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PROUDLY PRESENTS
Luis Fernando Padrón Aguirre
Resident of Mexico and 3-DNET® VIP member
Email contact : lpadron@3dnet.org
Interview with 3-DNET®
Listen to sample sound "bites" from the interview:
Question 1 : Tell me about yourself
I was born in Mexico city. My mother is accountant and my father civil engineer. They always gave the best education they could afford to attend the best high school in Mexico city. Subsequently, I went to a public university where I studied biochemical engineering and graduated with honours. While I was at high school I studied computer science in a small academy. During my final research at the university I gained considerable experience in programming personal computers. I decided to join a team of researches that needed to develop and validate a computer model for a biochemical reactor. I fixed bugs and ran several statistical tests. I realized that I felt more comfortable doing computer job than a laboratory assignments. Upon graduation, I received the opportunity to work for a consulting company whose clients were well known mexican banks. This gave me considerable expertise analyzing, coding, testing and implementing banking systems. I have been team leader in critical applications and clients know they can trust me.
Question 2 : What can you offer to your next employer ?
During my six year and a half professional career I acquired a strong knowledge of checking and savings accounts, electronic and telephone banking, etc. The implementation of these systems required that I mastered programming of on-line transactions and consulting of both hierarchical and relational databases. I was team leader during the development of the flag product (the one that identifies the institution) of a very well known bank. In the work environment I am used to, there is always a strong time time pressure, but I always was able to finish in time and without any problems to compromise bank's service to its consumers. I can offer excellent technical experience and the ability to guide a team in order to get the results the client is paying for.
Question 3 : What are your strengths ?
Generally speaking I have the ability to learn fast with a personal commitment to quality. I need to learn something new every day, which means that I am not afraid of learning new systems or languages. Also, I am very committed that programs run smoothly since the first run without compromising total service. I can also cope with very short time schedules without diminishing the quality of the finished product. In particular, I have very good experience with on-line transactions that need to be read or updated with information of hierarchical or relational databases. Almost all the programs I have written in COBOLT. Also, I have written client/server applications in a distributed system and I have a sound theoretical knowledge of web technologies.
Question 4 : What are your accomplishments ?
My first professional job was doing several improvements to an on-line system. I was able to deliver a solid system and at the end the client was very satisfied with my job. Other systems I am proud of concerned the electronic and telephonic banking. During its conception I was in charge of the main communication program. I believe that it is a very good product which is supported by the amount, both in number and in money, of transactions that are operated thru this system. Perhaps my best system is the very well known “Libretón BBV” lottery that has an ISO 9000 certification. This product is an institutional one, people identifies the bank with it. The pressure was enormous, but the satisfaction of a well done job was bigger because I was team leader and I was in charge of everything.
Question 5 : What are your limitations ?
Well, maybe my principal limitation is that I have not yet received adequate training in management issues. Another limitation, linked with the previous one, is that I do not like to do paperwork. Also, I dislike being continuously watched: I feel more comfortable when boss just let me do my job. Finally, I prefer being in charge of a small group of people than of a larger one. Maybe it is because I need more training in administrative affairs, or maybe it is because I do not get close enough to people if it is too large.
Question 6 : How much are you worth ?
I made a survey of human resources development in Canada. I have learned about the minimum, the maximum and the average salaries of the positions I am looking for. Nonetheless, I understand that my new employer does not know me and that I have to build a relationship of confidence before I can reach my correct salary level. I am sure this would not take too much time because I have the experience, the knowledge and the will to continue to grow both professionally and personally.
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Question 7 : What are your ambitions for the future ?
In the short term I would like to move into web technologies. I have already studied a couple of them (JavaScript, Java among others). I believe that those technologies demand the kind of brain power I need to express. In the medium term I would like to receive proper training in management techniques and being in charge of larger teams with more critical functions. I am sure that this a condition for continuing my professional growth. Also I feel that I am ready for this because I already have the technical background. My goal is being able to work very close with the client and help them to take decisions best for their business. .
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Question 8 : How long would it take you start contributing to the firm?
I understand that this not possible because I need to learn the particular environment: naming of standards and administrative procedures, etc. This would take me no more than 2 weeks. The firm would not have to wait until I learn how to access databases, compile a program and execute a procedure because I already know how to do this. When I began to work for Ham, I was put immediately, and without previous training, into a critical system (mutual funds) and I was able to learn and to produce good results at the same time. .
Question 9: What is your management style?.
When I am in charge of a project I always trie that people are comfortable with their duties. I assign them their task on the basis of short interviews re their experience and personal inclinations. If I notice delays or conflicts I try to talk to them and search the source of the problem; most of times the problem is solved with a reassignment of the tasks, and if not, a calling to the commitment of their professionalism. My last resource (which I have applied only a few times) is to have a chat with my superior and explain that somebody is not doing his/her job. As far as client's side is concerned I try that everything is clear as crystal. I keep them informed about the progress of the job before they ask me, and I show them both the unforeseen difficulties and how I am plan to solve the issues. This is a my way of assuring them that everything is under control.
Question 10: Why do you think you have a good potention to be a manager?.
Because of my previous experience I know that I have always finish the job within the time schedule. I believe that I have a very good chance of becoming a successful leader because I like to guide and teach others and I always try to be diplomatic when solving conflicts and problems. Also, I have been able to track everybody's jobs without being cumbersome to the members of the team. Since I have been project leader I always received congratulations and I allowed feedback to my team. I believe that, after receiving more theoretical training in management tools I could improve my administrative abilities. I emphasize that to become a good manager is one of my primary goals. .
Question 11: What would you look for hiring people?Why do you think you have a good potention to be a manager?
I look for people who are motivated, intelligent, not afraid of challenges, and have strong ethical foundations. These are the principal traits I look for. Even if they do not have the technical skills, if they are willing to learn and are intelligent, they may become great programmers, especially if they enjoy facing difficulties and surmounting obstacles. But all this is worthless if they lack a strong ethical way. I need people I can trust in because I know they have a commitment to truth and good.
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Question 12: As a manager have you ever had to fire someone?
No, I never had to. Fortunately, it is somebody else’s job. I always try solve conflicts and problems. The closest thing to that is when I have had to select people. Sometimes I was presented with someone who did not fit the required profile and who could compromise the project. It is sad to say “no”.
Question 13: What do you see as the most difficult task of being a manager?
Maintaining control without being cumbersome. Finding out why and solving the problem before it is out of control consumes a lot of emotional energy. How to make half a dozen persons work happy and in complete harmony is not an easy task but requires a balance in making pressure while maintaining a friendly and warm environment.
Question 14: Describe what you feel is the best work environment?
Well, that is a difficult one. The place I work in must be a comfortable place which invites me to be there. I can make a list of desirable factors: smoking free (for me smoking reflects a lack of self respect- remember I am biochemist), plenty of light (poor illumination is more common than one could think), with enough room between desks for allowing some privacy, with an appropriate temperature. But the most important factors are not physical ones. I need to be with people who appreciate their own work, who are intelligent, in an environment of mutual respect, and, specially, in a place where the boss understands one works for making a life.
>Question 15: Looking back how do you describe your past employer?
Ham is small company that has managed to survive in the time of crisis and financial perils. The key to Ham’s success is that they choose people because of their intelligence and because they won’t give up in the middle of a storm. I am grateful to them because they offered me an opportunity to began my professional career and because always supported me, specially during the hard times.
Question 16: What have you done to increase productivity, performance, efficiency, etc..?
I always try to outperform my previous job. This means that I am always looking for ways to improve in quality. I never miss a chance of learning new ways and I am always in the mood to pass these ways and experience to my colleagues. I have not mentioned it before, but I really like to train newcomers in order to shorten their learning period.
Question 17: Whether you are a "computer wizard", how do you respond to the financial side of your responsibilities?
Although I am a socalled “computer wizard” I understand that human relationships are key to successful completion of any project. And, I also understand that decisions are taken based on market and economical considerations. Thus I try to maximize the payoff of both the client and the company, because I know that the faster and better we finish with our mission, the larger the probabilities we have gaining a new contract with the client.
Question 18: How many people have you supervised in your recent job?
I have been in charge of small teams. Usually in a total of 4 persons, but during the “Libretón-BBV” I was in charge of 6 persons, each with different technical responsibilities and specific duties. It was sometimes difficult, but I enjoyed the challenge and it was an excellent opportunity to learn more management techniques.
Question 19: What do you like more working with figures or words?
I enjoy both in an equal amount. It is by the numbers that the basic facts are discovered, that we can comprehend and interpret reality. Also, we need an human language to reflect the emotion and implications of our discoveries. .
Question 20: How do you think that your subordinates receive you?
I have talked to them and I know they feel comfortable with me because I adopt a flexible attitude and always try to give each a balanced amount of tasks and to explain everything before put them into job. I think than the relationship was based more on friendship than on a boss-subordinate one. They think of me more as a friend and a helping person that works toward clear objectives, that offers confidence and resolves problems. .
Question 21: What do you think of your previous boss?
In a previous project -internet banking- my boss was Saúl Contreras. He is a good boss with a style similar to mine, who prefers to have everything clear and on paper. He also works with objectives, giving people freedom to choose their tasks. He understands that sometimes one is just tired and therefore can not sustain a 100% efficiency all the time. All this does not mean that he overlooks the quality of the final product; on the contrary, his principal concern is client’s satisfaction.
Question 22: Describe a situation in which your work was criticized?
When I was a newcomer to Ham and I was assigned to a project about mutual funds. Fortunately, despite all the pressure, I was able to learn and give excellent results. Before the end of the project, the client recognized me the quality of my input. I received congratulations not only from the technical people, but also from the executive staff. After all, I realized that I am able to deliver a good product notwithstanding the lack of specific knowledge: all I have to do is to proceed step by step and watch the specifications and controlling quality on every step.
Question 23: If I spoke with your boss what he would say about your greatest strength and weaknesses?
I am sure they would say I am honest, that they can trust me, that I am intelligent and that I can do a very good job. About my weak points, they would say that I am somewhat antisocial and that I sometimes lack social and personal “guile”. I am confident that they would say that I was a valuable member of the company not only in the technical aspects of the job, but also, as professional person and human being.
Question 24: How can you handle life under pressure and with tough deadlines?
Every project has tough deadlines, and every time there is pressure from the client to accomplish the schedule. Since I was studying at the University I got used to work under tough deadlines because the program was based on three-month periods. We had three months for building the theoretical framework, doing the laboratory and research programs, analyze the data, and present the results. I found that this was very useful when I began my professional career, because I did not get overwhelmed by the pressure as other newcomers did. The only way of surviving in such a job is preparing a very rigid schedule and adhering to it. .
Question 25: What do you think you do better: staff work or line work?
Until now I worked more on technical aspects of a project than in the management ones. I enjoy doing line work because I master the skills required for it. When I have been in charge of a project I also liked to do the administrative job because it allows me to explore other areas of knowledge, develop new skills and stay closer to people. I believe that, after proper training, I could become a better manager.
Question 26: In your current position, what problem have you identified that was previously overlooked?
The main problem a system programmer faces on a daily basis is that the high staff often knows when they want the project to be installed but they do not know what the project is. In the best of the cases they do know Visual Basic or a similar tool and they believe that in a mainframe environment issues are as easy as in a stand alone PC. I think that many delays and a lot of pressure could be avoided if management staff received proper counsel from technical people before decisions were taken.
Question 27: If you had a choice of job and a company what would you choose?
I have worked in different areas that define a bank’s products: checking accounts, savings accounts, investment, telephone and internet banking. I know that a bank could profit from my experience quicker than other kind of company, allowing me to go upwards faster and reaching a good position in a relatively short period of time. On the other hand, I am very interested in internet and web technologies, and would like to have the opportunity of being hired by a internet related company. That would be a place where I could learn more computer languages and relatively new technologies. Anyway, my experience is strong and I have a strong understanding of the kind of problems a system engineer must solve.
Question 28: Do you have any objection to take a psychological test?
No. I would not put any objection to being analyzed. I understand that employers must know their employees and I would not lose any opportunity of knowing myself. Each test allows me to verify if I am doing well, this is if I am still developing or if I am stagnant.
Question 29: Do you consider yourself as a creative person?
Yes. I am a creative person. Being an engineer demands not only having the mathematical knowledge and the technical skills but also a large doses of creativity. Every problem, every system is a new one and demands new and unique solutions. There is a lot of creativity during a system design. Also, I am creative outside my job: I have taken short courses of literature creation and cinematography; in fact, I dream of getting a degree as a movie director.
Question 30: How do you describe your personality?
Well, I am intelligent, clean, ordered person. I have a committment to honesty, truth and quality. I am always trying to put a personal seal of quality in all things I do. If you ask my friends, they would say that I am a nice person, perhaps a little strange and cold, but, also, they would say that “he is always there, both in good and bad times ”. They consider than I am a good friend to share good and not so good things. My defects. Among my many defects are that I can get very mad when I am angry. Psychologists say that I am too ordered . Also, I am a kind of proud. My friends would say that sometimes I can be boring because I do not know nothing about fashion artists, recent news, etc. .
Question 31: What is your outside reading you do?
I read a lot. As I said before, I have taken some courses in literature that allow me to really appreciate a good book. I buy and read “Scientific American” (in English) and “La Recherche” (in French), both of them dealing with scientific and technological news. I enjoy reading classical books like “Don Quixote”, Shakespeare’s dramas (I love “Richard the III”) and contemporary novels by Umberto Eco, Günter Grass, Gabriel García Márquez, Mario Vargas Llosa. Also, I like to read Science Fiction novels, specially by Lem, Sturgeon, K. Dick. The last time I made a book balance, it turned out that I have about 3000 titles in my collection.
Question 32: What are some of your outside activities?
Because I have to spend a lot of time at office and I attend French school Saturdays morning I do not have too much time for going outside. Before, when I was at the university I enrolled in a diving course. In those days, also, I used to go to Cuernavaca with some friends and spent a lot of time rowing, swimming, exploring archaeological sites, playing golf and running karts. Nowadays, my principal activities are going to movies and reading. But, I really want to return to my previous contact with nature.
Question 33: Are you continuing your education?
Sure! Studying is both a pleasure and a need. Nowadays I am studying French on intermediate level and I am about to receive my certificate. When I finish with French (that is, when I have my advanced certificate) I wish to study German. Besides human languages, I studied HTML, CSS and JavaScript because those are the languages of internet and, as I stated before, I would like to have a job that involves web technologies. I am also studying Java language.
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