Working in Technology for over two decades leads to developing a number of different skills in the workplace. The skills that Mike Auten is most proficient at are the following:
Troubleshooting: involves identifying the problem, considering what is most likely to be the cause, testing to see if the cause is correct, creating a plan to resolve the problem, and implementing the solution.
Critical Thinking: encompasses many skill components like observation, analysis, interpretation, reflection, evaluation, inference, explanation, problem solving, and decision making.
Systems Integration: contains the ability to merge data pieces from one or multiple systems into another. Typically this is used during ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes to enhance the destination system.
Complex Problem Solving: is inherent in Technology and Trading. Typically every set of problems and solutions comes with a trade-off in value, risk, or other quality that makes you evaluate the outcomes. Mike is adept at weighing out all of the factors and proposing solutions that meet the “best-case” of your needs.
Logic: help analyze problems, brainstorm ideas, and find answers.
Programming Languages: knowing multiple programming languages allows you to choose the best one to code a solution. While Mike’s favorite is PHP, he is also growing his Python skills.
Organizational Skills: covers the areas of managing time effectively, prioritizing tasks, setting goals, and developing systems for achieving those goals.
Innovative Solutions: when faced with a difficult task, being able to think up solutions that aren’t readily apparent can give a person or company an edge. That’s what Mike tries to do with each challenge.
End User Training: having given multiple in-person and remote training sessions – both at a local and national level, training is an important skill that can showcase mastery of a subject.