From Exploration to Confidence in Digital Infrastructure | Talent in Tech at Datacloud USA
Watch on YouTubeVideo summary
The video features an interview with Maxim Ketchek, a young professional currently working as a project manager at Rosenden Electric in Austin, Texas. Max is participating in the Data Cloud USA conference for his second year, having initially attended last year without a clear career direction but returning this year with specific goals to explore the industry further and connect with new people. He expresses deep gratitude for the opportunity provided by JSA TV and the volunteer team, noting that the experience has been amazing and life-changing for him. The conversation highlights the supportive environment of the tech community, where attendees are eager to help newcomers overcome initial fears and engage in meaningful networking.
Max emphasizes three critical skills that he believes are essential for success in the rapidly evolving digital infrastructure industry: being open-minded, maintaining curiosity, and possessing courage. He explains that because technology trends shift quickly, professionals must remain receptive to new ideas rather than clinging to outdated methods. Curiosity is equally important as it drives individuals to learn from the many knowledgeable people present at such conferences. Finally, he advises young talent to be courageous enough to initiate conversations with strangers, noting that once they realize how supportive and open the industry is, networking becomes much smoother and less intimidating.
The overall atmosphere of the event is described as fun and filled with great moments, thanks to excellent post-networking events that facilitate further interaction among attendees. Max reflects on his personal growth, stating that while last year was a time of discovery, this year has been catalytic in building his experience and confidence. He finds it easier to navigate the conference now because he has already established a foundation of connections and understanding. His journey from uncertainty to confidence serves as an inspiring example for others looking to enter or advance within the tech sector, demonstrating how active participation and a willingness to learn can transform one's career trajectory.
In conclusion, the interview underscores the transformative power of community engagement and continuous learning in the technology field. Max's experience illustrates that even those who feel out of their depth initially can thrive by adopting a mindset of openness and bravery. The event not only provides a platform for young talent to showcase their skills but also offers a safe space for them to build professional networks and gain industry insights. Ultimately, the takeaway is that the digital infrastructure sector values adaptability and human connection, making it an ideal environment for those who approach challenges with curiosity and a positive attitude.
Read the full video transcript
[music]
Hello everyone. Thank you so much for
dialing in today in the channel. First
of all, I want to thank JSA being live
at Data Cloud USA in Austin and
dedicating some time for us to talk to
our young talent. So please tell us who
you are and where did you come from to
attend our data pow conference today.
>> Thanks Susanna. Uh my name is Maxim
Ketchek. I'm more known as Max. I'm
actually located right here in Austin.
So I'm local to this conference and I'm
currently working as a project manager
at Rosenden Electric.
>> So how long was your commute?
>> Uh probably like 35 minutes this
morning.
>> Ah okay. Sometimes it may be longer if
you're actually local because of the
congestion. Right. traffic also is a
wonderful city in that regard. So, we're
really glad to actually have you here.
Max, help us understand a little bit
more about the time that you actually
have spent with the program. What do you
think?
>> It's been amazing. It's actually my
second year the program and I totally
love this experience. Last year, I was
not really known what I want to do in
this industry, but this year I came with
a lot of smart goals as you know that to
meet more people and actually get more
exploration into the industry. So, it's
been absolutely fantastic and the people
are amazing and thank you Susanna for
this opportunity.
>> Oh, you're most welcome. You're too
kind. All of us are here volunteer. So,
we miss those who actually are dialing
in today, but you're not able to be
here. We hope that you're going to join
us, but we all connected digitally or
physically. So, let's go into a little
bit about the program. You talked about
this is your second year coming back to
Data Cloud USA. So, welcome back. So
what skills do you think um you have
acquired or you have learned or you
would recommend to the new folks that
have not have the experience that you
actually have today? What what would be
your advice and recommendation?
>> Right. So I would say the most important
skills would be being open-minded
because the industry is changing so fast
and what was you know the trend last
year is definitely something different
this year. So you have to open your mind
and always be acceptable to new ideas.
Uh second thing would be curiosity
because again adding to my previous
point there is so many things to learn
so many cool people in this industry you
can actually get more information from.
So be being curious is one of the
biggest mindsets that you can have in
this uh during the conference. And last
but not least I would say be courageous.
uh especially as a young talent it may
be a little bit frightening and you
might be even afraid to go and talk to
people but once you do it and you see
how open they are and how uh you know
supportive the people are in this
industry everything becomes much easier
and much smoother so I would say those
three skills are probably the biggest
ones but obviously there's a lots of the
plethora of different skills you can
also know in this industry
>> well I actually think that's a really
great insight max that you share with us
that everybody can have in terms of the
open mind and prepared and not be afraid
to just walk come up and meet some new
people. I think that's wonderful. So,
are you having fun here?
>> Oh, yeah. I do. Lots of good times, lots
of people and great postnetwork events
for sure.
>> Wonderful to hear. So, in closing,
perhaps you can share with us what might
be the one word that if you were to
summarize your own experience.
It's really hard to just put everything
in one word because you've liveing
through so many different experiences.
But I would say it's been catalytic for
me especially as the second year in this
conference. Uh it's building up my
experience talking to people and this
year it's been much more easier for me
personally to be here. Uh so yeah, it's
been I would even say life-changing to a
certain degree. So I really appreciate
this opportunity.
>> Well, that is fantastic to hear. So
first of all, you're having fun. That's
really important. Max, I guess when you
come back, that's really good from a net
promoter score perspective. So, thank
you for you all listening in. Max, thank
you very much for your time. Please join
me to thank JSA TV.
>> Yep. Thank you, guys.