Informational interview with a University Information Communication Technology (ICT) Director
Me: What amount of formal education is required in your field? Is there any special training or advanced degree required? In your opinion what majors or courses are the best?
Director: For one to be an ICT director must have gone through formal training at different levels. At least three degrees (undergraduate, masters and doctorate) are required for the job. Apart from the formal training, one must also have special training in technical areas to enhance the practical skills necessary for the job. Computer Science or Information Technology is the major course for this profession since the issues handled in this office relate to technology. The focus is also necessary for one to achieve the milestones in life and hold such a position in the University.
Director: Information Technology is a wide area with a range of jobs that can enhance your skills as a practitioner. You can venture into the maintenance of computers or development of computer software using various programs.
Me: Describe a typical day, Week, and Month in your job?
Director: That is a good question. My day is coupled with numerous activities of ensuring all offices in the University are connected to a working network where the internet is working. Attending various strategic meetings also form part of my busy schedule in the process of maintaining a high-performance index.
Me: How are your tasks or duties determined?
Director: My duties are determined by the functionalities of the directorate since the use of technological devices implies dynamic operations where I have to attend to some emergency issues.
Me: What do you find most rewarding in your work?
Director: The most rewarding part of this work is when the institution realizes higher ranking amongst many institutions of higher learning. This is great because the number of students increases due to the conducive environment created as a result of effective functionality.
Me: If your job were suddenly eliminated, what other kinds of work could you do?
Director: Apart from being a director, I am capable of doing other jobs in the technology field since I am a hands-on person who advocates for practical skills rather than theoretical approaches.
Me: How do you like the physical environment in which you work? If you could improve it, how would you change it to provide for greater productivity, creativity, and enjoyment?
Director: My physical environment is conducive to performance. If I were to improve it, then I would increase the number of technological devices that could enable every person to enjoy the internet in the comfort of his/her office. Each student will be supplied with a university customized gadget to monitor the usage of the internet for efficiency purposes.
Me: How much flexibility do you have regarding duty, dressing?
Director: Due to the nature of the field, my duties enable me to have a flexible schedule since I can respond to any query through an online platform thus limiting my physical presence. The flexibility in duties implies flexibility in dressing apart from when I am attending formal forums.
Me: Do you read any field-specific journals or magazines?
Director: For effective performance, it is necessary for one to seek information from various sources that enhance the knowledge level. I do read many articles to equip myself with the new technologies that are critical in my area of specialization.
