Bernie Brocklehurst | Analyste/développeur en TI

Bernie Brocklehurst

IT Analyst/Developer

NOVA Chemicals

Created On: September 12, 2019
Sector:
Information Technology
Education Pathway: College/Technical
Related School Subjects:
Computer Science,  Math,  Technology & Engineering

Learn About My Career

Bernie Brocklehurst is an IT Analyst/Developer for NOVA Chemicals.

I was born/grew up in: St. John's, Newfoundland but from the age of 4, raised in Sarnia, Ontario

I now live in: Sarnia, Ontario

I completed my training/education at:Lambton College, Systems Analyst/Developer

During the day, I'm either researching new technologies, analyzing problems, developing strategies or actually writing code. Critical thinking, mathematics and logical problem solving are the main skills that are required in my work. Logical problem solving and logical solution design are the biggest parts of my work. I use these when I’m looking at long term strategy, individual problems, project planning or solving critical issues. I am often involved in teamwork with project managers and other analysts and developers. I have many opportunities to take on the discovery, design and implementation of major initiatives.

I became interested in computers and computer programming when my older brother brought home a TRS-80 - I was seven. In high school, with a fellow student, I started an internet service company. I was 17 when we incorporated in 1994 and we were providing commercial internet service by January of 1995. I ran this business for 21 years. My enrichment teacher in elementary school probably had the greatest influence in my career and my fascination with/love of mathematics.

Solving complex problems is what gets me most excited at work. I love that I get to work with business experts, visionaries and dreamers. These are the people who actually drive for something better or something more. This results in the most interesting work as I actually am given the opportunity to find out what the problem is that they're trying to solve. What makes the job personally rewarding, and such a great fit, is that the problems are never the same. This means I’m learning new stuff all the time and challenging myself.

I provide solutions that enable the rest of the business to focus on value-added tasks. This is done by reducing manual work, automating decision making and ensuring the latest and most relevant data is available and accessible. What makes my career fulfilling is being able to solve real-world problems with new solutions. I have the added benefit of reducing manual entry and improving the work experience of my co-workers.

Outside of work, I like to travel, work on home automation, cast formed concrete (counter tops, tables, bowls) as a hobby. I have sat on volunteer boards, been involved with a number of charitable activities. I develop/operate online auction sites for a number of United Way auctions in Ontario and Alberta.

Focus on learning how to think and not what to think. Don't always look for the easy answers. Learning why something works is just as important as learning why something doesn't!

What I do at work

During the day, I'm either researching new technologies, analyzing problems, developing strategies or actually writing code. Critical thinking, mathematics and logical problem solving are the main skills that are required in my work. Logical problem solving and logical solution design are the biggest parts of my work. I use these when I’m looking at long term strategy, individual problems, project planning or solving critical issues. I am often involved in teamwork with project managers and other analysts and developers. I have many opportunities to take on the discovery, design and implementation of major initiatives.

My career path is

I became interested in computers and computer programming when my older brother brought home a TRS-80 - I was seven. In high school, with a fellow student, I started an internet service company. I was 17 when we incorporated in 1994 and we were providing commercial internet service by January of 1995. I ran this business for 21 years. My enrichment teacher in elementary school probably had the greatest influence in my career and my fascination with/love of mathematics.

I am motivated by

Solving complex problems is what gets me most excited at work. I love that I get to work with business experts, visionaries and dreamers. These are the people who actually drive for something better or something more. This results in the most interesting work as I actually am given the opportunity to find out what the problem is that they're trying to solve. What makes the job personally rewarding, and such a great fit, is that the problems are never the same. This means I’m learning new stuff all the time and challenging myself.

How I affect peoples’ lives

I provide solutions that enable the rest of the business to focus on value-added tasks. This is done by reducing manual work, automating decision making and ensuring the latest and most relevant data is available and accessible. What makes my career fulfilling is being able to solve real-world problems with new solutions. I have the added benefit of reducing manual entry and improving the work experience of my co-workers.

Outside of work I

Outside of work, I like to travel, work on home automation, cast formed concrete (counter tops, tables, bowls) as a hobby. I have sat on volunteer boards, been involved with a number of charitable activities. I develop/operate online auction sites for a number of United Way auctions in Ontario and Alberta.

My advice to others

Focus on learning how to think and not what to think. Don't always look for the easy answers. Learning why something works is just as important as learning why something doesn't!

When I was a student I enjoyed:

  • Computer Science
  • Math
  • Technology

When I was a student, I would describe myself as someone who:

  • Enjoyed doing things on my own
  • Liked helping people
  • Enjoyed working with my hands
  • Was motivated by success
  • Liked being given free range to explore my ideas
  • Didn't really care about grades
  • Always knew what I wanted to do
  • Liked to take things apart to see how they worked
  • Liked to design or build things
  • Learned Best by Doing

Related Topics

Careers Computer Programming Computer Software Computers Information Technology

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