Eric Duquene
Senior Systems Engineer, System Solutions Inc.
Which exams have you helped develop?
I have assisted in all stages of development for CompTIA A+, CompTIA Server+, and CompTIA Network+ as well as lower stakes exams. Workshops at each of the development phases have a different feel to them and different SMEs attend. Although a group of SMEs can often times come up with a complicated list of acronyms, concepts, fundamentals, and scenarios, the test development staff at CompTIA always end up helping us mold that into a clear, concise, and comprehensive test. The end result is always something I am proud to have contributed to.
Why did you become a subject matter expert?
I became a subject matter expert out of a curiosity as to how exams were actually developed. With a lot of certification exams, I find that many of the questions test irrelevant information or at the very least information that really doesn't need to be memorized. I like to think that it's more important to show a solid understanding of the fundamentals of a system. I ended up at my first SME Workshop through an email that was sent out to all current CompTIA Server+ certification holders. From then on, it has been a phenomenal experience with the Test Development Team at CompTIA at every exam development workshop I have attended. I gain insight to other work experiences and points of view about technologies, methodologies, and troubleshooting through networking with other SMEs.
You've helped develop the CompTIA A+ exam. What knowledge do you think is most important for new techs to have?
I would say that a solid understanding of the fundamentals of how each component of the computer interacts with one another and the operating system, or in the case of printers, how the printer creates and transfers an image. Understanding the basics of how a device performs its functions can tremendously cut down troubleshooting time and increase positive repair results. I am also of the opinion that all techs regardless of their area (e.g. hardware tech only, software tech only, help desk, etc.) should have a solid hardware and software background. This makes it easier to interact with others while performing any IT-oriented task as it allows for a greater grasp of the bigger picture. I actually wish more software engineers, administrators, and so forth would have taken and passed CompTIA A+ because at least they would have a fundamental understanding of how the hardware underneath their software functions.
How did you get into IT?
From the time I was a kid tinkering around with (and occasionally breaking) my father's computer, I knew I wanted to get into a computer-related field. By high school, I was using a computer almost daily and with the help of a few fellow techies, helped my high school set up a new computer lab the summer before my senior year. We were more than kind enough to point out that their previous lab layout and configuration needed some improvement in the security arena. After high school, I started in a 4-year program at UIC that lasted about a semester till I was lucky enough to land a job in a company that specialized in replacing bank dumb terminals with PCs. I started as a bench tech testing monitors and PCs before they were deployed to banks but it wasn't long till I got my shot to become a field tech. From there, it's been a long road of learning different technologies, hardware, and software. I began to pursue many certifications and I haven't stopped since then.
What do you do for your day job?
My day-to-day job includes many different activities. I currently work for a VAR (value-added reseller) and solutions provider. We design and implement IT solutions in all areas of IT for other companies and government entities from networking, servers, storage, virtualization, and backup. I am focused more on servers, virtualization, and messaging (Exchange to be specific). However, I also assist on many other projects that fill the range of our business offerings. Currently there has been a big push for virtualization and Exchange email systems so it was kept me quite busy. Holding certifications in many different disciplines means I wear many hats (sometimes even project management). I work for a smaller company and as such I am usually directly involved a project from planning and design to actual implementation. I also am administrator for my company's internal network.
What are you doing when you're not working?
When I'm not working, I enjoy many leisure activities. I gained an interest in billiards during my high school years and I'm always up for a game. As almost every techie out there does, I have an interest in video games of all kinds. I have a very eclectic taste in music, including a deep love for Chicago house music - in fact, I used to moonlight as a lounge DJ. During the warmer months (and sometimes braved into the cooler months), you can find me on the golf course often cursing at that little dimpled ball. I also belong to a poker league and enjoy playing card games of all kinds, usually accompanied by a couple of local microbrews.
