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In this week\\u2019s show, Phil talks to Kevin Harris, who has been in the IT field for over 20 years, holding positions that range from Systems Analyst to Chief Information Officer.

He is now a higher education administration official at American Public University System, continuing to make system improvements to support student success and learning. As a faculty member he has delivered instruction in several disciplines including business, cybersecurity, computer science, and computer networking, with particular interest in information security and computer forensics.

Kevin joins Phil to talk about how exposure to new opportunities can help to shape our attitudes. He also discusses the value to be found in sharing our own career stories, and how this can inspire others.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS:

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TOP CAREER TIP

Make sure you\\u2019re always stepping out of your comfort zone. By pushing yourself into spaces outside of your comfort zone, you develop new sensibilities and attitudes.

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WORST CAREER MOMENT

During a junior role, Kevin and his team assumed that all the work they had done was enough, but upon the rollout of the project, it transpired that things were not as prepared as they may have liked. This taught Kevin the value of understanding each organisation\\u2019s political structure.

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CAREER HIGHLIGHT

Kevin was given the chance to return to his college and work on prestigious projects. Working on the other side of learning was quite a thrill.

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THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T

IT has become a more inclusive place to work, and a sector that allows for many more opportunities for growth, as well as more diversity in terms of raising up minorities.

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THE REVEAL

What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? \\u2013 The challenge of finding solutions to problems.

What\\u2019s the best career advice you received? \\u2013 As long as you understand the consequences, you can do anything you want to do.

What\\u2019s the worst career advice you received? \\u2013 Don\\u2019t seek roles above you and stay where you are until something comes up.

What would you do if you started your career now? \\u2013 Kevin would be more intentional about finding an internship.

What are your current career objectives? Focusing on more ways to introduce tech to more diverse communities.

What\\u2019s your number one non-technical skill? \\u2013 Being able to take something highly technical and communicating it to a wider audience.

How do you keep your own career energized? \\u2013 Kevin is always asking questions, as well as reading and listening.

What do you do away from technology? \\u2013 Kevin regularly \\u201cunplugs\\u201d by going fishing and getting back to nature.

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FINAL CAREER TIP

Share your story. No matter where you\\u2019re at in your career, sharing your story so far can act as a beacon to others who may be at the beginning of their own journey.

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BEST MOMENTS

(5:51) \\u2013 Kevin - \\u201cExposure changes attitudes\\u201d

(12:20) \\u2013 Kevin - \\u201cThere\\u2019s a lot of underrepresented populations in the tech field that we need to focus on, but I think the momentum is there\\u201d

(13:55) \\u2013 Kevin \\u2013 \\u201cYou can do anything you want to do but you must understand the consequences to it\\u201d

(17:13) \\u2013 Kevin \\u2013 \\u201cAnyone who\\u2019s interested in tech can find their place and a really rewarding career\\u201d

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ABOUT THE HOST \\u2013 PHIL BURGESS

Phil Burgess is an independent IT consultant who has spent the last 20 years helping organizations to design, develop, and implement software solutions.\\xa0 Phil has always had an interest in helping others to develop and advance their careers.\\xa0 And in 2017 Phil started the I.T. Career Energizer podcast to try to help as many people as possible to learn from the career advice and experiences of those that have been, and still are, on that same career journey.

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CONTACT THE HOST \\u2013 PHIL BURGESS

Phil can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/_PhilBurgess

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/philburgess

Instagram: https://instagram.com/_philburgess

Website: https://itcareerenergizer.com/contact

Phil is also reachable by email at phil@itcareerenergizer.com and via the podcast\\u2019s website, https://itcareerenergizer.com

Join the I.T. Career Energizer Community on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ITCareerEnergizer

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ABOUT THE GUEST \\u2013 KEVIN HARRIS

Kevin Harris has been in the IT field for over 20 years, holding positions that range from Systems Analyst to Chief Information Officer.

He is now a higher education administration official, continuing to make system improvements to support student success and learning. As a faculty member he has delivered instruction in several disciplines including business, cybersecurity, computer science, and computer networking, with particular interest in information security and computer forensics.

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CONTACT THE GUEST \\u2013 KEVIN HARRIS

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevinharristech

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harris-kevin/