Mentoring Part 1 – Tuesday 5th December

Nek on the mentoring process :

Over the past few years, I have had the privilege of mentoring Terry, who made a remarkable transition from the motor trade industry to the dynamic world of IT within our organization. When Terry first joined our team, he brought with him a wealth of practical experience and a willingness to learn and adapt. From day one, it was clear that he possessed the determination and curiosity needed to thrive in the ever-evolving field of Information Technology.

One of the core aspects of Terry’s journey was his exposure to the multifaceted elements of our business. As his mentor, I made it a priority to provide him with a comprehensive understanding of our day-to-day operations. This encompassed a diverse range of IT domains, including networking and firewalls, Windows systems administration, bespoke solutions tailored to our organization’s unique needs, and even software development using C# and Quadient. Terry exhibited an impressive ability to absorb and apply this knowledge, demonstrating his commitment to becoming a well-rounded IT professional.

As the months and years passed, I watched Terry’s growth with pride. His dedication to expanding his skill set was evident in his contributions to various projects within our organization. He played a pivotal role in enhancing our network security, optimizing our Windows-based systems, and developing innovative software solutions that streamlined our operations.

Terry’s ability to bridge the gap between the motor trade industry and the IT world became increasingly apparent as he integrated his prior experiences with his newfound expertise. His unique perspective added valuable insights to our team and fostered a culture of cross-disciplinary learning.

Terry’s journey from a novice in IT to a proficient and versatile professional has been nothing short of inspiring. He serves as a testament to the power of mentorship, dedication, and the unwavering pursuit of knowledge. As his mentor, I am confident that Terry will continue to grow and make meaningful contributions to our organization, and I look forward to witnessing his continued success in the ever-evolving field of Information Technology.

Terry on his experience:

Following an unfortunate accident, limiting my ability to continue as a vehicle technician, I decided to pursue a career in the IT industry. During the 8 months I was unable to work, I managed to gain a BTEC level 3 in Cyber security and infrastructure and secure the role of a Junior Software Developer. Ben and Nek at CMCS offered me an opportunity to learn and grow into the role I undertake today, which has grown from ‘just’ a Software Developer, wearing many hats within the IT department as the business needs.

My desire to transition into the role of a software developer stemmed from a growing fascination with technology and its transformative impact on our world. While both roles share a problem-solving nature, there are notable differences. As a vehicle technician, I focused on physical components and mechanics, requiring a hands-on approach. Transitioning to software development introduced me to the world of coding, algorithms, and virtual problem-solving. This shift posed significant challenges, including learning complex programming languages, grasping abstract concepts, and adapting to a constantly evolving field.

Overcoming these hurdles demanded persistence and dedication. Learning from Nek, a manager, mentor, and now good friend that has a massive wealth of knowledge and experience across many areas of the IT field, gave me the ability to ask any question I needed to, to which Nek would answer in great detail so that I could understand the fundamentals through to the particular elements of a subject.