Clemster The Miner?

Well there's a job opening here at INCO for a Systems Analyst. INCO is one of two big mining companies that basically built the city where I live. Sudbury is the nickel capitol of the world and INCO here in Sudbury is the largest producer in the Western hemisphere. In WWII people were very afraid that Sudbury would be a military target since nickel is an important metal for the war effort. It seems pretty silly now considering how few people have heard of Sudbury, but it was a legitimate fear back then. Since then Sudbury has tried to escape it's dependence on the mining industry, but it still has a ways to go before Sudbury and mining aren't mentioned in the same sentence. But INCO has always been a good company to work for and very good to its employees. Once someone gets in they're pretty much set until retirement. If I get the job I'd be a third generation INCO employee. My grandfather was an INCO blacksmith. A few of my uncles were lifers there as well and I've got at least one cousin working there now.

So now that you know what INCO is I'm sure you're wondering what an Systems Analyst is. Essentially I'd be designing, implementing and supporting computer-based systems. There's a problem that needs solving that involves computers, so they'd come to me and the team I'm a part of to figure out what needs to be done. Be it purchase new hardware, new software, or try and make something in-house.

So I apologize for misleading you with my title. I won't really be working in a mine heh heh. I'd be something more than a code-monkey and I'd be making at least as much as I am now with plenty of room to grow. Plus it's a full time position which means benefits - no more paying full price for all my prescription drugs. I'm still not sure what my chances are since I don't think I'm that qualified for the position, but my parents would never let me live it down if I didn't at least try for the position. And then there's that idea of changing careers that keeps popping into my head. But I guess I'll never know if it's my current job that doesn't fit me or working in the technology field in general.

Tonight I'll spruce up my resume, write a cover letter, and email my application in to INCO's HR department. The posting closes on the 22nd (Friday) so I will hopefully hear something soon.

Clemster.