GirlGeek of the Week
May 2000

Kathy Sweetnam

One would not necessarily suspect that high technology permeates a logging company in Mississippi. But it was exactly that place that Kathy Sweetnam would first become fascinated with computers. Not unlike many of her peers, she was laid off during leaner logging years. Emerging from that apparent adversity, Kathy began to pursue a fresh career in computing.

With limited computing skills, Kathy joined a systems consulting company as a purchasing agent only after they agreed to train her. One month later Kathy was promoted to computer tech, jumping on the fast track to the career she had hoped to create.

She later moved to St. Louis and with the help of mentors turned her awe of advanced networks to mastery. Armed with the attitude that "you must never quit learning," she achieved CAN, CNE (5.0), CCA (Citrix), and MCSE certifications. "I want to be known as one of the best at what I do," says Kathy. With those credentials, she's well on her way.

How do you earn a living?

I am the network services manager for SyllogisTeks, a resource in the St. Louis area for IT professional services, internetworking, and software products. I manage a team of network technicians to provide integration services and support for quite a few of the exciting and innovative companies that flourish in the St. Louis area. You should see my servers!

When did you first discover your love and/or obsession with computers and technology?

Well, it might be a bit embarrassing now, but while I was working for the logging company, I would find myself "checking out" the computer that was given to me to do my job. I learned that I could break it and fix it very quickly. I had the hood off my computer more than the mechanics had the hood off the company pick-up truck. I was hooked.

But I'm quite convinced that even if I had never touched that computer at the logging company, I'd inevitably find my way into the IT field.

Do you consider yourself a Geek?

Yes, and damn proud of it.

What is your favorite Website?

Just one???!? Potato chip lovers can't eat just one. How can we geeks pick just one favorite Web site? To answer this question, I looked at the history report of my Web browser… Here's the top 10: Yahoo!, windowsnt.com, mcpmag.com, compgeeks.com, pricewatch.com, microsoft.com, citrix.com, novell.com, clubinternet, itknowledge.com.

What do you do when you are not working?

I work on computers for family and friends as I'm sure most of us do in this profession. But, should I find a night or two when this is not the case, I'm browsing the Web, playing Sims, trying hard to avoid hearing my husband's "music," and, of course, spending quality time teaching my kids the wonders of the computer. Then, if there's a microwave and some indication of a time setting, I might try and cook.