The eWeek article, eWeek Labs Staffers Reveal ,got me thinking about how I initially embarked on the my technology journey. It wasn't so much a device that turned me onto computers but more the technology utilized in NASA during the 60's and 70's. Realizing I probably didn't have what it takes to get into the space program, I though science and technology may be a way to participate.
Well, that never worked out. I never even got to an interview with NASA, but some of the system we currently develop have been used to provide network services, such as DNS and DHCP, throughout NASA. So, eventually I guess I did get involved.
From a true technology perspective, in 4 years of college I had gone from punched cards, to using a teletype, to working remotely on a portable teletype that displayed the information on a television instead of printing it. No really! No paper required!
Those were exciting times, huh? But the rate of change in those 4 years convinced me that this was going to be a fun ride.
And so it has. The rate of change, if anything, has continued to accelerate since those early days. But that's what keeps it challenging and engaging.
What first turned you on to technology?
Monday, January 29, 2007
Friday, January 26, 2007
Back In It
So, it has been quite some time since I have "blogged" or podcast or journaled or what ever you may call it. Basically, I have been all consumed with finding new, meaningful, employment. Oh, I still am employed, but I wouldn't really call it meaningful. Other than, it pays the bills and keeps a roof over my head.
But, it seems like a good enough time to start back into blogging. This could be a nice diversion from the daily grind of the job search.
I have to say, the methods and market have changed considerably in the last ten or so years. I've been with my current companies sine 1998. Yes, that's right companies. We were first acquired as a start-up, went what felt like a re-org a year, and then went through a "merger of equals" with a 40/60 split.
Way back when, a recruiter was more like a real estate agent. You gave them the specs for your job and your credentials and off they went. Networking with their recruiting and corporate connections to find opportunities for you. Much like a real estate agent will do the leg work for you to find "the perfect home", or at least rule out those where mass murders were committed in the basement.
Now a days, it is totally in the job seekers hands to find the job. I've got a lot of experience, but it's difficult to get past the gate keepers or even get noticed by the gate keepers when the only avenue of entry is an email to a blind job posting.
Don't get me wrong, I have gotten my share of calls & interviews. I've come very close to where it was done to me or an internal candidate. But the truth of the matter is that unless you can tick off every nuance and skill mentioned in the job description, landing the job is a tough nut to crack.
I tend to look for positions where it is a win/win. Yes, a phrase that is too over used, I agree. But if I have already mastered every nuance of a new position where is the personal growth and challenge for me? After all, that is one of the main reasons I started the search. Well that and the fact that it is not really fun being in a company that is continually downsizing.
Ok, enough for today.
Where ever I find myself, that's where I happen to be !
But, it seems like a good enough time to start back into blogging. This could be a nice diversion from the daily grind of the job search.
I have to say, the methods and market have changed considerably in the last ten or so years. I've been with my current companies sine 1998. Yes, that's right companies. We were first acquired as a start-up, went what felt like a re-org a year, and then went through a "merger of equals" with a 40/60 split.
Way back when, a recruiter was more like a real estate agent. You gave them the specs for your job and your credentials and off they went. Networking with their recruiting and corporate connections to find opportunities for you. Much like a real estate agent will do the leg work for you to find "the perfect home", or at least rule out those where mass murders were committed in the basement.
Now a days, it is totally in the job seekers hands to find the job. I've got a lot of experience, but it's difficult to get past the gate keepers or even get noticed by the gate keepers when the only avenue of entry is an email to a blind job posting.
Don't get me wrong, I have gotten my share of calls & interviews. I've come very close to where it was done to me or an internal candidate. But the truth of the matter is that unless you can tick off every nuance and skill mentioned in the job description, landing the job is a tough nut to crack.
I tend to look for positions where it is a win/win. Yes, a phrase that is too over used, I agree. But if I have already mastered every nuance of a new position where is the personal growth and challenge for me? After all, that is one of the main reasons I started the search. Well that and the fact that it is not really fun being in a company that is continually downsizing.
Ok, enough for today.
Where ever I find myself, that's where I happen to be !
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