As a small introduction to my first Camwood blog I would like to state that I am one of the newest team leaders currently at one of Camwood’s larger accounts.  I have for many years worked with software vendors, businesses and service providers managing, deploying, supporting and developing application portfolios. 

I felt a good idea for my first post to the Camwood blogs I would ask myself the following question:  “What makes me get up in the morning and come to work?” 

The obvious answer, of course, is “the money”, but many studies have shown that money is not a very big motivational factor for many people and that is definitely true for me.   So what is it that motivates me and many of my colleagues?

I would personally break it down to these factors:

• Challenge – Each application comes with its own set of issues to overcome and is a puzzle waiting to be cracked.  Once you put these applications into an entire portfolio all working together, that challenge is multiplied many times over.

• Variety – Even though many businesses share a core set of applications, there are numerous examples of applications that are specific to each business.  Many times I will come across an application that I have never seen before.  It will then be up to me, often with minimal support, to work out how the application works ‘under the hood’ and for what purpose.   These applications will often work with other systems which lead us to learn about other areas of IT such as development, networking, server administration and security etc.

• Understanding businesses – I find it very interesting to learn how businesses operate.  One day I could be talking to an engineering business using tools like infra-red cameras and lasers, the next I could be dealing with a finance company working with live data feeds and spreadsheets.  Each one uses their products in different ways.  Each company will have their own cultures, ethics and interesting ideas to understand.

• People – In my role, I meet many people from all walks of life.  We have all had to develop the skills to articulate solutions to technical & non technical people, management to end users, all with their own perspectives, requirements and understanding.  As for my colleagues, I have had the opportunity to work with many gifted people.  Due to the broad spectrum of skills required to manage applications and the many paths that have led people to Camwood, there is definitely room to learn more from fellow colleagues.

• Fun – It’s not all work and no play here at Camwood!  Camwood have a great culture of meeting together for fun and the environment that Camwood and their partners/customers cultivate make working for Camwood much more enjoyable.

So why did I choose to join Camwood?  I believe Camwood offer all of the above but Camwood have an impressive list of customers, have some very talented people to learn from and work with, a lot of opportunities and some great characters to make the day even more bearable.