Getting To Know: Jose Andrades

Introduce yourself:

My name is Jose Andrades, I’m an IT Manager at Insource. I’m 29, I’m married and have a young daughter. I’m originally from Puerto Rico and moved to America when I was 10, and I currently live just outside of Boston.

How did you find Insource?

I found Insource on Indeed. I was with my previous employer for around 10 years and decided I needed a fresh challenge. So I was searching for jobs local to me when I found the role. The job description really caught my eye, and I decided to apply!

What attracted you to Insource?

I was looking to enhance my skill set and get more experience in different environments. It was clear from the job description that I would be working with different platforms and multiple operating systems which is exactly what I was looking for.

What was the interview process like?

It was unique, the recruiters really wanted to make sure I was making the right decision for myself and Insource. I had an initial phone interview, and then a Skype interview with Russell (Vice President of Insource), and then I was brought in for an afternoon of interviews with both HR and IT managers and directors.

What were your main goals going in?

In my previous position, it was very routine. I would go from point A to point B and never feel like I was progressing anywhere. I wanted a job that let me face challenges every day and expand my knowledge of hardware, software, and other tech. Also, I was always working weekends and holidays, and with a toddler running around, that wasn’t ideal. I wanted to spend more quality time with my family and I now have set hours with weekends and holidays off. At Insource I love having a level of control over my working hours alongside the consistency and flexibility when needed.

What’s been your biggest challenge so far?

I feel my biggest challenge has been developing a workflow that suited the needs of my clients. Sometimes it’s hard to schedule what happens at 3PM, when you are doing something different at 1 PM or 2 PM. I had a set day in my previous job, so when I joined Insource, I had to get comfortable with owning my own process. As a result, my time management has improved massively since being here, I now quote in windows! “I’ll be there between 11 and 12, is that alright?” It’s given me a lot of experience in time and client management.

What’s your day-to-day like?

Before the pandemic, my typical day involved visiting two clients in person. While there, I could be working on things for my three other clients. So I’m physically there for some things and working remotely for others. A lot of my work (85%) can be done remotely, but some issues need me troubleshooting on site.

What opportunities are available to you?

I joined Insource as an IT support specialist level 2. Most people come in at level 1, but with my experience, I came in at level 2. I got promoted within my first year to a Senior IT Support Specialist and now IT Manager, which is awesome.

I was never presented with a formal checklist of things to achieve for progression. I have quarterly reviews with my direct manager, supervisor or my director. In those meetings, I express where I want to go regarding my management ambitions. My manager then walks me through the process, and we made some recommendations on things I should work on, things I should learn and things I should encourage others to do which will help me reach that ambition.

As far as promotions are concerned – when you’re ready for more responsibility, you generally get it.

What is the support like?

I feel that one of the biggest benefits of working at Insource is the camaraderie and community in our team. Not only within IT, but within HR and Finance. We have a great collaborative mentality, and your title doesn’t affect your interactions with others. I feel supported by engineers, directors and even vice presidents. It’s an amazing environment, your co-workers are people you can really depend on, and I feel open to talk about anything with anyone.

What work you are most proud of?

It has to do with the clients we work for. When I first moved [to the USA], there was a school across the street from where I lived, and I now work at that school. It feels like my journey has come full circle. It’s really rewarding knowing the work we do helps nonprofits, charter schools and other amazing companies who are trying to make positive changes in the community. We are part of the puzzle, making it all happen. In IT we can help them have the right tools to help people, and I love the fact that this company helps support places in the area I grew up in.

What do you do for fun?

My family is my main priority. I’m officially an arts and crafts master; making bracelets, etc. We also love spending time outdoors. I confess I’m a sports nut, my biggest passion is football, but I’m into any Boston team in the playoffs. My Sundays are locked down as laundry and football day.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

A past supervisor of mine (Who I knew for 7 years) once said: “If you want to have job security, just be the best at what you do.” It’s really stuck with me and guided my approach to my work.

Was Insource the right fit for you?

For sure. When I first received the details about what I would be doing, it matched all the things I needed out of a job. It didn’t require too much travel, I’m constantly challenged and learning, and there are flexible policies that allow me to spend meaningful time with my family. It’s been great.

Could Insource be right for you?

Interested in what Insource has to offer? Take a look at our Careers page today to see our latest vacancies, and be sure to follow us on social media for all the latest Insource Insights.

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For anything else, email us at insource@insourceservices.com or call us on (781) 235-1490.

Getting to know: Jose Andrades – IT Manager