Nerdcast Episode 36
March 18th, 2010NOS in SA: SA Career Focus Magazine
February 12th, 2010Hey World!
I was approached by one of my clients, and being a "career focus" magazine, they wanted to do an interview with me on being an e-Nerd. This article will feature in their 2010 1Q edition, and the scan will surely be posted ASAP. The interview follows:
Hi Justen
Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions. Remember, the more detailed your answers, the better!
- Title of your job?
I am a Technology Specialist & Consultant, or what we would call an e-Nerd. J
- Tell us more about what you do?
My job, or I’d rather say my life, as I don’t like referring to it as a job, is to help people. I help people with computers, cellphones, networks, servers, and any other gadget you can think of, to maximise the usage of the technological tool. I don’t service technology or computers, I help people with technology and computers.
- How did you get into this career?
I’m a Nerd by heart, and I’ve always loved working and playing with gadgets, but I’m also a very people orientated person and wanted to do something where I can feel as if I make a difference. So bringing these factors into consideration, helping people with technology is exactly what I love to do.
- What are the physical working conditions? E.g. dirty? Hot? Fun? Stressful? Outdoors? Working intensely with people?
The nature of this career puts one in many weird and wonderful conditions, I’ve spend days sitting in the CEO’s luxurious air-conditioned office, and I’ve spend days sitting on the hot roof of an office block. I’ve been inside roofs, under desks, anywhere you can think of. The advantage of our team however, is that everyone has a speciality, and if your not the roof climbing, axe swinging kind of person, there will most certainly be someone eager to do it!
- What are the recommended / necessary skills and training needed for this career?
Firstly, being technically inclined AND having great people skills are a must. The more experience and the more training one has in a specific area of expertise, the better. A good starting point is advanced computer courses such as A+ and N+, but at Nerds on Site we have the University of Nerdology, where subjects ranging from application development, web design and server management to basic backup methods and security regulations are taught. We also seek entrepreneurial qualities in a candidate, as the business model is specifically designed for entrepreneurs.
- Personality type for the career or personality least suited for the career?
Although technically inclined persons normally have what it takes to become a Nerd, people skills and communication skills are vital in the day to day environment you’ll find yourself in.
- What is an average day like and your average working hours?
Specifically, the Nerds on Site business model allow you to work when and how you want. We have certain rules that we abide by, just like any civilization needs rules, but you are in fact working for yourself, under the Nerds on Site banner. The thing is however, that we usually end up working many more hours and strange hours than people having a “carved in stone” working hour routine. It all depends on you, your goals, and the speed at which you are building your business, and leaving a path of happiness behind.
- What is the most rewarding / satisfying aspect about your job?
Effectively helping people, and although this may sound corny, there’s no reward like the emotional reward when you helped someone with an issue they struggled with for years, and seeing someone being empowered and enabled, is a feeling more powerful than any material thing can give.
- How and why did you decide on this job?
I never really decided “Hey, I’m going to become a Nerd!”. I landed in this position after stumbling upon this amazing group of people on the web, realizing that this is something I’d like to try, and from there, I haven’t looked back.
- How do you find working for a franchise as opposed to working for yourself?
We don’t refer to our business model as a franchise, as we all work individually AND as a team, we have the freedom to expand our businesses in the way we want, we don’t report to a head office per se, but we are supported by a POD leader who gives technical, entrepreneurial and emotional backing, support and motivation. Personally, having had my own business for a couple of years, I love the Nerds on Site business model, as it provides you with all the tools to build and run your business, you are backed by an international team and you still have the freedom to guide your business in the direction you want, albeit with the Nerds on Site guidance buffers.
- Have you experienced any great / interesting moments in your career?
Oh most definitely. Something small as setting up a video call for one of my elder clients, and seeing her communicate with family overseas that she hasn’t seen for many years, and helping a SME client save a lot of money per month on technology spending, allowing them to expand their operations!
- Most memorable moment and why?
Every day is memorable, things never turn out the same, you always meet new and interesting people. And you get to influence the lives of so many people, in a unique positive way!
- Most awkward moment and why?
Sitting on top of a 4 story office building, installing wireless kit in my corporate wear when it started to rain. I thought to myself, if I ever get out of this one, I’ll really really appreciate the wonder of 108mbps transfers over 5km. (See, I get all nerdy after a while.)
- What advice would you give the youth of today?
Whatever you do today, not only affects, but creates your tomorrow. At Nerds on Site, through leveraging technology, and creating tomorrow’s technology, we’re creating our future.
- Is this your “Dream” job? If not what is?
To me, a dream job is doing something that I love and enjoy doing every day and being able to make a good living out of it. Being an e-nerd definitely fulfils this.
- What does the future hold in this career?
You never know! Technological advances being what it is, and new uses being found for technology every day, it just stays exciting, always! Nerds on Site is working to make itself a more enjoyable and effective partner of choice for traditional and emerging technology. We're in constant and passionate pursuit of more pleasurable, productive and profitable ways to fully leverage technology.
We will become the PowerBrand of choice... and have fun doing it!
Quick fire questions
Working hours:
Exactly what you make of it, what you put in is what you get out.
Possible places of employment:
Anywhere people need help leveraging and using their technological tools.
Average Salary:
R0 – R∞, There’s no minimum guaranteed income, but also no limit! Again, what you put in is what you get out.
Qualifications:
Technically AND socially inclined personalities, training and experience in various IT and ICT fields are recommended but our in-house University of Nerdology provides training in all fields.
Anything else you would like to add, just fire away!
Anyone interested in becoming a Nerd can go to www.iwanttobeanerd.com and follow the steps. We are always looking for anyone with entrepreneurial skills, technically inclined and with good social skills to become a part of our team!. Thx Liezl!
Once again, thanks for taking the time!
No thank you!
Justen van Eck in Gauteng, SA
February 11, 2010
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Podcast (audio): Download (39.3MB)
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