Name: John Bothe
Title/Employer: VP Of IT/Exinda Networks
Age: 26
Education: B.S. in Communications Engineering and B.S. in Computer Science, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
Tenure In IT industry: Five years
First Tech Job: Designing and implementing Web sites
Current role: Oversee staff, projects and budget to ensure IT infrastructure is aligned and supports corporate mission and objectives.
What's been your best job and why?
My current job has been the most fulfilling position I've had to date. I am continually amazed at how much can be accomplished with a highly motivated, skilled team.
What do you think is the number one non-IT skill IT professionals need today?
Interpersonal communications is by far the most import non-IT skill needed today. This skill is critical to understanding the needs of senior management, network end users, partners, and vendors.
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What do you credit your career success to?
Mentoring has made a huge different in my career. I've been lucky enough to have mentors that have saved me from making career mistakes, uncovered career opportunities and advised me on the skills I was lacking. I'm always eager to mentor others to repay the favor.
What are the top three skills a high-level IT manager needs today?
- Think strategically. In the IT environment, it's easy to get caught up in the day to day challenges. You must keep your eye on the big picture to utilize your time, budgets and team most effectively.
- Make good decisions quickly. The IT environment is fast paced. You don't always have the luxury of time to gather all the information you need to make the best decision. You learn to make the best decisions with the information at hand.
- Take time to learn. It's important to constantly be learning. It's difficult to carve out the time. But, you must make time to read trade journals and books on best practices, attend seminars and stay on top of the latest developments.
What's your favorite IT resource site and why?
Slashdot.org. It provides a wealth of information on a wide variety of IT topics.
What is the best career advice you've ever received?
The best advice I've ever received is "think big and aim high." Our human tendency is to get comfortable with certain routines and our environment. If we don't aim high, we never reach our full potential.
What's the top advice you'd give to a new IT staffer?
For new staffers, I always tell them "don't be afraid to ask lots of questions." The learning curve is steep when you first join an IT staff. It's better to ask questions than to make big mistakes.
What would you advise someone looking to find the type of role you currently have?
Networking is important. Make time to maintain existing friendships with people in your field. Find opportunities to expand your network through trade shows, seminars and colleagues. Beyond networking, I think time management skills and self education are also very important.
What is the one career decision you would change if you could?
When I was younger, I dreamed of being a famous Hollywood director. However, my parents steered me down a different, more stable path to a career in IT.
If you had the choice to jump into any other job, tech or non-tech, what would it be?
After I achieve all I hope to do in my current role, maybe I'll pursue that famous Hollywood director job.
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