Loading ...By Tom S. Noda
Computerworld Philippines
May 13, 2009
Surpassing failure and frustration indeed justifies destiny’s realness in life. And for Gladys Lumbuan, fate became true by simply keeping the dream alive and going along with the streams of the times.
Failing to achieve her goal of finishing an information technology (IT) course in college, Lumbuan still managed to become a successful IT professional. She is currently the chief information officer (CIO) of Sky Cable Corp., a top cable company in the Philippines, where she heads the company’s information technology and telephony division.
Lumbuan recalls she failed to pass an entrance exam in the University of the Philippines (UP) in 1983 for the BS Computer Science course.
“I did not make it,” she says. “I ended up taking my second choice course which was BS Social Sciences. But on my sophomore year, I applied and was accepted to transfer to the College of Engineering, for the BS Industrial Engineering (BSIE) course.”
But the IT college entrance exam was not Lumbuan’s final duel with the dream profession. After earning her BSIE degree, Lumbuan worked for a while as research assistant at the UP Engineering Research and Development Foundation in 1988, and then moved to SGV Consulting, Inc. in the same year, where she would have another crack on IT.
Lumbuan shares she took a battery of IQ tests at SGV where she scored high ratings in logic.
“The company considers high ratings in those areas as a necessary skill for computer-related jobs and my assessment was even strengthened when I was sent to Arthur Andersen’s training class called Computers in our Practice School, where I received the highest rating granted to any training participant in a class,” she says.
Lumbuan says there was just no looking back at that moment as SGV immediately assigned her to handle various computer programming projects related to the manufacturing industry—the area where most BSIE graduates like her were mostly employed. “The assignments had tapped both my skills in computers and IE,” she claims.
After her two-year stint with SGV, Lumbuan served in four different companies before joining Sky Cable, and these are: Avon Products Manufacturing, Inc. (EDP supervisor, systems analyst/programmer from 1990 to 1995); Digital Equipment Filipinas, Inc. (industry solutions team manager from 1995 to 1997); Eastern Telecommunications Phils., Inc. (information services manager from 1997 to 2000 and later as assistant vice-president, head of information services department from 2000 to 2003); and Institutional Synergy, Inc. (IT consultant from 2003 to 2004).
Lumbuan cites that “faith in God, self-confidence, hard work and a supportive spouse” were the factors that helped her attain a successful career in IT.
Being an IT professional for 25 years, Lumbuan advises IT professionals should know very well the business of one’s company, its product, customers, the supporting technology and processes.
“You should always be accountable to the results of your performance and must do the extra mile as you work on your deliverables,” she says, noting that establishing amiable relationships with peers is a plus; and that one’s integrity should never be compromised.
Lumbuan adds one’s subordinates will work effectively if objectives are clear with them and if their significant contributions are recognized, as well as if they know that they are known in some personal level.
“Job satisfaction is not all about getting good money. It’s being appreciated for the worth of the work that you give,” she says.
A mother of three children, Lumbuan dreams someday of having a Web-based business of her own that will provide professional services.
TIDBITS
Age: 43
Status: Married to Alex, an engineer. They have one daughter and two sons, ages 14, 12 and 7, respectively.
Favorite Technology: The Internet
Philosophy in a nutshell: “Integrity is the most valuable and respected quality of leadership. Always keep your word.” by Jim Rohn
Hobbies and Interests: Tinkering on tech gadgets, home decorating, shopping, fashion and entertainment magazines.
What people don’t know about you: I deliver inspirational talks to female inmates in the city jail. I can prepare Lasagna and Shepherd’s Pie.
Possibly Related Posts:
Comments
No Responses to “Destined for IT”