At age 24, Seneca Hager is helping shape the future of a family owned technology company that has served businesses across the region for decades. As Helpdesk manager and a next-generation leader at Ford Office Technologies, she plays a key role in delivering innovative solutions ranging from managed IT services and cloud-based communications to interactive technology for the workplace and classroom. Here, Hager shares her perspective on leadership, technology and the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
For readers who may not be familiar with Ford Office Technologies, tell us about the company, the services it provides and your role as Helpdesk manager.
Ford Office Technologies is an office technology organization, and we are a one-stop shop for any technology needs that you may have — whether it be copiers or basic computer support on the Helpdesk saying, “Hey, my computer screen’s frozen!” We can help with that. We also take care of any network needs — whether your network’s down or you’re just looking to restructure, or if you’re moving to a new organization and you need firewalls, switches and servers. We also take care of cybersecurity needs that you may have. We do pen testing and vulnerability scans. We even have an EDR (endpoint direction response) that’ll scan your systems to see what its normal patterns are and detect anything that may be out of the ordinary and put a stop to it as soon as it comes through.
What attracted you to Ford Office Technologies, and what has your career journey with the company been like so far?
When I was in 11th grade, I was going to a vocational-technical school, and they took us on a field trip to Ford Office Technologies. As soon as I stepped into our network operating center (NOC), I saw that there were nine big TVs on the wall showing everything they were doing from where our copiers were going, what our IT technicians were taking care of, and I thought, “This place is incredible!” I saw people taking calls and just fixing things, and it was making their day. I knew this was a really positive environment and a really great place to learn and grow.
Tell us about your educational background. How did your studies help prepare you for a career in technology?
When I was in ninth grade, which is very early to decide what you want to do for the rest of your life, I went to the Fayette County Career and Technical Institute for a tour, and I loved the program that they were doing in IT. I said, “Wow, this is what I want to do for the rest of my life!” So, from 10th to 12th grade, half my day, I would go to my normal high school and the other half, I would just do IT in the afternoon at the Institute. They taught me everything from plugging a computer in to taking it apart — all the basics across the board. After I graduated high school, I went to Laurel Business Institute for an associate’s degree in IT and they even added more IT technology education on top of that.
What were some of the biggest lessons you learned while making the transition from team member to manager?
I took my first leadership position at age 22. I had become a team lead and then from there till a few months later, I officially became a manager. One of the biggest challenges was understanding that growing up, everybody’s like, “Focus on yourself, focus on just getting the task done.” When you take a leadership role, you are also responsible for making sure your entire team is getting things done and being taken care of when it comes to training and helping them learn.
As a next-generation leader, what advice would you give to other young professionals who want to build a career, earn leadership opportunities and make a positive impact within their organizations?
Never be afraid to try a new opportunity. The worst that’ll happen is somebody says, “No,” and then you can just try again. There’s nothing wrong with taking that risk. The next thing is just say, “Hi,” to everybody within the organization. You don’t know what connections that person may have or what position they’re in. You never know who you’re going to meet.
For more information, visit fordtech.com.