This company was set up in September 1996 to provide corporate software training to professionals. It has grown from a single training facility to a nation-wide network providing training to multinationals and the professional bodies (ICAI, CIMA).

As part of this start-up company my duties and responsibilities were wide ranging and challenging. The initial structure was a single training room composed of a network server and six workstations running Windows NT 4.0. I had the responsibility of network administration, planning of Internet access, design, administration and teaching of training courses and hardware planning. I was also involved in dealing with potential clients to evaluate their existing systems, training requirements and any future planning they might require for system upgrades or system installations.

Upon leaving the company it now currently consists of 4 LANs (1 Server and 6-8 workstations in each site) situated in 3 cities nationwide, all running Windows NT 4.0 Server, Workstation and Windows95. Application packages were Office97, Office95, Office 4.3 and Lotus SmartSuite97. Other applications included Internet browsers and email packages, WinGate Proxy Server Software and Web Editors. All of which I was required to test, install and set-up for each training facility.

Having set up the networks I also designed the course materials for all the software packages. I designed and developed notes for each software package, which were then customised as was necessitated by each client’s requirements. For the first year of operations I delivered all courses personally. New trainers were recruited whom I trained.

I enjoyed the challenge and responsibility of working in a start-up company environment. Dealing with diverse client requirements and constant customisation of hardware and software to suite these needs allowed me to develop both my technical and interpersonal skills in all types of business environments. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience gained in such an environment but having established and got the company up and running – there are now twelve trainers, a network administrator and sales administrator – I have moved on to concentrate on more technical aspects to develop my computer skills further.