What does success look like for young professionals? What does it take to build the kind of success that doesn’t “dribble or fiddle with microphones” as popular artist J.Cole puts it. Jamal Paige, a young IT professional, shed light on the topic as he shared his story of paving a path in the global tech economy.
What do you do?
I [have been] a storage virtualization software engineer at IBM for 2 1/2 years. I work on a team that manages the data of enterprise Fortune/global 500 companies.
What’s your background?
I have a B.S. in industrial and systems engineering from the nation’s No. 1 ranked industrial engineering program at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. In undergrad, I worked at the help desk of the information systems department of the Georgia Tech Research Institute for four years. I also played A-Back on the D-1A Georgia Tech football team from 2008-2013.
What are your thoughts about minorities and women being represented in the IT industry?
Minorities and women are underrepresented in the IT Industry. In order to increase the numbers of minorities and women in the future we must expose our youth more to the opportunities in IT and about other STEM-based industries.
What are three daily habits that aid your success?
1. Exercise. I get up at 4:30 a.m. to work out to increase overall mood and daily energy.
2. Reading. It is a wonderful hobby and I think that it offers a calm outlet to go to during the daily pressures of the workday.
3. Improvement. I pick one thing every day to improve on in my life.
What are you reading now?
The Phoenix Project — a novel about IT DevOps, and helping your business win.
By: Gene Kim, Kevin Behr, George Safford
What are your hobbies?
Traveling, playing golf, and following college [and] professional football.
Who are your favorite music artists?
OutKast, Jay Z and Common.
To what or whom do you attribute your success?
I give God all of the glory. Then my family for a support system and love throughout my journey thus far. Lastly, mentors because it’s essential to learn from those who have paved the way before you.
If there was one thing you would ask adults to do better so that they can raise a success story like you, what would it be?
Knowledge is power. No matter what continue to stretch yourself with new knowledge. Those who continuously learn always find new opportunities. Also, encourage your kids and help them take action when these new opportunities come. Its this action is the spark that “will shine” light on their story of success.
