October 2, 2015

Episode 9 – A. Brian “Ian” Harris

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Stony Brook University – Computer Information System
Director of Web Development and Production

www.abrianharris.com


What made you decide to work in tech?

Isn’t it obvious? Girls love nerds, duh! However, in all seriousness, “tech” involves all that is new, exciting and creative. I love all of the aforementioned, so it was a no-brainer to decide to get paid for it. The adage is: “Do what you love.”

What was an obstacle you faced and how did you overcome that obstacle? 

I don’t “look” like a nerd. When I use the term “nerd”, I say it lovingly. The stereotypical technologist is deemed a nerd, and is expected to have a certain look about them. Whether it is to be skinny, wimpy, bespectacled, nasally, socially awkward or any of the such. I’m 6 feet tall, 230lbs and look as if I’d be found playing football or listening to an old Jay-Z record.

That being the case, it’s normally assumed that I wouldn’t be good in this field. I’ve always had to prove my talents (even more so than my non-“urban” contemporaries). Whatever doesn’t kill us makes us stronger, right? I came, I saw (racism, ignorance and overall tomfoolery) and I conquered.

What is your experience being a POC in Tech?

People are intimidated by concepts they don’t understand. If you go to any website, right click and hit “View Source” you’ll impress 8 out of 10 people. That experience has always been pretty fun for me. It’s even more exciting when you do it while wearing a fitted hat and a pair of Timberlands.

The hours can be long, the work can be tedious, but when you’re building a project that you are truly interested in, you will not experience many joys better than that of a finished product.

What was your perception about the tech industry before entering it? What is your perception now?

Before I thought that it was only for those in the upper echelon of intelligence, a pantheon of “smart guys” who did the impossible.

Now, I think it’s for anyone who’s willing to sacrifice with the promise of a great reward. Can anyone work in tech? No. But it’s not as isolated as I once thought it was.

What advice would you give to a young person who wanted to enter tech?

1. Practice – as with anything, coding comes with experience. Experience comes with time. 

2. Research – Do you know why most developers use WordPress as a CMS than any other CMS out there? No? Find out! I’ve learned more on my own than I ever did in a classroom setting. Classes are great, but only encourage ingenuity. They don’t breed it. That’s all on you.

3. Never settle – You will NEVER know it all. Don’t be afraid to break your own mold and learn new things. Why settle for good when you can be great? Why settle for greatness when you can achieve transcendence?

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Ruth Mesfun

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