Rickard Warfvinge is the System Administrator at the School of Business and is responsible for various IT related tasks. Among other things he ensures that computer networks and servers function well. He is also a true life saver when computers stop working or even crash. Rickard comes into contact with different people every day and his work tasks change continuously and it is this variety that he likes the most about his position.
Tell us a bit more about that you do?
- I am the System Administrator and it is my responsibility to ensure that that our IT-system, including computer networks, e-mails, printers, servers and computers, functions properly. I also provide PC-support to our staff. Lately I have begun to work a bit more on system development and the idea is for me to participate in the further development of our system for student administration (Fastreg). I think this work will be both exciting and rewarding.
What do you find most rewarding about working at a university?
- I really like the fact that you are able to influence your own work and that you can affect future developments, for example what systems we will use etc. I also find the incredible mixture of personalities very appealing and I like the daily meetings with both students and staff here at the university. In this job you really encounter all types of people and of all ages. The atmosphere is great!
What is the most common computer related problem that you encounter?
- A common complaint is that the computers become ‘slow’ which usually means that a certain process is not functioning well. The good news is that it only takes us around 30 minutes to reinstall a computer and hand it back to the colleague.
What is your main strength- when do you feel like you are making a difference?
I feel that my experience and the fact that I have been at the department for quite long enables me to prioritise correctly during hectic periods. In addition I believe that I am good at organising and structuring my work.
One situation that I really enjoy is when I am able to solve a technical problem for a teacher with a room full of students. Even when nothing works the problem is usually caused by something small that I can solve quickly. The gratitude from both teacher and students is often huge in those situations.
If I was not working in IT I would…..?
- Difficult question. I think I have found my niche, I am doing what I want and at a place that I like. I could possibly imagine working as a project leader outside of IT. The future will tell but today I am happy where I am.