Stories from the Field: Dennis Clark

Dennis Clark is ideally suited for a career in IT services for several reasons.

For one thing, he’s independently minded. “It all boils down to something really simple,” he says of his approach to life. “I’ve learned if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.”

He also picks up new skills with ease: “I’m a quick learner,” he says. “You show me something once, and I got it.”

Picking up new information quickly is a useful talent. But for Dennis, it’s also an attitude toward stuff you don’t know––yet. 

“The most important parts of any book are the index and the table of contents,” he says. “That’s a good thing to keep in mind. You don’t need to know everything, but you do need to know where to look.”

At age 12, Dennis became interested in technology after receiving his first computer and a BASIC programming manual for his birthday.

His eagerness to learn has served Dennis well in life. In his early twenties, when he was just getting started in the IT industry, he helped build a statewide record-keeping system in West Virginia. Years later, he directed a similar project, working with attorneys to create a statewide case management system.

Part of this successful track record is Dennis’ ability to highlight the human aspects of working with technology. On his Field Nation profile, Dennis notes he helps his clients “merge humanity and machine to a serendipitous symbiosis.”

“I just enjoy talking about technology with people––getting their perspective and seeing how they feel about it,” he explains. “Many people have anxiety or fear around technology, and I think these conversations help take that fear away.”

These conversations are crucial as tech becomes more integrated into daily life. The technological landscape is changing, which, as Dennis points out, means the field services industry is changing too.

“You see different types of work being posted now that networks are changing. The biggest change is that internet connectivity is more cloud-based now, rather than based on local networks,” he adds.

Today, Dennis finds most of his work through the Field Nation platform. It’s become a daily routine.

“I usually end my day preparing for the next day, making sure I’ve got my T’s crossed and my I’s dotted. The next day I’ll wake up, make a cup of coffee, sit down at the computer, and check Field Nation to make sure I’m on track with my daily itinerary.”

Unsurprisingly, Dennis spends much of his free time reading about science and technology.

“I attribute that to my mom. She always ensured we had Scientific American and Popular Mechanics around while I was growing up.”

He also enjoys taking on personal projects at home. He’s in the process of building a solar energy system to power his home. As with his other technological pursuits, he’s picking up the new skillset with impressive speed.