Kaspars Andersons, the head of the Helpdesk Team at Dynatech 

Currently, I lead a team of about 40 IT specialists working in 12 different locations around the world. However, my journey into this field didn't begin with aspirations for such a position. Initially, as a track and field athlete, my plan was to become a sports coach. However, everything changed during my university years when I pursued studies in informatics alongside my pedagogy courses. Reflecting on the past, I realize that my studies in informatics marked a pivotal point in my professional career. This path taught me the importance of staying one step ahead, being receptive to opportunities, and continuously improving oneself—not just reacting but acting proactively. Moreover, it's never too late to immerse oneself in the world of technology. Without a doubt, in the near future, it is expected that everyone's daily lives will be intertwined with the IT field. 

 Development is possible beyond the ordinary 

I have been involved in athletics since childhood, and when the time came to consider my professional path after high school, my teammates and I collectively decided to enroll in the Riga University of Pedagogy and Educational Management. Although I had pursued sports throughout my life, I realized that I would not become a professional athlete. However, since I had always enjoyed working with people, pursuing a career in teaching seemed like a natural choice. 

During my studies to become a teacher, I found myself in an environment surrounded by professionals from various fields such as music, geography, and early childhood education enthusiasts. This was around the year 2000, when programs were still evolving, and the course offerings were constantly changing. Despite my primary interest in sports and my practical experience working with students, I decided to seize the opportunity when an informatics course was introduced for students. Even then, it was evident that the significance of technology would only continue to grow, and I thought, "Why not give it a try if the opportunity is there?" Moreover, being in an environment where specialists from diverse backgrounds converged inspired me to explore beyond the realm of sports. 

It was through this expansion of my horizons that I embraced the challenge of working as an IT specialist at the university while simultaneously pursuing my studies and practicing as a sports teacher. My responsibilities included preparing, installing, and configuring equipment for the students. Gradually, my interest and skills in the field of IT flourished, and upon completing my university education, I embarked on a path within the world of technology. 

None of this would have been possible if I had not been open to new challenges that may have seemed unrelated to my primary chosen professional path. I have carried this lesson with me throughout my life. 

 Motivation and discipline increase success 

Any knowledge is like a window that opens up new perspectives and can prove valuable in the future. Everything is constantly changing, and having a broad horizon enables better preparedness for these changes. Considering the rapid development of technology, particularly in the IT field, it is crucial to stay one step ahead of events. I strive to learn something new every day and recognize the importance of continually updating knowledge to remain competitive. 

Throughout my professional career, I have been part of IT support teams, where people regularly seek advice on the best solutions. In order to provide informed answers, it is essential for us to stay updated. The problems that were relevant two decades ago are now rare, and topics such as cloud services and artificial intelligence have taken center stage. If my team and I did not dedicate ourselves to daily knowledge improvement in these areas, and lacked the motivation and discipline to keep up with the latest trends, someone else would likely have taken our place by now. 

Furthermore, the pace of thinking and work has accelerated significantly, completely transforming our everyday lives. My university experience taught me not to rely solely on existing knowledge but to actively seek answers to unknown questions and to understand and listen to people. On the other hand, sports instilled in me the values of discipline, perseverance, and determination. While these two fields may not seem directly related to IT, it was the lessons learned in pedagogy and sports that ultimately guided me towards the world of technology and the management of an international team of IT specialists. 

 Time is the greatest value – it should be used purposefully 

In an era of constant information circulation and oversaturation, effective time management is crucial, particularly when it comes to supplementing knowledge in a meaningful way. While work occupies a significant portion of my life, how I utilize my free time determines not only my effectiveness as an employee but also my personal growth and development. 

Since my university days, I have embraced a mindset of openness to new experiences. In my leisure time, I engage in activities such as playing the guitar, spending quality moments with my family, brewing beer, and participating in physical activities. These pursuits not only enrich my personal life but also provide me with a fresh perspective and inspiration beyond my professional field. Without proper time planning, free moments can slip away aimlessly. However, with thoughtful planning, I am able to make the most of each day and continuously improve. 

For those still interested in the world of technology, I highly recommend dedicating at least an hour each day to learn something new. With the vast array of tools, training programs, and educational materials available on the internet, one can gradually enhance one’s skills. Even if diving headfirst into the IT field isn't an immediate possibility, staying informed and keeping up with the realities of modern life is achievable. 

Being one step ahead and acting proactively entails acquiring the information that will be relevant and indispensable in the future. In this age of technology, it is essential for everyone, not just IT specialists, to consider how to develop their digital skills and integrate different technologies into their daily work. Embracing change is synonymous with embracing growth.