Why did you choose IT?

The development in technologies is too scary and that’s what makes our profession harder and harder. And it’s only through hard work and perseverence that you can excel at it. What I like about technology is the challenge of keeping myself up to date on the latest so as an instructor so I can share the knowledge with my students.

What do you like best about your job?

Meeting new people every week is the best part of the job. The travel used to be exciting part too but I do it so much of it - has become second nature. Am I just bragging now?

How did you get into IT Training and how long have you been doing it?

I always loved the idea of teaching. I worked as an IT network administrator for 11 years and then started teaching at the Cisco Academy as a CCAI (Cisco Certified Academy Instructor) in 2003 as a part time job. When I first moved to Sydneyin 2006, I joined Fast Lane and it was actually then that I realized I wanted to make a long term career of IT training.

What motivates you?

What always motivates me is to be at my best when delivering an IT course and hear from my students that they really ‘getting’ it. This is the best feeling an instructor can get.

Is there any advice you like to offer your students?

The greatest investment you can make is always to invest in yourself. That’s the only catalyst for a great IT professional.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Beirut (Lebanon), got my engineering degree from the American Uni of Beirut and moved to Sydney in 2006, and this is where I’m gonna spend the rest of my life I guess.

When I am not teaching, I am ……

watching sport, play tennis with my family and if I have enough time off, go see my family overseas. My job allows me to do that more often than most.

What is the most memorable time in your life?

My most memorable time was coming to Sydney after escaping the war in Lebanon in 2006. We had our visa for a long time, but the war was a real turning point for my wife and I.

You can connect with with Andy on Linkedin