We’ve all seen it happen: someone is at a computer, typing out an email or hitting print on an important document when, suddenly, the unthinkable occurs. The computer, which has been working along without a problem, screeches to a halt in seconds. The cursor spins, the keyboard locks up, and whoever’s typing or printing starts to show annoyance, anger and then horror. We’ve all seen it happen, but thankfully, there are people who can help.
Up on the University of Guelph-Humber’s fourth floor, Academic and Campus Technology Services (ACTS) are there to make sure all of the printers, networks and computers on campus are working, and they’re there to help if anything goes wrong. If you’ve had a computer problem in the last few months, there’s a good chance you’ve been helped out by one of their newest recruits, Leye Oyelami.
Leye came to UofGH in 2012 when he enrolled in the business program. Though he specialized in accounting, Leye always kept an eye on another of his passions: computers, and was on the lookout for a way to mix his two interests.
“I’ve been interested in computers ever since I was a little kid,” he says. “My uncle works in IT and he got me started when I was young. I’ve always enjoyed the thrill of it, learning more about computers and understanding how and why they work.”
In his third year of study, Leye saw a job posting to be a computer support assistant (CSA). It sounded like a good way to learn more, and once he was hired, he started to see that while there was a technical side, there was more to the job than it seemed. For every uncooperative printer, there was a frustrated user as well.
“IT is really a people support job,” he says. “No matter what you’re doing, you’re helping a person with their technology — it’s always about that person. I like helping people learn things, and there’s a feeling of accomplishment when you can help teach someone how something works.”
When he graduated from UofGH in the spring, Leye was hired into ACTS as an information technology specialist. Despite his two years of experience as a CSA, he says he’s still learning something new every day of the week.
“I’m building a foundation right now, developing skills and gathering knowledge. I ask a lot of questions and it feels like the more I learn, the bigger my passion for this field gets,” Leye says. “IT is an essential part of any business nowadays, and it’s changing all the time. To be successful in this type of job, you have to be willing to learn all the time and accept that there’s always something you don’t know.”
As he continues to learn, Leye is still thinking about how he might combine his skills in business, accounting and IT services.
“If I could mix all of these things together, that would be great,” he says. “Technology can be an excellent tool, and it enables you to create and collaborate. It empowers individuals to move towards their goals and provides them with the opportunity to create positive changes for individual people, not just here, but around the world.”
Students interested in joining the CSA team can find job postings on GH Works before each academic term.
Learn more about ACTS at the University of Guelph-Humber.