To say Michael Daley knows the Rutgers network would be an understatement. That’s because he’s been involved in network operations when Rutgers was building its network and has helped it evolve from something that only existed in select buildings to the access-it-anywhere implementation of today. But that’s all in a day’s–or a decade or two’s–work for the proud father, dedicated soccer fan, and aspiring basketball star.
As a telecommunications analyst on the Office of Information Technology’s Network Operations team, Daley’s work supports the university’s Enterprise Infrastructure service and ensures that a modern-day network is up, running and works seamlessly with the tools used today.
How did you get into IT?
I’ve been with Rutgers for 26 years and started out as a student worker. I was actually a business administration major but was hired with the network operations team early on. We were working on the RUNet2000 build-out in 1999, before Wi-Fi was even a thing. A lot of the crew here started together, so we grew the network together.
What does your current role entail?
Within the network team, we’re tasked with keeping the network up and running. If it breaks, we fix it. Parts of it are building the network, parts of it are maintaining the network, and parts of it are designing the network. I take pride in what we have built and are continuing to maintain.
What is the biggest change from 1999 until now?
The network has a larger footprint at the university. In the early years, we only had a few buildings connected to the Internet, and most of it was research-related. It was new, so not many people were relying on it. Now, we can’t go one step without needing a connection on our phones or laptops. We built it, so they came. When I was a student, everyone was learning about network operations at the same time. Now with 25 years of experience, I have built my own knowledge base. Of course, I have to look things up, but there’s a lot more institutional knowledge.
What keeps you interested in Network Operations?
It’s definitely the people. We’re always re-inventing the network, and there are always new upgrades and new technologies. The work and the people keep me coming back. It’s good bonding experiences and, most importantly, we get the job done.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I’ve been playing faculty/staff basketball during lunch. I’m from Jamaica, so I never grew up with basketball. I’m still not very good, but I’m getting better. It’s definitely something to do for cardio during my lunch hour. Soccer is my true love though. Barcelona is my all-time favorite team, and Lionel Messi is my favorite player. With the World Cup, if Jamaica is involved—and that’s a big if—I will try my best to go see them if they’re playing locally. Definitely on my bucket list.
Tell me your proudest accomplishment.
My two daughters. One of them is engaged, bought a house, and is starting her life in North Carolina. We also have a 17-year-old who is going to be a senior in high school and is staring down college. We’ll guide her as far as we can to be a wonderful person.