I’m not a fan of the ‘IT Consultant‘ moniker because its kind of generic, non-descriptive and dull.
Sadly, being called an ‘IT Consultant’ seems to be the industry standard for anyone tinkering with software on these computer things… so maybe I’m stuck with it. 🙁
I prefer describing myself as a Programmer in the same way that a person who is a Butcher, Dentist, Mechanic or Carpenter is clearly defined. But many business people like to see “Consultant” as part of a job title. many of my clients tell me that consultant sounds better than Programmer – even though I would rather proudly proclaim that I am a code monkey. *sigh* So, I’m back to writing ‘IT Consultant’ in any form that asks for job title. So I suppose in my case, being an IT Consultant means I am a software developer, IBM i evangelist, RPG language lover, Drupal enthusiast, software change management tinkerer, early adopter, proponent of open source and hopeless web addict. All of these things add up to one easy to chant mantra
“Yes, I am a Programmer and I am proud to Program – Veni, Vidi, Programmum“
My main fields of expertise are
- IBM AS400 / iSeries / ‘i’ Expert
- IBM i RPG/CL Analyst Programmer
- Web Java and CSS junkie
- Software Change Management Specialist
- Drupal Web Developer
- and an IBM i-a-holic
I’ve been an IBM RPG/CL Programmer since the 1980s when Computers were huge (but called mini-computers) and we typed on these huge terminals that clunked and buzzed like something out of a Steam-punk novel. Over the years, I like to think I’ve developed a solid knowledge of “IBM midrange” computers from System 3x thru AS400 up to the IBM’i’ years. I was born in England in the summer of love. Growing up in a military family, we moved all over Britain and Europe during my formative years. My early career in IT was mainly based in and around London. It took me nearly 30 years to travel to this side of the pond and discover Sunny weather and Palm Trees. I was hooked and have been living and working in the USA ever since.
Read a little more about my more professional side is here
Cheers,
Nick