How does your business coordinate its technology use? Do you have the processes in place to streamline your processes and make them effective? At AlphaKOR, our Technical Specialists work with a variety of businesses to strengthen, maintain, and improve their IT infrastructure… and more!
IT professionals work with various software and hardware to secure and maintain the integrity of businesses so that businesses can focus on daily operations. As with any technology, your IT infrastructure must be maintained or problems can arise that could negatively impact how your business operates.
In this month’s employee feature, I sit down with Jesse Chenier. Jesse is a Technical Specialist at AlphaKOR and is a new member of the AlphaKORian family. In this candid interview, we gain insight into what the average day of a Technical Specialist looks like, Jesse’s personal experiences on the job, and advice for those looking to obtain a career as a Technical Specialist. Meet Jesse…
What drew you to the Technical Specialist position?
I enjoy problem-solving and I’ve always loved working with computers. When the opportunity came along to transition into a new career it was an easy choice.
What educational background did you need to secure this role?
I completed the Network Administration certification offered at triOS college.
How long have you worked for AlphaKOR?
A part of my Network Administration program was a two-month internship which I completed at the beginning of September. October will mark my first month as an official member of the AlphaKOR group.
What does the average day look like for you in your role?
When I arrive at the office the first step is to check for any emergencies that may need to be dealt with. If there’s nothing that requires immediate attention, we then turn our attention to the support inbox and begin triaging the incoming requests. Throughout the day, we triage incoming requests while working with users to resolve their issues.
Did you work in the IT industry prior to working at AlphaKOR?
I had no previous IT experience prior to AlphaKOR. Having been laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic I qualified for the Second Career program offered by the government of Ontario. Thanks to this opportunity I was able to re-train into a career that is not only immensely satisfying but has ample room for career development.
What is it like working for a Managed Service Provider (MSP)?
Working for a Managed Service Provider is both challenging and rewarding. Our clients come from a wide variety of different fields and are located all over the country. Every day provides me with new challenges and learning opportunities.
How do you manage your time working for multiple clients?
The main factors in managing multiple clients are teamwork and organization. Utilizing the tools available to manage your time is a key skill, however more important is learning to communicate with your team to balance the workload and ensure prompt service.
What professional skillset and key qualities are critical to the Technical Specialist position?
In order to succeed in a Technical Specialist position, you need to have a deep understanding of the Windows operating system and Active Directory. These are the tools you will use daily. Even more imperative however are soft skills such as problem-solving, organization, and interpersonal phone skills.
What is your favourite thing about your job?
Easily the most rewarding part of my job comes from the audible relief in the client’s voice as you resolve their issues and order is restored.
What is the least exciting part of your job?
I’ve always struggled to sit still for extended periods of time so working in an office has been an adjustment. I’m grateful that AlphaKOR recognizes the need for us to get away from our desks and clear our minds. I’ve been enjoying making use of the ping pong table as a break from work.
How do you hope to grow in your field of work?
Even in such a short time, my skill set has been growing rapidly by the day. As I grow and develop my career, I hope to move into an onsite tech role and eventually into projects.
What have you learned at AlphaKOR that has helped you grow on a personal level?
Besides everything I’m learning on the technical side of things the most valuable skill I’m learning is to ask for help. As someone who enjoys problem-solving sometimes, I can get trapped in my own head and feel the need to try and figure everything out myself. Learning to rely on our excellent and experienced team can not only help to expand my own knowledge but provide a better customer service experience thus resolving the issue quicker and more efficiently than I might be able to on my own.
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
As someone who loves to travel, I would have to pick flight. To be able to go wherever I want without restriction would be a dream come true. I’d spend the day on top of a mountain and be home in time for dinner.
Do you have a favourite quote or motto that inspires you every day? If so, what is it and why?
I do not wish
to change the past
it made me
who I am today
I only want
to learn from it
and live in a new way
– Poem by yung pueblo
Though simple in nature this poem by yung pueblo has helped me through some challenging life transitions. It reminds me not to waste energy in rumination but rather to take that energy and direct it into learning and growing.
For someone who would like to obtain a position as a Technical Specialist, what advice would you give to them?
Everything you need to learn can be found online. Plenty of schools offer training however if you are unable to attend school due to work or life constraints look online.
Careers in Business Technology
Are you an energetic and passionate IT professional who thrives on providing excellent service to both clients and fellow staff? If so, we want AlphaKOR to be the place you want to work. We want you to love your job. Because when you love your job, you’ll do great things. Come and do great things with us! To view our current openings, please visit our Career Opportunities page.