Editor’s Note: Andrew’s story below is part of our series featuring GTRI team members sharing what makes them fulfilled, both at work and beyond the office.
Five years ago, I was starting my career and discussing options with my dad. He was a GTRI client and recommended that I look into job openings at GTRI. I was looking for a position that tied closely to my beliefs that hard work can open doors and lifelong learning is key to personal and professional growth. Given my dad’s recommendation and the growth in the technology sector, I applied to GTRI.
I interviewed with GTRI and was offered a position in the Human Resources (HR) department, which tied closely to my beliefs. I worked diligently in HR assisting wherever I could while learning as much as possible about GTRI’s business—technology consulting. I was continually proving my dedication and commitment to GTRI by helping other teams and working extra hours.
My hard work didn’t go unnoticed, and when an Associate Infrastructure Technician position opened on the internal Information Technology (IT) team I applied and was offered the job. As an IT Associate, I continued to go the extra mile, built relationships throughout the organization and honed my customer service skills, which resulted in a promotion to an Infrastructure Technician. It was in this job that I received IT Service Management training and spent my personal time studying on my own toward an ITIL Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management.
About two years later, I started exploring other roles at GTRI. A fellow teammate noticed my commitment and recommended that I look at an Engineer Intern position on the Data Center and Virtualization Professional Services team. I jumped at the opportunity, was offered the internship and shortly thereafter was on a plane to Florida for a six-week Citrix Bootcamp to learn the foundation of what soon would become my new role. The Bootcamp was intense – we worked through every weekend – but I left as a Citrix Certified Professional – Virtualization (CCP-V).
Six months later I was promoted to my current job as a Consulting Engineer for the GTRI Data Center and Virtualization practice. I continued to supplement my coursework with my own research and studies, and I have earned recognition as a Citrix Certified Associate – Networking (CCA-N) and Citrix Certified Professional – Mobility (CCP-M). I am continuing to pursue additional Citrix certifications as well as Cisco certifications.
I have been working with GTRI’s Professional Services team for more than two years now. Having mentors from different GTRI departments has given me an appreciation for everything we do. My role as a consulting engineer still leverages my core beliefs of helping people, working hard and always learning new skills, but it also gives me the satisfaction of enabling customers to make a difference in the world, as my current clients serve our country and community.
I know that my hard work opened doors for me, but I also know that GTRI empowered me to make decisions I am passionate about and led me to the career I am in today.
Andrew Stott is a Consulting Engineer for GTRI.
