Stéphane, 26, is a Computer Systems Technologist. This professional position involves configuring and refining computer systems at both the hardware level and the software level. There's employment potential galore in the field, since there is work wherever there's a computerized system.

CAE Electronics designs and manufactures applied simulation systems, such as flight simulators used to train airline pilots, and electric systems simulators used in nuclear power plants. Stéphane has been with CAE in Montreal since January of 1998. His duties as an IT Support Technologist fall into two broad categories: support and maintenance of corporate servers, such as electronic mail and databases, and material and software support for different departments and users within the company.

"My job is to provide support to the PC-system infrastructure," he explains. "Whenever there's a problem, I analyze it and point people in the right direction." For example, Stéphane solved a power-supply problem involving access drives and security systems. "Based on the information I was given, I realized that the screens were going blank whenever the air conditioning started up. I realized that it was an electrical problem. I conducted tests, identified potential problems, and the electricians took it from there." Stéphane's expertise and knowledge are in great demand with his colleagues in other departments at CAE. "The people in my department understand the PC environment best. When Engineering wants to develop a PC-based system, they consult us to find out, for example, whether the infrastructure can support the system."

In addition to his technical support duties, Stéphane also works on long-term projects. Among other things, he's currently setting up a new electronic mail system, checking for computer viruses, and creating a central file that will be accessible from various computer platforms. Once that last project is up and running, he will also be in charge of its technical support and training users.