Mixing your career with what drives you

Contributed by Tristan King - IBM

After completing my Bachelor of Business Systems degree, I knew I wanted to chase a career in IT. I was interested in the not-so-technical, the Project Management side of IT and attracted by all the chances I'd have to use what I had learnt. I knew that I also loved languages, having studied Japanese throughout school and University, and having done an exchange program in Japan.

I first began work with a large consulting company, in their IT Risk Management sector. This presented us with the challenge of investigating clients' IT systems, and telling them the holes which needed to be filled. For example: Were their passwords secure enough? Was there risk with their applications? Here, I used many analytical skills, along with my background in IT, standards and the many tools needed to do such an analysis.

Some time later, an even more attractive offer presented itself, by accident. A former colleague I'd worked with during an Industry Based Learning program told me about an upcoming role in IBM's web sector (where all things about IBM's internet and websites are managed). I was very interested in the Web, and soon settled into the role very comfortably. They also needed someone who spoke Japanese: so I was excited.

Three years later, I am now the Program Manager for innovation, Web metrics and customer satisfaction. I work with the innovation team to come up with and deploy new tools and gadgets which help people do things on the web faster, smoother and with more fun. I also look at where our web customers come from (are people Googling us?), how long they stay on our pages, and the trends from month to month. It's surprising how much you can surmise from tracking users' actions on a website.

I use Microsoft Office skills, along with web knowledge (HTML/Javascript & other languages), myriad other computer programs, comprehension of servers and databases, as well as business relationship and project management skills.

Above all - I find that mixing the Web – my chosen career path - with my passion – languages (Japanese in this case), gives me a fulfilling, fun and challenging career step. I have the chance to range from very technical, to very management-oriented tasks. It's really up to you determine your career path, and, once you're in a position to do so – make sure you voice what you're interested in and passionate about.

Advice for students

• Do whatever you can to try and enter into Industry Based Learning programs, internships, or anything similar. Real world experience will carry you further than any other, and you'll meet people, who know people, who know people…
• Try to gain as much exposure and as many references as you possibly can. A day of volunteer work here, an internship there. Take some time to write reference letters after you've completed a piece of work, ask your sponsor to sign them, and use it to your advantage during interviews.
• Try to find a way to combine what you like into your job. For me, it was languages. Now, speaking some Japanese each day brings a ray of light to even those "Black Mondays". More often than not, people will want to help you integrate your passions into your work, where viable.
• Be keen. Be interested. Most people can learn a particular skill – what employers really want are people who are passionate, fun, switched on and are willing to put in the effort to get the job done.. it's not all about technical skills.