System Administrator
While Averna is dedicated to help global customers produce market-leading high-tech products, this could not be achieved without their talented team of employees. Averna understands that each group and department are linked, and every individual is required to make the company a success. In this series, Averna will chat with one of these individuals and understand their point of view on their contribution.
Etienne Pilote has been working as a System Administrator for Averna since 2015. His path was set early on, because even as a schoolboy, he was already enthusiastic about electronics and IT. He always knew he would pursue a career in IT. While he carefully considers things, he is more of a person of action. For him, the best way to learn is by doing – especially with his colleagues. Even in his free time, he likes to be active in outdoor activities or get a good workout while bouldering. When he wants to take a break from all the action, he enjoys watching TV series or building Lego sets.
Q: Where were you before Averna and how did you get here?
A: After my three-year CEGEP (College of General and Professional Teaching), I enrolled at university. However, the content was not technical enough for me, so I soon started to lose interest. I moved to a healthcare company as a helpdesk support. My job was to answer calls and solve problems with software and computer hardware. When my contract expired, I moved to a manufacturing company where I started as helpdesk support. At the same time, I also took on more responsibility as an administrator for some applications and infrastructure.
After two years, I was enticed back to my hometown of Montreal and started working at Averna. At that time (2015), Averna was still a “small” company. I decided to join because I could do a lot for different platforms/technologies compared to a large company with several IT-only departments where you could only manage one or two software solutions.
During these ten years, I was able to help many users solve their problems. I supported the integration of numerous tools and acquired a great deal of knowledge about IT technologies.
Q: What attracted you to the IT Department?
A: Ever since I can remember, even in my early schooldays, I have been enthusiastic about the world of electronics and IT. When we had to decide on a career at school, I choose IT in a heartbeat.
Q: What is your favorite aspect of your current role?
A: I am in a position to support several technologies/platforms. I am eager to learn new things, and as soon as a new technology or feature comes onto the market, I am always among the first to try it out.
Q: What do you think are the most challenging tasks you are responsible for in our international company?
A: One of the biggest challenges is to develop unified and standardized processes for different offices that have diverging ideas about how to proceed. This also involves constantly trying to understand the unique requirements of each region in order to provide them with a better workflow.
Q: Do you feel you achieve a good work/life balance?
A: Yes, Averna allows me to balance my work and personal life well. For example, if I must leave in the afternoon for any reason, I can always take time off or make up the time later in the day/week.
We have the privilege of being able to work from home. But it's always a joy to go to the office and meet colleagues or take part in social activities.
Q: What have you learned from Averna that will be a takeaway for the rest of your life?
A: It does not make sense not to take enough time and to rush things. I make sure to always check myself three times.