What is your role working in Information Technology?
I’m an IT Asset Management Assistant on the IT Research team. Basically, we’re the ones who keep track of all the IT gear and scientific devices used in research across different faculties. If it’s tech and it’s being used for research, it’s probably on our radar. It’s a mix of tech management and making sure researchers have what they need without losing track of anything.
What degree are you currently pursuing?
I’m working towards my Honours Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at the University of Ottawa. It’s been a great combo—learning theory in class and seeing real-world IT in action at work.
What are your main responsibilities in your position in Information Technology?
I manage inventories of all IT equipment and research devices, visit research facilities to do physical inventories, follow policies and compliance standards, meeting with IT leaders and stakeholders, help with audits, update our databases, and communicate with researchers and IT staff to make sure everything is accounted for.
What do you like about your job in this work term?
What I like most about my job is the variety and the people. Every day is different — whether it’s visiting research labs, walking around campus, or checking out different offices and facilities. I enjoy being part of a team that directly supports cutting-edge research. Plus, seeing how technology enables discoveries makes the work feel meaningful and rewarding.
What skillsets have you developed since working in Information Technology?
I’ve sharpened my attention to detail—because even one missing piece of equipment can cause a big headache. Working with people from diverse backgrounds has improved my teamwork and communication skills since I need to explain technical info clearly to both IT pros and researchers. We use tools like TopDesk to manage service requests and asset tracking, and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Teams) for organizing data and communication.
On the technical side, I use scripting skills—mostly Python to automate repetitive tasks like generating reports or updating records. These automations save time and help keep everything running smoothly.
Why did you apply for this position in Information Technology?
I’m really passionate about research and academia and this role gives me the chance to meet researchers directly, learn about the systems and technologies they use, and understand how IT supports their work. It’s inspiring to see how the equipment and software I help manage actually enable important scientific discoveries, which motivates me to keep learning and improving.
What is it like working in your group in Information Technology?
Working with my IT Research team feels like being part of a close-knit crew. Everyone’s friendly and ready to help out, so it’s easy to ask questions and get support when I’m stuck. Even though we all have our own tasks, we genuinely collaborate and share tips, which makes the job a lot more enjoyable. It’s a chill environment where I feel comfortable learning and growing.
Has working in Information Technology changed your career orientation or better defined what you will do once you graduate?
Definitely. Working in a large IT team within a university means I get to collaborate with experts across many fields, access great resources, and be part of projects that have a real impact on academic research and innovation. I’m now more interested in roles that blend IT with science or academia, which I hadn’t really considered before.
How do you find working hybrid? Which do you prefer?
Working hybrid has been a good experience for me. I like the flexibility of being able to work from home when I need to focus on detailed tasks, but I also appreciate coming into the office or research spaces to collaborate in person and get hands-on with the equipment. Plus, working from home saves a lot of time commuting.
Do you feel as though you are using what you have learned so far in your university courses in the workplace?
Yes, especially when it comes to data management, scripting, and problem-solving. It’s rewarding to see classroom concepts come alive in real projects.
What is one thing you have learned about yourself while working in Information Technology?
I found out that I’m pretty adaptable and quick to learn new systems. That’s helped me a lot because IT environments can change fast, and being able to keep up is key.