Stream: Keynote
Time: 17:15 - 18:00
“There are many talents and expertise that are important in a mainframe career and could directly contribute to your successes and/or growth.
Some of these are less obvious than others, and only with a breadth of experiences can we truly appreciate the importance of certain transferable skills.
For instance, what transferable skills does a shepherd have that could be valuable for an IT Consultant?
Or similarly, which competencies would a teacher be able to utilise if they became a Databse Administrator?
We will answer those questions, and others most obscure!
Niall Ashley and Elitsa Popova have taken the time to interview a variety of different mainframers and consolidate their advice into this presentation.
With testimonials from many people across Broadcom, IBM, GSE, Mainframe Society and WAVEZ, this session will have something for everyone.”
There is currently no attachment for Weird and Wonderful Journeys to the mainframe
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.
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.
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