DAVISM@ATSUVAX1.BITNET ("Michael N. Davis") (03/02/91)
Hello futurists, I sent a message to the list a few weeks ago asking for advice on what I should do with my career in computers taking into consideration the massive changes coming in the next few years in how computing is done. Many very fine recommendations were made both to the list and to me privately. Also, some very forward thinking discussions were generated which I found very interesting. Additionally, Dr. Peter Bishop with the University of Houston, sent me some very interesting information on a masters degree program they have in futures studies. The program looks very well defined. For any of you interested in being a futurist for a living, you might want to consider taking a look at their program. Dr. Bishop can be reached by email at BISHOP@CL.UH.EDU . As I haven't before I would like to thank Dr. Bishop for the information he sent me. I wanted to send this message to let you all know what I decided to do for the next few years, also, as it will unfortunately result in my leaving the list. I have accepted a new job with an international corporation here in Greensboro. The company recently created a new computer training/support group to be responsible for the training and support of their entire division across the US. The group has been staffed with four people moved from other departments. The last position to be filled was the manager of the group for which the company planned to fill from the inside only. Since I had worked at this company before as an Information Center Analyst, I still had many friends there who let me know about the job as they thought I was the best candidate. The opportunity looked exciting so I threw a resume in the pile, and unbelievably they called me in for 6 interviews in one day (that's usual for them). Within the week they offered me the job with a 26% salary increase over my present salary. I could hardly refuse the opportunity to take such a management position especially with such a handsome salary offer. What attracted me most to the job was not the money, but the fact that the job is not really defined. I can pretty much define both the job and the group. All upper management wants is a one stop training/support group that will work to make sure that the division's employee's develop very good computer skills and use the equipment effectively. How my group and I do it is up to me. In talking to my friends, it appears that the current training situation in the division there is less than what I was doing before in just one department (Research and Development) when I last worked there. So as everyone can see I have chosen to travel the training/support route for the next few years additionally picking up management skills. I'm sure my getting married in two months had some influence as well. I want to thank everyone on the list for their many fine comments and suggestions and I wish all of you the best. The futures studies information sent to me by Dr. Bishop was certainly intrigueing but I believe I'm too far down the career/life track to reorient in that direction now. To all you students out there get your education as fast and as soon as you can, life doesn't wait. Don't get me wrong I don't feel trapped by my circumstances. I feel very very well satisfied with all the recent turn of events. I'm very excited about my new circumstances both the career and the marriage. Sometimes I wish mankind lived much longer. I would like to explore at least a half-dozen careers: physicist, economist, mathematician, ceo, entrepreneur, college professor, historian, and yes even as a futurist and still yet other careers. Well enough of that. Wishing you all the best in your futures, Oh one more question just for general interest, where does everyone think jobs other than computing will be going in the future? For non- computer people what should they plan for? Also, do we really think people will eventually work from home using high tech equipment to do their work (ie: teleconferencing, fax machines, computers, whatever). Sure would save a lot of gas driving to work. _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_ Michael N. Davis, System Manager, NC A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411 BITNET: DAVISM@ATSUVAX1
TRULL@cl.uh.edu ("Kim J. Trull") (03/03/91)
Michael Davis, I'm glad that you have chosen your direction. I'd like to add that, as an actual student in the M.S.-Futures Studies program here at Univ. of Houston, that I am willing to "talk" to anyone who wants more information on it. Also, I feel that this program is not just for those interested in being a career futurist. The program is comprised of individuals from a multitude of disciplines/backgrounds and many are taking this program to enhance their other degrees and jobs (i.e., managers, engineers, teachers, etc.) Many in the program are also further down the "career/life" track than the average student. I felt that your message was a little misleading about this. Sorry that you won't be joining us here yourself, but good luck! KJ Trull Trull@cl.uh.edu