Kris Marose, IT Specialist

While working/training at Proto Labs in the US, technically my official title was intern, but my unofficial (and more appropriate) title was Software Developer. That was pretty cool, I like the sound of Developer (despite the fact that I think of Steve Ballmer every time I here the word). In my job offer for Proto Labs Japan, my official title was stated as Software Engineer. Developer is cool, but having the word Engineer in your title has its own set of connotations. Also cool. On a related note, my Visa status is Engineer. I like.

Well recently my boss here asked me to confirm what information we'll put on my business card - i.e. the proper Japanese spelling of my name, my work cell number, my email, and of course my title, which this time around was suggested as IT Specialist. At first it doesn't seem to have the same connotations as Developer or Engineer. It almost feels like a generic title that you could apply to a lot of different things. But then I did a little searching and here's what I found...

IT SPECIALIST
JOB SUMMARY AND QUALIFICATIONS

Planning and coordinating the installation, testing, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of hardware and software systems.
The planning, analysis, design, development, testing, quality assurance, configuration, installation, implementation, integration, maintenance, and/or management of networked systems used for the transmission of information in voice, data, and/or video formats.

Ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems, networks, and data through the planning, analysis, development, implementation, maintenance, and enhancement of information systems security programs, policies, procedures, and tools.

The design, documentation, development, modification, testing, installation, implementation, and support of new or existing applications software.
The planning, development, implementation, and administration of systems for the acquisition, storage, and retrieval of data.


...Yea, I'll go with that.

Also believe it or not, that is actually a fairly accurate description of what I do. I dabble in software development, network administration, database administration, as well as general IT support. Basically any IT needs fall under my jurisdiction since I'm the only IT guy here. How bout that?