Hi all,
Having read many discussions on these forums, I know that many of you are quite knowledgeable and experienced. I’m hoping that maybe you could steer some of that my way because I am a little lost at the moment.
I have been a sys admin at a reasonably small (25 people) insurance company for three years now and I handle it quite comfortably. However, this company is about to merge with another company very soon and the other company is weak in IT. They do what they have to survive but not more. Furthermore, they do not have an official IT department or an IT Manager.
During lunch today, I was told by my CEO that he intends to establish an IT department in its own right after the merger and that he wants me to manage it. Then he tells me: “You better get stuck into those management books”.
The existing IT manager is more comfortable with a set of screwdrivers and the guts of a PC than he is with the boardroom. He?s a nice guy but I have not learnt much from him. Anyway, the CEO wants to see him go.
If this all eventuates, I expect I will be questioned by upper management about my capabilities, qualifications etc. My technical skills are sound and while I do believe I am capable of performing adequately, there are some glaring holes in terms of management experience and knowledge. My obvious question is: How do I begin to learn about the intricacies of this profession and where do I go to find concise and relevant training material, if any exists? I know I can?t learn it all but how do I learn enough to get by initially?. I have about 6 months to get my act together.
This may be a golden opportunity or it may well end up as one of my most embarrassing experiences. Whether good or bad, I would appreciate any suggestions you guys can make.
Thanks
Jimmy
