Information Technology has surely been a game changer in every field of work as it brings about task automation that yields alot of efficiency in the line of work. Industries rely on the expertise of IT professionals to ensure that their IT infrastructure is up and running. Today we caught up with Salim Kazibwe an IT Assistant at Cipla Quality Chemical Industries Limited a pharmacheutical plant that manufactures ARVs and this is what we asked

Tell us about yourself?

Am a Computer Engineer by profesion and an IT Assitant at Cipla quality chemical industries limited. I have worked in a couple of companies before such as Witel technologies limited and Gata engineering services as a field engineer and Crown Beverages as a sale person

What is your typical day like? 

My workday starts with ensuring all systems are up and working e.g servers, phones, computer and if all are functional i have to do backup of all company data and record that in log books,I do a lot of troubleshooting, networking and maintenance whether planned or unplanned

Why did you choose that career path?

Being an engineer is as close as being a pharmacist or doctor , i wanted to be a doctor but since i didnt take that route, i chose a path that will help me work as close enough to the doctor or pharmacist so when i had my internship at Cipla Quality Chemical Industries Limited  years ago, i thought this could be the breakthrough . Am still proud of being an engineer even if it wasn't my dream

What are your main tasks and responsibilities at work?

System Administration, Documentation , Data backup and any other IT related work

Any challenges you have encountered in your line of work ?

Time is my biggest challenge , since i have a lot to do throughout the day, i find myself working over time.

What are some of those skills that you bring to your workplace ?

IT and Engineering related skills

What's cool about your job

The people i interact with everyday

What's not cool about your job ?

Alot of work and working over time

How did you get your current job ?

I trained with the plant for 2 months in internship, i was retained for an extra 6 months and after studies i was called back and offered the opportunity

What subjects did you take in school and how have they influenced your career path ?

Mathematics, Physics, Economics and Entrepreneurship and since i wanted to be a scientist, these subjects led me to engineering school and not medical school.
Real life problems these days require thinking and IT.With those subjects was able to become an Engineer and entrepreneurship has helped me to develop a business mind and as i talk i have quite a number of businesses with a couple of friends which are working well.

What is your Education to date?

I have a degree in Bachelor Of Science in Computer Engineering from Makerere University

What aspects of your Education System have proven most important for your job?

I learnt how to be a good leader,a researcher and also learnt how to deal with people from all walks of life during my days in school

What are the most important personal characteristics required for the job?

Being ready to serve and able to deal with people in what ever way they approach you

Which key people influenced your career direction ?

Mr. Maximus Byamukama , Paul Isaac Musazi , Sara Nantagya and Cosmas Mwikirize all being lecturers at Makerere University College of Engineering Design Art and Technology

What is your dream job?

Being A CEO Of an international IT company

What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?

Probably i have not understood this question quite well but i think hard work has paid off in my career so far.

As a student, how did you cope up with the pressure to succeed / excel in class?

I always surrounded myself with the right kind of people who had focus on their future

What advise would you give someone considering this job?

Always be ready to work hard and impress yourself first before any human being and be ready to serve people. That way you will have future in IT and always be ready to help

What outside class activities did you engage in that have proved beneficial on your career path (e.g clubs, sports etc) ?

Sports ie Football and Business

What kind of work experience would provide a good background for this position?

Having a good understanding of the aspects of IT in medicine or in pharmacy

Any Concluding remarks

Always put ALLAH(God) first in whatever you do and if you you do that .All will be well. And always trust your guts they will push you an extra mile.Respect everyone in their own capacity and never ever under look even a 3 year old for they may know something you don't know..even the insane knows quite a lot and you will get something good in whatever they have said

MAY THE ALMIGHTY ALLAH BLESS ALL OF YOU IN YOUR FUTURE ENDEAVOURS