Frankly, no. There were different streams such as computer engineering and computer science. Sometimes I thought I had made the wrong decision to study computer engineering because I was not very interested in hardware. However, the course equipped me with the appropriate knowledge to succeed in the industry.

What did you do after graduation.

I joined the Bank of China as a programmer and was there for two years. I was happy with my job at first because I could apply what I had learned at university. But, after some time, I found the work was repetitive and there were no new challenges.

So I thought it was time to move on. My present job enables me to have hands-on experience with new products all the time.

Your company GTI was es tablished in 1989, and has three branches in Guangzhou, Shen zhen and Beijing. What kind of services does it offer?

GTI provides consultation services, technology support, project management and computer systems solutions for its clients.

What are your duties?

My major responsibility is to look for new products and think up new ideas.

I also take care of pre-sale support, technical marketing and project management.

What is your greatest job satisfaction?

I travel abroad very often looking for the latest products. I am very happy that I get to 'play' with most of the products and exchange ideas with IT experts from all over the world.

Moreover, I also get a lot of satisfaction when our clients tell us that our recommendations have really helped them.

What is the biggest challenge in your job?

There are new inventions every day, so you can't let yourself stay at the same level. If you don't keep up with technological advances, you'll be left behind.

People say the IT industry is full of copycats. How does your company cope with the prob lem?

Vision is the most important thing for a computer company. Of course, we can't stop copycats. But we are not afraid of them. We are confident that we can stay ahead of our competitors.

What are the major qualifi cations a person who wants to enter the IT industry should have?

Passion and enthusiasm are vital for those who want to get ahead. I read a lot of computer magazines and surf the Internet during my spare time.

You have to be prepared to learn new things and face new challenges every day.

What is the impact of IT de velopment on traditional busi ness?

I think the concept that IT has substituted or taken over some old industries is wrong. On the contrary, IT is supplementing traditional industries. For example, IT increases the accuracy and speed of accounting systems.

With IT, we can have higher productivity with less labour.

People should think positively. Since IT is an industry that cannot exist alone, it aims to facilitate the existing industries and improve our quality of life.

What is the future of e-com merce?

Since the dotcom frenzy subsided, investors are more careful. They understand that there is no more quick money.

If they really want to run an e- business, they got to have a long- team goal and a detailed but flexible plan.

The development of the Internet has opened up a lot of business opportunities for those who can make the best use of the medium.

Name: Young Wo-sang

Age: 28

Position: Assistant engineering manager, Global Technology Integrator (GTI)

Graphic: YPITSCGLO