Why I Chose Computers Over Art and Never Looked Back | IT Manager Mike Green скачать в хорошем качестве

Why I Chose Computers Over Art and Never Looked Back | IT Manager Mike Green

Mike manages Digital Services for Clark County, Nevada IT, leading four distinct teams that work together to deliver enterprise platforms and applications. But what makes Mike's story stand out isn't just his technical expertise — it's how he learned to adapt, communicate professionally, and build the next generation of IT leaders through community involvement. In this episode, you'll hear about Mike's decision to switch from pursuing art to computers in the mid-90s. You'll learn how he got his start through a 16-week network technician program. You'll discover why he changed jobs every three years on average. And you'll understand the moment he realized professional communication could make or break client relationships. Mike opens up about the first few consulting deliverables that got torn apart by his manager. He shares how DISC personality assessments changed how he works with people. He explains why serving others became his driving force. This conversation offers real career advice: keep your resume updated, interview regularly even when you're not looking, and think two steps ahead. Mike also discusses his work with Tech Impact and the Society of Information Managers (SIM), where he actively mentors students entering technology. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: How to transition careers when your first choice doesn't offer long-term security Why changing jobs every 3 years helped build diverse technical skills The importance of learning professional communication in leadership roles How personality assessments can improve your work relationships Why thinking two steps ahead keeps you competitive The value of community involvement and mentorship How to adapt without losing your authentic self What it takes to work in public sector IT TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction 02:07 Growing up in small-town New York and choosing computers over art 03:39 The crossroads: art career vs. job security 05:02 Getting started with a 16-week network technician program 06:05 First job at a telecom company (eventually Verizon) 06:27 Career pattern: changing jobs every three years since 1998 07:17 Mom's advice: always keep your resume updated 09:20 Learning to demonstrate value early in your career 10:20 The importance of interview skills and practice 12:01 Starting with networking, switches, routers, and systems administration 20:00 Getting comfortable in a school district role (and complacent) 25:38 Learning to be open with information and help others succeed 26:05 Going back to college later in life while working full-time 27:00 Taking 22 credits in one semester to finish associates degree 28:43 Getting hired back at the school district after completing degree 40:22 First consulting deliverables: "we got to talk" 41:15 Learning professional communication through tough feedback 42:43 Word choice matters: avoiding colloquial language 43:12 Getting visibility into communication mistakes 55:22 Working for elected officials vs. regular managers 57:05 DISC personality assessment and adapting to different people 58:00 Learning to see personality styles emerge in conversations 01:05:46 Tech Impact mentorship: giving students a better start 01:06:32 Building the next generation of IT leaders 01:08:17 Service mindset: learned from parents, community, and church 01:08:32 The best way through your own problems is serving others 01:23:10 Networking advice: don't be transactional, build meaningful relationships 01:24:00 Career planning: stay two steps ahead ABOUT MIKE GREEN: Mike Green is the IT Manager for Clark County, Nevada, overseeing the Digital Services Division. He manages four teams focused on enterprise platforms and applications. With over 25 years in IT since 1998, Mike has built expertise in systems administration, networking, and IT leadership. He's actively involved in the Society of Information Managers (SIM) and Tech Impact, where he mentors the next generation of technology professionals. His career journey demonstrates the value of adaptability, continuous learning, and giving back to the community. LinkedIn:   / mike-green-87017562   CONNECT: Website: https://careerdownloads.com LinkedIn   / career-downloads   YouTube    / @careerdownloads   TikTok   / careerdownloads   Instagram   / careerdownloads   FaceBook   / 61561144531249   Listen on your favorite podcast platform Produced by: Parker Weller:   / parker-weller-b6683336b   #CareerDownloads #ITCareer #TechnologyLeadership #CareerAdvice #ITManager #ProfessionalDevelopment #Mentorship #TechCareers #CareerTransition #LeadershipSkills #PublicSectorIT #NetworkingCareer #SystemsAdministration #CareerGrowth #TechCommunity