Company: Inland Steel Industries Inc., a Chicago-based steel-making, materials-management, logistics and technical-services company
Age: 63
Salary: for 1996, including bonus and other compensation: $447,508.
Time on this job: 7 1/2 years
Previous jobs: I was hired into Inland at this level; I’ve been a vice president of information technology since 1986, holding prior positions at IBM, Memorex, System Industries and Bechtel.
Education: B.S. in civil engineering from Princeton University and an MBA from Stanford University.
How I got this job: Inland recruited me.
Why I took this job: It was an opportunity to prepare the company for doing business in the next millennium and to help an old-line industrial firm compile the best high-tech tools to be more competitive.
Main responsibilities: I’m responsible for all the information systems throughout the company, including computers, communication networks, application development, desktop integration and process automation controls. My goals are to use technology to improve the productivity and competitiveness of the company. From the steel mills to the offices to the metal-distribution centers, I oversee the information technology that employees use or operate for steel production, logistics and material processing and distribution. I’m also involved with the company’s international joint ventures.
Best thing about the job: The constant, rapid change that occurs in the technology world; there’s never a dull moment. You’re continuously learning to keep up with all the changes, and it’s a rewarding challenge to apply technology to the needs of the business.
Worst thing about the job: The best thing is also the worst thing–the rapid change in technology.
My ideal next job: I’d like to continue in the same position; I enjoy the work and finding new ways to increase the competitiveness of the company.
Advice to job seekers in this field: Be prepared to continuously upgrade your skills and invest the time outside your job to study. Also, learn to be competitive as a technical and a business person; it’s critical that you understand the business side to effectively apply technology to solve business problems.
