Professionalism

Professionalism

In my life, I always wanted to be successful. My parents have stressed to me about hard work and persistence. I have understood that sometimes you need to create goals in your life so you can have a balance in your everyday existence. At first, my goal was to be a music teacher. I realized this goal in the 9th grade of high school. I told myself that if I am serious about this, I need to do whatever it takes to make sure it happens. On a high school level, I knew that I needed to be in some type of ensemble (choir or band). I have always been in the choir since elementary school, so I was already heading in the right direction. I was involved myself into every musical production in Prince George’s County for the excitement and exposure. Because of my dedication to my craft (music), I landed a full-scholarship at Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach, FL for my Music Education degree. While at college, I lost my focus along the way and begin my journey to motherhood at the age 20. Then I decided to change careers to the IT Field. My goal now to become the best IT specialist that I can be. The IT specialist goal is my ultimate goal (long-term). There are many levels of goals that you must accomplish before you can call yourself an IT Specialist: (Example; Short-term/Get into school for the training, Mid-term/Get certifications required for the field, and Long-term/Get the IT Specialist Job.) Creating the plan for my goal is very easy but sticking to them can very hard. Currently I am enrolled in Tesst College of Technology for a Certificate in Computer Support Technician with a 4.00 GPA. I received my A+ Certification in December 2010, and working on my Network + and Security certification before a graduate in April 2011. Once I have acquired enough experience in the field then I will be more comfortable in applying for the best IT Specialist position that fits my qualifications.

As a read and understand my field a little bit more, I must have a positive attitude for this profession. Being an IT Specialist warrants you to interact with customer’s everyday so you must be aware of your surroundings. It is very good to show humbleness or respectfulness to your customers so they can understand that you are trying to work with them and to make or fix their problem as quickly as possible. When a company sends me out on assignment, I must conduct myself in a respectable matter because I am a representative of the company and values. While fixing the problem, I must inform the customer of the errors and negligence and make sure that they take responsibility for their actions. Having a professional attitude is great to have in this field. You must have total eye contact with the customer so they can have the trust or bond about their concern due to the issue at hand, also its shows that you are listening to and verifying the information that that customer is giving to me. My facial expression will be very professional because you don’t want the customer to know if you are sad or angry so try to stay happy or nonchalant as possible. When the job is complete, make sure you close or seal the deal with a handshake. It will ensure the respect between you and the customer. Now since we are in the age of new technology, cell phone etiquette is a must. Please make sure that your phone is on vibrate, no personal calls during meeting or one-on-one facial conversation with the customer. Last but not least is your appearance. Make sure that your clothing is clean, ironed/pressed, and in place. Hair must be presentable and body clean.

Communication is the key to any IT Specialist. This requires listening, observing, speaking, questioning, analyzing, and evaluating. In communicating, we all have experienced bad days when you don’t like talking to one other or even talking to the customer about their issues but you must distinguish or separate the two so you can get the work done. Nonverbal communication is being observed in a positive and negative way.  You gestures, clothing, facial expressions, and body language can tell a customer if you annoyed by them personally or their problem. Just like I explained in an earlier paragraph, you must be either happy or nonchalant about the situation so you will continue to be productive in your assignments. Verbal communication is key to the IT field. Most of the time, you have the solution to the problem but you start speaking or explaining the problem and solution in computer garaging (language that customers don’t understand). You must be conscious of the speed at which you speak. Make sure that your volume is commendable to the customer’s comfort level.  Besides the customer, you need to have a great relationship with your boss and co-workers. The number one thing that we need to discuss in this paragraph is business etiquette.  Most companies follow very simple guidelines for personal conduct on the job: (Dress Code, Eating on the job, Breaks, Personal use of company resources, Music and headphones, Visitors, and Leave). Personal business should be handle on break and lunch but sometimes you cannot help it when you have an emergency, so just make sure you find a quiet place to conduct your business.

While you’re being productive out in the field (assignment), and after everything is said and done, you must return back to the company for reports and database entry. The one of the best parts of being in the IT Field is being part of the team (IT Department). Teamwork is element that combines all workers together and making a successful functioning unit. Becoming a good team member is possible when the attributes are explained to rules are followed: (Honesty, Trustworthy, Enthusiastic, Encouraging, Supportive, Great communicator, open to new ideas and the most important factor: DEPENDABLE).  Leadership is another essential element of any successful team.  Good leaders are encouraging, and they know how to create an environment in which their team members can work most effectively. Some good qualities for a great leader are (great vision of the goal, discipline, integrity, humility, creativity, assertiveness, and humor). Some people seem like they are born leaders but the truth is that you can learn basic leadership skills from your schooling and career. The best way to become a leader is to volunteer for leadership position whenever possible for the experience.

Career Development Skills are the key to success. These are pointers are the key for a wonderful career in the IT Field. (Be responsible, flexible, dependable, and accountable). All of these key factors that I just mention are very critical in the IT field because they maybe a time when you will be on call for assignment and you must represent you company well, you must use the 4 key elements above.