Meet Chris Jackson

Earlier this year, the Office of the Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President (Information Services & Technology) received a record-breaking number of nominations for the 2020 IT Awards. We are excited to recognize the individuals who were nominated and the important contributions they make everyday at the University of Alberta.

Chris Jackson works as a IWMS Support and Development Technician in Facilities & Operations. Within that role he’s involved in software development and administration, IT troubleshooting, and more recently, Robotic Process Automation.

We spoke with Chris to learn more about his role and what motivates him.

What does a day in the life look like in your position?

My typical day in my position does not really conform to any particular pattern. For that matter a week or a month does not really conform to any particular pattern. However, these days I usually do stuff along the lines of check for newly assigned tickets, AIM administration tasks, Meridian administration tasks, develop new software, handle desktop/network support issues, create/update reports, create/update PDF forms, troubleshoot all manner of IT issues, attend meetings, put on product demos, create/update Business Process Maps and generate documentation regarding all the things I have learned.

What’s one thing you’re working on now, and why is it important?

One thing I am working on right now is creating Robotic Process Automation (RPA) for various areas of the university. In the University Of Alberta’s current position we need to create efficiencies wherever possible. The RPA software can do just that as it will automatically perform routine and repetitive tasks much faster then users could. Some of the RPA applications I have created have saved months of data entry time.

What have you worked on since joining the university that you are most proud of?

I have worked on a number of projects that I am proud of but the RPA applications I have created would be at the top of the list. I am also very proud of the many small one time issues that occur that I am able to resolve when other people are not able to, and there have been quite a few of those. Though that is probably ego as much as it is pride.

Why did you pursue a career in IT?

To impress girls. Plus the unending puzzles that IT presents and feeling you get when you solve them. But mostly to impress girls. 

If you could snap your fingers and become an expert in something, what would it be?

COBOL. Again, to impress girls.

If you could only have three apps on your smartphone, which would you pick?

1. Phone app: Because it’s a phone.
2. Camera app: Too useful a tool to be without.
3. Web Browser app: Because with the internet I can get the functionality of all the other apps I am missing without actually installing the apps on my phone.

Anything else you'd like to share?

I am so old that my first programming language was LOGO and I remember the internet before it had pictures.

Chris Jackson was nominated for an IT Award earlier this year for his competency in responding to diverse work and challenges that come his way, his dedication to helping people learn, and his gentle and patient demeanor in all situations while supporting Facilities & Operations.