My mainframe story began at IBM in Kingston, NY when I was asked to write the VM/XA Migration Aid Debug Guide due to a shortage of writers. I then moved to the VM/HPO Project Office (project management). IBM then consolidated the VM team in Endicott, NY where I ran a VM/SP Early Support Program (ESP), followed by joining the VM Marketing team. In 1994-96 I worked in Boca Raton with the OS/2 for the PowerPC group, which then moved us to Austin, TX were I reside today. My stint in the PC world confirmed my desire to move back to the mainframe world and I took a job in a new group titled "VM & VSE Marketing". After some time I was moved into a IBM Z marketing team (reporting to Poughkeepsie) providing marketing and channel enablement support to our business partner resellers of the z hardware/software. At this time I got involved in the IBM z Academic Initiative as a University Ambassador for Texas. With support of my management team, I was able to travel to colleges and universities to enlighten them that the mainframe is still around and represents opportunities to their students. I had some successes in helping two schools move from a COBOL emulator to the IBM System in Dallas, and two community colleges in Houston added the mainframe to their curriculum, one setting up a certificate program.
Around this time I was also involved in the creation and management of an online community called "IBM Destination z". I managed this online community until my retirement from IBM in 2012. Also during this time, I realized the opportunity to enlighten high school and college students about the mainframe and community by inviting them to IBM Tech Conferences and SHARE events so they could see the system (which were running live at that time) and meet the people who work around it. The first event was in Austin, TX and we had over 100 students attend. To prepare for the students coming to the conferences, the z Academic Initiative lead and I developed a presentation which we ultimately called "ITs Best Kept Secret" which we presented to the students before letting them go out to the exhibit hall to see the machine and meet the people. The presentation introduces the Mainframe, describes who uses it, how to get involved, and the career opportunities it opens.
OK, long background story, but here is where my IBM Champion story begins. Even before retirement I got involved in the Business Academy at my daughters high school and used the presentation to introduce high school students to the mainframe. After I retired from IBM I continued to stay involved with the High Schools and one of the Colleges I worked with (Texas State University) to evangelize the mainframe to students. So since my retirement, I continue on my mission to make sure students know about the mainframe and the opportunities that currently exist, will exist when they complete their education.
I also volunteered to join the VM Workshop planning committee (vmworkshop.org) to use some of my marketing/writing skills to promote the annual event.
I have been an IBM Champion since 2018. I had no idea the program existed until then, when I was urged to nominate myself by an IBM Academic Initiative member. I have been able to influence a few others to join the champions ranks, and I appreciate the recognition I get from IBM for my efforts to influence future mainframe community members, and to promote the workshop to enhance the skills of attendees (including some students) on z/VM, VSE, and Linux on z/LinuxOne.
In summary, I am not a tech wizard, my interest today are continuing to enlighten students, to use my experiences to help students understand there are a lot of options out there in the tech world, and the role the mainframe plays. Also, to evangelize my presentation to others who work in the industry (including IBM z Champions) at the VM Workshop and other events, to take my presentation out and spread the word to their local schools and/or their alma mater to highlight z career paths to others.
Marc Smith
Member of the Order of the Knights of VM
Sir Marc the Community Builder
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Marc Smith
Mainframe Education Consultant
ProTech Training Corp.
Austin
5122468712
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Original Message:
Sent: Thu September 19, 2024 09:13 AM
From: Kathryn DuPont
Subject: Tell Us: What does it take to be (and become) an IBM Champion?
With IBM Champions nomination season now open (until 15 November), we want to hear from you about what it takes to be an IBM Champion (or become one). To me it's more than advocating for IBM technologies. I observe a real commitment to 'paying it forward'. Whether it's through sharing knowledge at conferences, writing blogs, hosting podcasts, mentoring new professionals, coaching colleagues, starting User Groups, IBM Champions are genuine in moving innovation forward and helping others do it with them and in generations to come. Joining the ranks of these special VIPs means you also want to move forward with innovation and create a great impact on the lives of others.
So tell us from your perspective.... What does it take to be (and become) an IBM Champion?
Learn more about the IBM Champions program
Join and learn from 400+ Champions at the IBM TechXchange Conference 2024, Las Vegas from 21-24 October. Register for the conference now.
And register for our next Masterclass & AMA: How to become a Champion - 31 October at 11am-12pm Eastern! (Webinar will be held on Microsoft Teams)
Looking forward to seeing your comments.
/kd
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Kathryn DuPont User Advocacy, IBM TechXchange
Advocacy Engagement Leader
IBM
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