Jeff Kopmanis’ positions at the Math Department and earlier as a UNIX administrator for the Artificial Intelligence Lab are both very operations- and computer-oriented, which would lead you to believe that he studied computer science in college. But this is not the case. Jeff sort of “fell into” this work. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.G.S., a bachelor of general studies.
Although he did not major in computer science, Jeff always had classes which involved using the computer or some computer skills and knowledge. To all of you out there who think that you will be able to avoid learning to use a computer: forget it! Jeff says that you will spend time programming or working with computers regardless of your major. That is how he got started, and he taught himself to do the rest.
What Jeff likes most about his work is that no two days are alike. Every day comes with new challenges and problems to be fixed. He does computer and systems maintenance and also manages others on the Computer Support Group team.
Jeff’s job will become more challenging in the future, as more computer operating systems are developed. Most system administrators deal with only 2 or 3 different operating systems, but Jeff deals with 6 to 7. As new systems are developed, he will find it hard to give each one support of equal quality. What’s even harder is that newer systems are becoming more and more difficult to administer and control because they have more open programming.
Visit Jeff’s Homepage to read about his other life as a musician!
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