Case studies: Deputy systems manager: Tom

Tom is responsible for ensuring that the ICT systems, in particular the library and learning resources, are available to users and functioning correctly. He is also engaged in managing specific projects and ensuring that management reports are produced in a timely manner.

Tom graduated with a BSc in Economic and Social History from the University of Birmingham in 1991. Following this, he was unemployed for a few months before going onto a government-sponsored training scheme for computer programming, which was the beginning of his ICT career.

Tom began his ICT work in a software house as a computer programmer and then moved into the NHS where he worked for eight and a half years, progressing through the ranks of analyst programming until he became a chief analyst programmer.

He then decided he wanted to make a career change and took a one-year career break during which time he studied for an MSc in Information Management at Birmingham City University.

After completing his MSc, Tom went to work for an institution of Higher Education in his current position as a deputy systems manager. He is responsible for ensuring that the ICT systems, in particular the library and learning resources, are available to users and functioning correctly. Tom works closely with the systems librarian and has particular responsibility for the development of these systems. He is also engaged in managing specific projects and ensuring that management reports are produced in a timely manner. Recent projects include implementing a debt management system, which involved overseeing the creation of new programs using Perl and managing an E-Book project spread over eight campuses.

Tom’s project work utilises many skills as he can be involved in anything from training staff to writing procedures and managing the design and creation of specialist programs for specific tasks. Although he has a special responsibility for library and learning resources his work can involve him working with staff from across the university at all levels as well as those within the ICT department.

Tom says he finds the work challenging and varied. It requires good organisational and communication skills and his knowledge of programming has been a definite plus for him. Taking the MSc helped to consolidate his skillset and develop new management skills which helped him to gain his current position.