Page 185 - Learning to Learn

LEARNING TO LEARN: BECOMING A SELF -GROWER 185
EXPERIENCE 7: V ISIONING: CLARIFYING Y OUR FUTURE READING
Here are the results of an interview Rene conducted.
Name: James Pound
Occupation: Information Technology Manager at Southside Bank
Why did I select this person?
I may be interested in working for a major financial institution. I
thought it would be interesting to talk to an IT person at a local bank.
1. Why did you select this kind of work?
My father was a banker, and I saw what satisfaction he got from working in this area. We
used to talk often about banking issues. It seemed natural to pursue a career in this area. But,
unlike my father, I also fell in love with computers and really enjoyed thinking through how
computer systems can help businesses work. So I ended up in IT in the banking area.
2. What do you like best about your job?
I really like the travel. It is very interesting to meet and learn about all kinds of people. Through
my job, I’m often helping new locations optimize their technology use. I like helping people
out and enjoy being able to implement solutions that people appreciate.
3. What do you like least about your job?
I get somewhat frustrated at all the software updates and security patches. Though we run
a central system with high-level software, I still end up doing near-constant updating of the
software.
4. If you could have any job you wanted, would it be this one? If not, describe your ideal
job.
It would be similar to this one, but with more time to work with people—really teaching and
training them with respect to software—rather than just planning then loading systems and
leaving.
5. What kind of preparation would you recommend for someone interested in a job like
yours?
This job does require a strong background in banking and IT. I majored in IT in college, but took
three economics courses and a number of banking and finance courses. I was lucky enough to
then get into a masters program specifically for IT in Banking. I also completed two internships
while at college, and this was immensely helpful.
Developing Your Educational Plan
The most important components of the Life Vision were listed in Experience 2. Some of these will need to
be completed outside of class and, most likely, over the course of the next few years. An Education Plan
is often identified as a potential component of an LVP.
Let’s focus on two critical aspects of your Educational Plan: major requirements and general education
requirements. You’ve already begun to explore your field of interest. Do you know what majors are