined the Singapore Computer Society, and they'd asked me to write a little profile about myself and how/ why I got into IT. Like job interviews and just interviews in general, I always find requests like these interesting and a great way to learn about yourself more - as it makes you reflect on where you are and how you got there.
I've been in a variety of roles in IT, including working as an IT business analyst, IT auditor, IT adviser, IT support, IT research analyst and now IT consultant. But how did I get into it? Here are some of the questions and my answers that I'd like to share. Hopefully it gives you an idea of how I got into it, and maybe you can understand whether IT is/ was the right career path for you:
When was the first time you started using a computer – how old were you, what did you use it for and please describe how you felt/what you did
I started using computers when they first arrived in classrooms. It was the old Apple computers which were promptly replaced by the personal computers (PCs). I was around 6-7 years old then and I used it for basic word processing and playing some fun learning games, including one game where you’d try catch a villain that travels and hides around the world (Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?). I felt like I was a different person, like reading a book, chasing this character. It’s the feelings one has when you’re looking for Wally in “Where’s Wally” and the movie, “Catch me if you can!”
How IT has changed your life
IT has changed my life by always been enabling my access to information and being able to continue to remain in touch with all my friends and family from around the world. Information Technology is everywhere and has been much a part of my life, so much that I feel empty and strange without it.
What would you do or how would you feel if you had to live without IT for a day
I always like to think of IT as a layer and a medium that enables us to carry out the activities that we normally would, but in a simpler and easier manner. The world existed without IT but with it, we are able to stay connected to people and information in ways that is changing every day. Without IT I would feel disconnected from my friends but I actually would also feel it as a break as I often find myself lost in the Internet and computers for hours on end without realising it.
I also often like to watch movies and TV series off my laptop, so I think I'll be out there more exploring the world. I think it'll be a good thing to take a break from IT. I don't think I can stay disconnected from IT for long though as it helps me stay connected with all my old and current friends, especially now that I live in Singapore.
How did you get into the IT profession
I was originally studying to become an engineer, as I wasn't too sure what I wanted to do and was following my brother's lead. I ended up in IT after realising that engineering wasn't for me. I wanted to do something relating to business and given that IT is an enabler that serves and supports business, I'd thought I'll give that a try. Given the rapidly changing environment and challenges in the IT and technology, I've put myself in a interesting industry, one that is looking to change the way we live our lives more and more each day. I'm glad to be stuck right in the middle of it, but hope to relate it more into the how it supports communities and societies down the track.
