Finally got a job

[buzzbass]

That's one way that it can be done, and usually it's because no one funds a central IT unit so colleges (not departments) start building their own IT units. It happens with A/V units too.

Being flexible and making friends is a good way to get started.

Thanks man

 

[Pilgrim]

Thanks man

Any time, and that offer to PM is always good. I wish you well!!

BTW, I went over to the UT website and checked their OIT, then took a look at their "Teaching and Learning Technologies," which would have been my unit. They're using Canvas, Zoom and Panopto, all of which are solid and shouldn't create headaches. Of course, that's just one part of the IT system.

It looks logical and centralized, but I'll bet that individual Colleges also have their own ways of doing things.

 

[FrenchBassQC]

Congrats to the OP .

 

[buzzbass]

Way to go buddy. I suppose I have one reason now not to dislike the Vol's.
Any exciting projects they are going to get you involved in right away? I work in IT as well, so always curious as to what my fellow IT buds are in to.

-Mike

Well, 1st thing I need to do is hire a team(2). Windows upgrades are high on the list to start. They're still at 2010

 

[MJ5150]

Well, 1st thing I need to do is hire a team(2). Windows upgrades are high on the list to start. They're still at 2010

Right on. If they use an RMM like Automate, I have some gnarly scripts to install Windows 10 feature updates silently. I've run it 3,000+ times with a fail rate of under 5%.
We're trying to hire someone too. I hope that process goes smoothly for you.

-Mike

 

[buzzbass]

Right on. If they use an RMM like Automate, I have some gnarly scripts to install Windows 10 feature updates silently. I've run it 3,000+ times with a fail rate of under 5%.
We're trying to hire someone too. I hope that process goes smoothly for you.

-Mike

thanks man. I may take you up on that

 

[klejst]

Volunteer?

University of Tennessee sports team name are the Volunteers/ Lady Volunteers.

Congrats @buzzbass on your new position.

 

[Gorn]

University of Tennessee sports team name are the Volunteers/ Lady Volunteers.

Thanks. It always helps to be told something three times.

 

[scott sinner]

go vols.

 

[fhm555]

Congratulations. There’s a lot of music up that way. I played in that area for about 18 months. We had a young guy on guitar who was in the music program at UT. He was seriously good. Lots to do and see.

 

[fdeck]

- Interviewing is as much a skill as doing the job. I can often tell when someone has practiced or been going through a few interview loops, versus someone just getting into it.

Does that translate into a positive or a negative? I'm assuming people who are in demand, or focused on doing their jobs, might have less interview experience.

 

[MJ5150]

Lesser known fact related to the University of Tennessee: during his college career as the starting QB for the Volunteers football team, the mighty Peyton Manning never once beat the University of Florida.

-Mike

 

[Ostie]

If you want to make a good impression in Knoxville, paint your car and your house orange, and wear Orange to work everyday. If you think I’m kidding, you’ll find out soon enough. People actually do that kind of thing there.

It’s a great town (except for the Orange thing) close to the park, close to Asheville, a days drive from some great beaches, good music scene, mild winters. Hope you enjoy your new life there.

 

[MYLOWFREQ]

Congrats!

 

[Selta]

Does that translate into a positive or a negative? I'm assuming people who are in demand, or focused on doing their jobs, might have less interview experience.

Neither, but it is something to be mindful of if seeking jobs. Doing practice interviews can help. Saying wrong things, being overly nervous and not thinking clearly under the pressure of interviewing (we try to make ours exactly NO pressure, but, the situation is, regardless), not being prepared for interviews, brushing up on current industry things (especially important if your current job isn't on the fast train, tech-wise) and so on. It can all negatively impact you -- I try to not hold any of that against someone, but, when evaluating someone against 10 other candidates that day, every little misstep stands out.

 

[buzzbass]

thanks for the input and kind words everybody

 

[kesslari]

Lost my CBS IT Director job in Sept of 2020 (due to the CBS/Viacom merger) and have been out of work since. I'll be a new IT Manager @ the Univ. of Tenn., in Knoxville. I was beginning to think nobody wanted this old man anymore. You'd think 35 years of IT experience is a desirable thing, No ? Anyway, thanks U Tenn, glad to be a Volunteer now.

Cool news. UT is a great school.

 

[buzzbass]

Thanks. It always helps to be told something three times.

It's like saying Beetlejuice 3x, no ?

 

[cheapbasslovin]

And I shouldn't have to say this:
- Lying or being deceitful will get you into the no bucket faster than just about anything else. There's been numerous applicants over the past ~9 months that talked a nice game on their resume, but when it came to interview time, they couldn't execute even two levels below what they made themselves out to be.

With the caveat that I'm not doing hiring, I've noticed a strange thing in life where some people conflate total confidence with competence and those same people interpret knowing your limitations as incompetence. When you describe people lying about their qualifications I can't help but wonder if they're leaning into finding someone who just LOVES bravado.

For the record, I hate those people - both the blowhards and the people who love blowhards.

OP, good luck at the new job!

 

[Pilgrim]

One great thing about college is that the IT people at other schools will cooperate and share tips with you.

Join any area and nation professional organizations, go to their meetings, and network like crazy. The kind of help and ideas @MJ5150 offered is not unusual in college circles, unlike commercial businesses that compete. UT should pay for you to attend regional meetings, and at least one out of state meeting a year, but professional dues will be on you.