Stream: Virtual Room 1
Time: 10:30 - 11:30
Attrition is happening, and it's very hard to ignore with mainframe-aligned jobs:
As the "Grey Wave" approaches, many of the fortune 500 companies will lose staff who can run this 'mission-critical' component of the IT infrastructure that businesses rely upon to process billions of transactions safely and securely.
With these experienced professionals retiring, the question looms...
- Who will take over and eventually replace them as the industry leaders and technical experts?
Join this session where five (relatively) young mainframe professionals share their experience, provide advice for others who are looking to make their place or start a career in this fantastic industry
What has been the highlight of your current career so far?
When have you felt most and least supported in your current career?
Have you ever experienced hurdles because of your background, and how did you overcome these?
What opportunities have you heard about from colleagues, that you're aware are no longer present? (E.g. WLMs being automated, removing that job role, but opening up roles in Machine Learning)
When you first went to GSE, were you impressed or disappointed? Has GSE changed your perspective of other conferences?
What have been your most memorable moments from conferences like GSE and IBM / Broadcom TechXchange?
There is currently no attachment for Youthful Perspectives within an Aging Workforce
Email: dana.conway@lloydsbanking.com
Niall is a driven individual with a demonstrative experience working across a multitude of different environments including:
→ Mainframe Security Consulting
→ Aeronautical Engineering
→ Software Development
Endeavouring to excel, he has become skilled in a diverse range of applications/roles:
→ CAD software, such as AutoDesk, Techsoft and SketchUp;
→ Word Processors, such as Google Docs and Microsoft Word;
→ Spreadsheets, such as Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel;
→ Web-Design, such as through Google Sites and Wix;
→ Programming Languages such as C#, HTML and Python;
→ Cryptography: Encoding and decoding ciphers;
→ Teaching: Education and training in subjects he is confident in;
→ Public Speaking & Presenting.
→ Project Management, Teamwork and Leadership.
Additionally, during his professional tenure with Airbus Group and then BMC Software, Niall learned to follow various working methodologies such as Agile, Kaizen and Six Sigma.
Throughout his free time, he proudly volunteers as a STEM Ambassador and as a Civilian Instructor at a local RAFAC (ATC) Squadron.
He is also a driven advocate for mental health and is a qualified Suicide First-Aid trainer:
Previously, he volunteered with the suicide prevention charity 'PAPYRUS' throughout the West Midlands, and was trustee of the now-defunct charity 'Positive Thoughts' in Malvern.
In order to effectively champion wellbeing in his local community, such as improving awareness and signposting support, he undertook numerous educational modules (including the NHS-affiliated 'eLfH' and training with 'BEAT'), all in order to better understand mental health and forms of support.
BMC Software Inc. (2021 – Present) Associate Consultant (Mainframe z/OS Db2 DBA)
Junior full stack web developer (2020 – 2021)
Intern Product Developer (2018)
GSE UK Conference, Whittelbury Hall (2017) IBM Panel member, The Future.Ready()Mainframe. Client success stories of finding fabulous, young new Z talent.
IBM Master the Mainframe, now IBM Z Xplore (2017) Part 3 finisher, Wall of Fame. IBM MtM Advocate digital badge.
University of Bedfordshire (2016 – 2020) B.Sc. (Hons), Computer Science and Software Engineering with Professional Practice year. Grade 1st. Activities and societies: Chair of Bedfordshire Enterprise and Mainframe Society.
St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. (1996 – 2000) Master of Arts, Drawing and Painting. Grade 1st. Certified teacher of drawing and painting.
Email: lukas.jaks@ivv.de
Email: dana.conway@lloydsbanking.com
Niall is a driven individual with a demonstrative experience working across a multitude of different environments including:
→ Mainframe Security Consulting
→ Aeronautical Engineering
→ Software Development
Endeavouring to excel, he has become skilled in a diverse range of applications/roles:
→ CAD software, such as AutoDesk, Techsoft and SketchUp;
→ Word Processors, such as Google Docs and Microsoft Word;
→ Spreadsheets, such as Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel;
→ Web-Design, such as through Google Sites and Wix;
→ Programming Languages such as C#, HTML and Python;
→ Cryptography: Encoding and decoding ciphers;
→ Teaching: Education and training in subjects he is confident in;
→ Public Speaking & Presenting.
→ Project Management, Teamwork and Leadership.
Additionally, during his professional tenure with Airbus Group and then BMC Software, Niall learned to follow various working methodologies such as Agile, Kaizen and Six Sigma.
Throughout his free time, he proudly volunteers as a STEM Ambassador and as a Civilian Instructor at a local RAFAC (ATC) Squadron.
He is also a driven advocate for mental health and is a qualified Suicide First-Aid trainer:
Previously, he volunteered with the suicide prevention charity 'PAPYRUS' throughout the West Midlands, and was trustee of the now-defunct charity 'Positive Thoughts' in Malvern.
In order to effectively champion wellbeing in his local community, such as improving awareness and signposting support, he undertook numerous educational modules (including the NHS-affiliated 'eLfH' and training with 'BEAT'), all in order to better understand mental health and forms of support.
BMC Software Inc. (2021 – Present) Associate Consultant (Mainframe z/OS Db2 DBA)
Junior full stack web developer (2020 – 2021)
Intern Product Developer (2018)
GSE UK Conference, Whittelbury Hall (2017) IBM Panel member, The Future.Ready()Mainframe. Client success stories of finding fabulous, young new Z talent.
IBM Master the Mainframe, now IBM Z Xplore (2017) Part 3 finisher, Wall of Fame. IBM MtM Advocate digital badge.
University of Bedfordshire (2016 – 2020) B.Sc. (Hons), Computer Science and Software Engineering with Professional Practice year. Grade 1st. Activities and societies: Chair of Bedfordshire Enterprise and Mainframe Society.
St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. (1996 – 2000) Master of Arts, Drawing and Painting. Grade 1st. Certified teacher of drawing and painting.
Email: lukas.jaks@ivv.de
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