Chicago Director Of IT Encourages A Continued Education
Brian Clark is director of Information Technology at STATS LLC. Clark is responsible for the technology infrastructure at the company, sometimes referred to as IT Infrastructure and Operations. This includes all of the technology that allows people to work in a modern organization, including their computers, network, telephones and email. Clark supports both internal customers (employees) and external customers.
In high school, Clark was very interested in computers and technology, but did not see himself in a technology career because he was not interested in being a programmer. Clark enrolled at Miami University (Ohio) as a business major, and computers remained a hobby of his. Upon graduation, he took a job working for a company that sold, installed and maintained computer systems and networks, which married his passion for technology with his interest in business and marketing. Later in Clark's career, he went back to school to earn his Master of Business Administration at the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. Clark felt it was a great experience that allowed him to continue to improve as a manager and not just as a technologist.
What are the scope and responsibilities of your current role?
"I am responsible for multiple teams, including the IT Help Desk, Systems and Network Administration as well as Database Administration. This includes staff in both the US and Europe. I am also responsible for the company's data centers, and I manage the relationships with our technology vendors."
What is your favorite part of your daily duties?
"I am never bored. There is literally something new every day. It could be something well-publicized like a new Apple Watch or something obscure like a new-to-me piece of open source software that solves a pressing problem."
Do you feel your education prepared you for your current role?
"Managing people is the most important part of any management job, and my education has provided me with many tools to help me manage people who work for me. Going back to school after being in the workforce for 12 years helped me see my work from a different perspective. I recommend that everyone who aspires to grow as a manager and a leader consider going back to school to get their MBA."
Do you have any advice for people who desire to pursue a similar career?
"You don't have to be a software developer/programmer to work in technology. If you have a passion for technology, there is a role for you. You just have to find it."
Michelle Guilbeau is a writer, reviewer, teacher and business owner. She also has experience in school administration, literacy coaching and is proud founder of CraftKitsForKids.com and MichelleGuilbeau.com Michelle enjoys sharing her knowledge of cities, food, travel, education and parenting issues with her readers. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
