Crushworthy Tech Jobs — IT Director with SAS

Let’s face it, most of us don’t grow up dreaming of our future technology careers. It’s usually firefighters, police officers, and doctors that get all the glory. But as IT, technology, and digital media become some of the fastest growing job fields, we wanted to know more about the people in these industries and the different careers that they have found. 

In our series “Crushworthy Tech Jobs,” we will learn the reality of these positions, what skills and experiences lead to each career, and what advice they have for others striving for the same success.

For years SAS has consistently ranked as one of the top companies in the country to work for.  They have a dedicated team in place and Tim Campbell is a part of that. He knew early on that a technology field was right for him and has found himself with this excellent company for over two decades.

What is your job title? Tell us a little about yourself (Where are you from? Describe your job and how long you’ve been at it, etc.).
I’m from North Carolina and have lived here all my life except for two years that I lived in Torrance, California. I have been working in the Information Technology field since 1982. The first position I held was with the state of North Carolina (Department of Justice — Police Information Network) as a data center operator and network systems administrator.  I’ve been employed with SAS in Cary, NC for the past 26 years. My current position is IT Director in the Enterprise Solutions Division. The primary areas that my teams support at SAS are client software and hardware, enterprise messaging, collaboration applications, mobile devices, mobile applications, and printing.

What is a typical day like in your position?
My day is focused on both strategic and operational IT areas that my teams support as well as working with third party hardware/software vendors, managing budgets/expenses, and working with our global IT teams in Europe.

When did you know it was what you wanted to do? What lead you to this position? 
When I was a senior in high school and working part-time in the data center for a local bank. The Co-Op was a program for seniors at my high school. I decided to enroll, which lead me to this position and where I found my passion for technology and IT as a career.

What did you do to prepare for a position like this? Skills? School? Internships? Previous positions?
In 1982, when I was a senior in high school, I was afforded an opportunity to work part-time in the data center of a large bank. That position helped prepare me for a full-time position as data center operator with the NC Department of Justice when I graduated from high school. At that point, I was balancing attending college classes part-time and working full-time.

What is the best part about your job?
I work at SAS, which is consistently in the top five of the “100 Best Places to Work” and last year was ranked number one on the list of “World’s Best Multinational Workplaces.” I’m also fortunate enough to work with an excellent team of people and IT professionals. 

What is the work/family balance like for you?
Very good. SAS has created a culture over the last 37 years that fosters a positive work environment and balance of work/family life.

Any other advice, tips, commentary, or anecdotes you’d like to share? 
What is the right formula for success? I don’t think that picture looks the same for any two people, but the process is the same for many. It’s based on principles that do not change. I’ve spent many years in the IT field, and over those years I’ve discovered that success for me has not been solely defined by reaching new levels in my position, titles, certifications, etc., it has come from the journey and not the destination. Looking back, it was the journey that helped me experience growth both professionally and personally. Below are three key areas that help define success in my opinion:

• Being focused and knowing your purpose in life
• Continuing to grow on a daily basis to reach your maximum potential
• Sowing seeds that benefit others

Success is something you are right now and not something you hope to find one day. Make the shift to find your purpose, grow your potential, and help others.