Company: Sentinel Technologies Inc. in Downers Grove, a computer-support company whose services include network design and analysis and system integration and conversion.
Salary range for company: $32,000 to $60,000
Time on this job: 2 years
Previous jobs: I worked for a retail manufacturer as a maintenance programmer. Before that, I was a bookkeeper for six years.
Age: 40
Education: I’ll soon be earning my B.S. in computer science from DeVry.
How I got this job: I was looking through the want ads in the newspaper and saw the Sentinel ad. I knew it was a good place to get my foot in the door, so I applied.
Why I took this job: It was a tremendous opportunity to learn new computer program technologies and apply the knowledge to the job.
Main responsibilities: I assess and then recommend computer languages, such as Visual Basic, Lotus Notes and cc:Mail, to companies in the Chicago area. It’s custom programming for companies, where I determine whether the technology is applicable to the their system needs. I perform network maintenance of the clients’ systems, making sure everything’s running smoothly.
Best thing about the job: I’m able to increase my skills by having the opportunity to train on many computer languages and programs for certification. You can become a certified professional in each language. Being certified as a professional in the language benefits me on the job, as I’m able to grow in my field.
Worst thing about the job: It’s difficult to keep up with all the technology changes and new computer languages, but if you want the opportunity, you have to put in the time on your own.
My ideal next job: I’d like to work on the training or network aspect of language programming.
Advice to job-seekers in this field: If it’s the job you want, study as much as you can on your own. You have to pursue the reading and keep up with the technological changes.
