Company: Amoco Corp., a Chicago-based producer of oil, natural gas, refined products and chemicals
Salary: $50,000 to $150,000 at my company
Time on this job: 10 months
Previous jobs: I was manager of systems development. I joined Amoco 17 years ago as a programmer and held a variety of positions.
Age: 39
Education: B.S. in computer science from Western Illinois University and an MBA from Benedictine University.
How I got this job: My boss recommended me for the job when the position opened up.
Why I took this job: It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. The assignment offered something different and challenging. The Year 2000 project has never been done before, and I liked the idea of starting on a complex project from the ground up.
Main responsibilities: I’m responsible for planning, monitoring and repairing desktop and mainframe computers, telecommunications systems and software for the Year 2000. This includes everything from payroll to financial and inventory software and systems.
Best thing about the job: The best thing is also the worst thing: dealing with the unknown. Since it’s never been done before, this project really pushes my creative and analytical skills.
Worst thing about the job: The typical mundane tasks that accompany a large and complex project, such as long hours and the pressure of deadlines.
Ideal next job: After the Year 2000 project ends, I’d like to move out of projects into more organizational management.
Advice to job seekers in this field: Since business technology is changing so frequently, you have to be a quick-change artist–be quick to learn and adapt.
