In this installment of our IT blog series, where we introduce you to members of our information technology team so that you can hear what it’s like to work in IT @ GEICO, you’ll meet David, a senior programmer analyst in our D.C. area headquarters.
David D., Sr. Programmer Analyst II, Mobile Web Infrastructure
GEICO associate since 2005
With his 10-year GEICO career milestone within reach, David continues to explore the possibilities inside and outside of GEICO’s IT department. What drew him to GEICO was the commitment to being a low-cost provider. He believes this business model creates a culture that is more open to ideas and innovation … more so than any other place he has worked.
HOW INNOVATION AND MOTIVATION DRIVE DAVID’S CAREER GROWTH
Before GEICO, I worked at a bank data center. I remember telling my co-workers that GEICO’s advertising is transforming the auto insurance industry. Just a few years later, a GEICO recruiter said he had the perfect job for me, and for once it was actually true!
In 2005, I started working in Information Technology at GEICO on the software that monitors the health of all our servers. After a few years, I moved to a different department working on the software that uses the monitoring information to ensure that outages are resolved and avoided.
Eventually our CIO, Greg Kalinsky, introduced the “Innovation Project,” seeking ideas from everyone. One of my ideas was selected for an executive presentation. In preparing this presentation, I had the opportunity to meet with associates at all levels within the company. Afterward, a position opened up on our Mobile team and I began working on another innovative project using mobile technology.
I am focused on learning more about the insurance industry and overall business operations at GEICO. With that in mind, I recently started a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter course offered at GEICO. My time here has helped me realize that you can be a dynamic player and have major influence on various aspects of the business.
Favorite moment at GEICO
There are a lot, but it’s not hard to choose. My favorite GEICO moment, by far, will always be the time I met the woman who became my wife.
Career advice for job seekers
I’ve heard a lot of good advice in my time here, but the best was probably, “You are responsible for your career.” Several people have said it and it’s true. The world is rarely laid at our feet. We must rise up and go meet the world. The greatest opportunities at GEICO, or anywhere for that matter, are likely not defined and contained within a degree, job or course. They reside in how we manage ourselves and how we treat those around us.
If you have a passion for technology and innovation, GEICO’s IT team could be the right fit for you. We’re hiring in web and mobile development, analysis and testing, for our Technology Development Program and much more! Watch our brand new IT video to hear from other members of GEICO IT divisions.
