Michael C.
About me
| Michael C. | |
| Economics and Related Studies | |
| Economics | |
| Taught Postgraduate | |
| Goodricke | |
| 1978 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| IT Consultant | |
| Was Konica Minolta Business Systems GmbH | |
| Germany | |
| Digital and IT services |
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A day in the life of a IT Consultant in Germany
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
I did work for a large multinational company, that produces printers, copiers, and associated software, and is now branching into IT services
What do you do?
I had three roles within the company. I was an IT project manager, and then a Relationship manager. My last role was as a consultant within IT Solution architecture.
In this last role, we would receive requests from all over Europe for new solutions, sometimes with software already identified, sometime not. The role required me to look at whether the identified software would fit with the software "landscape" we already had. If no software had been previously found, then I or a subject matter expert would try to identify something that would fit.
If we found something, then we would propose this software to the business and to the other IT professionals, and would also advertise it to the other European countries. (Occasionally there was co-operation worldwide).
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
I didn't know what I wanted to do after graduation. It appeared that I had enough "logic" (I liked playing chess and bridge!) to apply for a job as a computer programmer. Once I got into a company, I found my niche was discussing how IT could help the business. So, I made my career as a business professional, working within IT. I later did an MBA, which helped me branch out from pure IT.
I moved to Germany in 2012, since I found it difficult to find a job in the UK. It was a good opportunity, and also gave me the chance to learn German and live here. I'm happy I made the choice.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
I didn't know what I wanted to do when I graduated, so, yes, this job sector is different
Describe your most memorable day at work
There is no particular day, but I got the most satisfaction from providing a solution to users who really appreciated the new tool - normally after the installation and bedding-in of new software. When I knew it had really benefitted the users, it gave me a great deal of satisfaction.
Are there any challenges associated with your job?
I worked as a business consultant within IT. The challenges are mostly around the lack of understanding between business departments and IT, and I have found this in every company I worked for. There is a huge opportunity, in my opinion, for people to bridge the gap between these two sides.
What’s your work environment and culture like?
I went into the office every day. I no longer work there, but I understand most people are working from home due to Covid.
The environment was fairly relaxed and the people I worked with were great. It would be an office environment that is understandable to anyone who has worked in an office in the UK - except that the Germans like to have lunch early (canteen opens at 11:30!).
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
Football (5 a side), walking, helped out making late night snacks.
I would say that I learned that being tolerant was the most important thing I learned at York - through all aspects of my life at university.
What would you like to do next with your career?
I got an offer to leave my company, which I took. I officially retire in Germany in September 2022, and I have started a new career as a teacher of English. I plan to carry this on through retirement.
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Don't be afraid to change.
Don't be afraid to go into a company that looks boring. I once worked for a company that made electricity meters, and I was really happy there. The people were great and I learned a lot.
What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?
IT in general, although I am not able to answer real technical questions.
I am very happy to answer questions on the relationship between IT and various business departments.
I have lived and worked in Greece and Germany, so I am happy to answer questions about working abroad - Europe in particular, but I have also spent some time in the US, Japan and various African countries.
Teaching English as a Foreign Language.
Next steps...
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