Back in 1999, I was content with managing inventory for a large commercial printer that supplied magazines across the U.S. There was more than 2 million pounds of paper in the warehouse. It was my responsibility to make sure that the presses kept rolling, and they ran 24/7. I liked the responsibility and my co-workers, but it was not fulfilling or challenging to me; it was a job.
One day, an order that I placed was rejected by accounting, so I asked my boss if he knew why. “Oh, I’ve been treating you like a mushroom” he joked. I was confused. He clarified, “I’ve been leaving you in the dark and feeding you sh*t.” He neglected to tell me about a new code requirement. I don’t think he meant any harm by the joke, but I was displeased, nonetheless. It was exactly what I needed to push me out of underwhelming contentment and into something challenging, like IT.
Prior to the ‘Mushroom Incident’, I had taken several intermediate/advanced courses on Microsoft Office applications at Computer Tutors USA and became a familiar face. They had a wide range of training, not just Office, and not just Microsoft. I’d always see extra students around, retaking classes or talking to the owner, Bob. He always struck me as warm and sincere, genuinely interested and engaging. He’d said if I ever wanted to be a Microsoft trainer or become an MCSE, just let him know. So, when the ‘Mushroom Incident’ occurred, I decided it was time.
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“I was bored... tired of an unfulfilling job that wasn’t challenging. I tried a couple of different opportunities, but nothing really kept my interest until I decided I wanted a career in computers. With training from Computer Tutors USA, I went from managing inventory to a career in network and systems administration in one year.” This was an ad for Computer Tutors USA, featuring my photo and quote, in the Tallahassee Democrat Newspaper (2003). |
Bob Sereico was more than just my technical trainer, he was my mentor and friend. He trained IT professionals on Microsoft and other technologies in Tallahassee, Florida for 40+ years; that’s an entire generation of IT professionals. I’ve had other classes and technical certifications, but he is the best trainer I’ve ever seen. He told us on the first day of MCSE class that he would not let us fail. He said he had a Master’s degree in Special Education & Training, so there was no one he couldn’t teach. It’s like he took that on as his mission in life – to break down very complicated technical concepts so that anyone who walked through his doors could understand it, master it, and make a career of it if they wanted to. Bob was dedicated. If you put in the work, he’d put in the work with you. Bob was always there.
Bob always gave students train engineer hats when they became a Microsoft Engineer. I obtained the MCSE certification (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) which required passing 6 exams (individual certifications), two of which were specifically designed to make you fail. Meaning, if you incorrectly answered a question, it would give you harder questions on that topic! The IP (Internet Protocol) exam was one of those and the only non-Microsoft exam required for MCSE. I aced it and wondered if I should pivot to managing Cisco devices (routers and switches, connectivity for businesses). I loved working with the numbers (IP) because they’re either right or wrong; there’s no grey, no interpretation, no politics. The numbers work or they don’t.
After achieving the MCSE, I earned additional certifications for Microsoft Active Directory, Microsoft Exchange Administration, Network+, and the backup management systems Symantec & CommVault. I also took a Cisco training course on IP routing and switching, and training for/managed SANs that utilized VMWare and packet-level replication for enterprise disaster recovery. In addition, I’ve been trained on and/or led aspects of IT administration such as business continuity, core banking release management, core conversion management and IT audit response management. Technology is constantly changing and as such, you are constantly learning and training to keep up.
During my years as an IT administrator, many colleagues would ask me to explain what it meant to be "someone in IT,” because they said I had a way of translating IT in a way everyone could understand. I learned that from Bob.
Bob Sereico has had an immeasurable impact on my life. I could never repay the gift his care and friendship has been to me and my family. He is dear to me. I owe my career to Bob – it all started back in his classroom 25 years ago.
Here's the engineer's hat I earned when I passed my MCSE exam.