Information technology careers often start with a rush of enthusiasm, with job seekers eager to make their mark and tackle the tech world. Mike Benson’s career began on a note of desperation. Fresh out of college, married, and with a baby on the way, he begged his first employer, J.R. Simplot, to hire him for a systems job.

Interviewed for the University of Washington Business School’s "Information Technology Leaders" series, Benson, now CIO of AT&T Wireless, admits that there were high stakes for that first job. As a young husband and father, he took his role as provider very seriously. In his teens, his own father was often out of work. He had vowed to support his family, no matter what.

"Information Technology Leaders," which airs on UWTV and the ResearchChannel, presents multi-faceted portraits of the people filling the top IT positions at major corporations such as Microsoft, Boeing, and AT&T Wireless Services. The revealing interviews show that personal characteristics often play an important role in the unpredictable career trajectories of this industry.

Benson’s interest in computers began while flipping burgers at McDonald’s as a college student. He saw how the franchise computerized its inventory. He became fascinated by how computing advanced business. Later, he reveled in his ability, through IT jobs, to peek into the inner workings of a company. "I got to learn about what everybody did. That intrigued me," he says. "I still love the job this way. I get to know... and participate in all aspects of the business."

In an industry with plenty of room for both introverts and extroverts, Benson, who once wrote computer programs all day and tested them at night, has occupied both ends of the spectrum, but now clearly enjoys the people side. His first opportunity to be a manager, while working for Advanced Technology Laboratories (ATL), was the turning point.

"Being a successful leader is making the folks who work for me successful. That’s more challenging than doing a project," he says now, adding that he doesn’t miss the nitty-gritty tech work at all.

His results prove that he’s in the right zone. At AT&T, he improved the call center’s service level from 23 percent to 80 percent by paying more attention to people than technology, structuring the working environment and getting the most committed personnel on board.

Perhaps that’s why the unassuming Benson shrugs off special status for creating billing systems for paging and wireless operations of McCaw Communications (later bought by AT&T). "Teamwork is more important than being a hero," he says.

Benson’s success has not come without cost. Shortly after streamlining McCaw’s wireless area, an 18-month process that necessitated commuting between Seattle and Minneapolis, he accepted a position with the company in Florida. It was an attempt to bring stability to his family, but his absences and travel had already done too much damage, and his marriage fell apart. "You have to balance your personal life with your work life. I was one-sided," he concedes.

Working for balance and developing people now mark Benson’s job as AT&T’s CIO. He stepped up to the position from CIO of the messaging division, but not for a bigger paycheck. In fact, he was offered more money to stay where he was. "It wasn’t about money," says Benson, who since that first job has never failed in his provider role. What was the appeal? "Love of the job and love of the people, and the opportunity to influence other parts of the organization," he explains.

Produced By: Christopher Redner