University, IBM and the whole lot

Someone asked me what I’d been up to since leaving Monash Uni. Well, here’s a quick summary, including those 4 great years at Monash.

Work Stuff

Monash University (1979-82):  BSc (Hons) Physics Major.  Lived in, on campus, at Roberts Hall the whole time

IBM Australia (early 1983 to early 1996): After the regulation 5 interviews, joined as a graduate into a Technical/Marketing role.  City (briefly), South Melbourne then Southgate.  The ‘how I joined IBM’ story deserves its own blog post. Just like this one.

Own Company – Take 1 (1996 – early 1998).  Took time off after IBM, then a not-so-successful attempt to go out on my own. One day, a company called Aspect Computing came and presented to where I was sub-contracting to. I had helped them earlier, as they were an IBM Business Partner. After they left, I made a phone call…

Aspect Computing  (1998 – Sept 2003).  Large, privately owned IT services, development, integration and training company in Hawthorn.  Family-feel. Still the best place I’ve worked at.  Its heart was coldly ripped out when purchased by another company. I’ll leave it at that.

Artwill Services (2004 onward, I think). Not sure when I formed my own Pty Ltd company Take 2! Anyway,  I’m now providing contracting IT services, with a focus on the Documentation area, plus some training and pre-sales technical marketing. As for the name:  ARThur WILLiam was my late grandfather.

Fun Stuff

Since Monash, I’ve really only lived in 2 suburbs; Windsor (2 different flats) and here in Williamstown (my house. Well, ANZ and me).

I now love bushwalking, with a focus on Victoria.  That also takes in photography too, another huge interest.  The travel also ties in with another passion: Victorian history, particularly the Gold Rush. Plus local history, that is Williamstown.  I still follow science (Physics & Astronomy) and skeptical thinking via podcasts and blogs.