“IT Helpdesk, good afternoon!” Most people on campus are greeted this way when they call the IT Service Desk. But for Quinton Luiters it’s become such an automatic response, he even answers his home phone in the same way – much to the amusement of his wife.
And is it any wonder if you’ve been doing it for 8 years? Besides catching phone calls, it’s also Quinton’s responsibility to see to everyone’s e-mailboxes and network space. If Outlook reprimands you on your mailbox space, this is the guy who will save you from your fix.
He’s used to keeping a few balls in the air. At the service desk you have to be able to handle a few things at the same time.
“Those who say men can’t multitask, should see how much the seven guys at the service desk manage to do at the same time!”
Quinton has been multitasking way before he joined the hub of activity at the service desk. At UWC he was a marks administrator where he, among other things, had to administer the tutors, tutorials and also first and second years’ marks.
Only after UWC, when he joined IT, he was given the opportunity to work in the field he studied in for four years. With a National Diploma in Information Technology he was able to jump right in.
If he didn’t take the leap back then and choose Information Technology above Civil Engineering, it would’ve been our loss and Engineering’s gain.
In 1996 Information Technology was still something new and taught at PENTECH (now CPUT). The internet as we know it was hardly two years old and a mere babe.
“I had to choose between something unfamiliar and travelling to Cape Town on a daily basis or stay in my hometown, Stellenbosch and study Civil Engineering.”
Today, the diverse team of people he works with, adds to the enjoyment of his job.
“Everyone has their quirks and oddities, but the positive attitudes and helpfulness makes working a pleasure.”
When you’re thrown into a stressful situation, you find ways to ease the tension – like the odd joke or two.
There will always be pressure, but Quinton’s biggest satisfaction is being able to help someone and the appreciation they show. To deal with situations he has no control over, are more tricky, just because you really want to help, but can’t.
At least there are ways outside work to stabilise the stress levels again. Travel and exploring new places is high on his list.
“Like they say, “Life’s a journey, enjoy the ride!””
“A few years back we were fortunate to go to USA, Washington Virginia for the wedding of my wife’s brother – I was one of the best men. We will definitely go again soon if God spares us.”
Back at home he and Alicia, according to him the actual wine connoisseur, like to do the odd wine tour. Some of their favourite wine farms in the vicinity include Devon Valley and JC le Roux in Stellenbosch and Haute Cabriere, Leopard’s Leap and Solms-Delta in Franschhoek.
And of course, who doesn’t have time for a braaitjie, beer and good conversation. If you work hard, you need to play hard, he says.
IT SERVICE DESK CONTACT DETAILS
Phone: +27 21 808 4367
E-mail: helpinfo@sun.ac.za (enquiries)
help@sun.ac.za (to log an error)
Skype: handle = ITStellenUni
Twitter: handle = ITStellenUni
Web: www.sun.ac.za/itselfhelp
Blog: www.sun.ac.za/infoteg
