What’s your job about?
I work for Integrated Computer Systems, a company that has been in the industry for 45 years. I'm a part of the Technology Consulting Department (TCD), where our team specializes in various technologies offered by the company.
I collaborate closely with our product, marketing, and sales teams to finalize deals and generate revenue. As an engineer, I design, recommend, and present solutions to our clients in both the public and private sectors within the Philippines.
Unlike many technical roles, we always interact directly with the customers, representing our company. With support from our partners, we undergo continuous training and obtain certifications from leading IT brands. This ensures we stay updated with the latest technologies and maintain strong partnerships.
Most days, we assess client needs and assist our sales team with proposals and quotations, mainly via email. Occasionally, we also present demos and proof-of-concepts (POC) to clients, either in person or virtually.
What’s your background?
I pursued a degree in Computer Engineering, influenced by my parents' wishes. Although my true passion was Psychology, I recognized the sacrifices they made for my upbringing and chose a field in alignment with their aspirations. Throughout school, I was recognized for my leadership and interpersonal skills.
I initially aimed for an internship at ICS in their IT department. However, due to some paperwork challenges between my school and the company, I was redirected to a different department. This redirection turned out to be serendipitous. While I realized programming wasn't my strongest suit, joining the Technology Consulting Department (TCD) allowed me to combine my communication skills with technical knowledge, making it the perfect fit.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
Our department sets high standards since we serve as the primary face of the company for our clients. However, with a computer-related degree and a strong work ethic coupled with an eagerness to learn, one can excel in this role.
Confidence is crucial, especially for presentations, but it's something that can be cultivated over time. Our team is supportive, helping each other hone their public speaking skills. Plus, we receive extensive training from the brands we represent, ensuring access to the best resources.
Importantly, our clients often make significant investments. Attention to detail is crucial, and it's vital to ensure that designs and recommendations meet their needs and are delivered promptly.
What’s the coolest thing about your job?
I oversee Unified Communications and Collaboration (UC&C), which includes telephony and video conferencing solutions. This often entails on-site visits, where I help design and transform clients' meeting rooms, factoring in room dimensions and acoustics. I aim to bring the clients' visions to life for these spaces.
Our partner brands' training sessions are usually held in our office and come with meals. Sometimes, they're in upscale hotels, providing a delightful change of pace. One memorable workshop combined professional learning with recreational activities like scuba diving in Batangas. My next aim is to experience international training sessions, like some of my colleagues.
What are the limitations of your job?
Our regular work hours are from 8 am to 6 pm on weekdays in a hybrid setting, so weekends are typically off. However, as experts in our fields, we sometimes engage in additional study outside work hours to better serve our clients.
Responding to client inquiries is our top priority, with design and proposal creation coming afterward. Occasionally, we need to be available outside regular hours to accommodate clients in different time zones or during deployments.
For newcomers, patience is crucial. Dealing with numerous clients can initially feel daunting, but with time, mastery in your specialized area will develop.
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