Mark Henningsen: From Carpenter to Cloud Consultant

From Physical Work to Digital Opportunities

Mark began his career as a carpenter. After completing his basic training, he worked in the field for two years, but knee injuries put an end to the physical work.

“I could no longer handle working on floors and roofs. So I had to find a new direction.”

He worked for a while as a teaching assistant while considering what the future might bring. At the same time, he lived with a friend who was studying multimedia design – and that’s when the idea of IT began to grow.

“I was already spending a lot of my free time in front of the computer, so I thought: Why not try to make it my career?”

Mark started as a web integrator, then completed the multimedia design program, and later web development. Shortly after, he landed his first job in the industry.

A Career Change – Again

After a year and a half, the company went bankrupt. At the same time, Mark had just become a father for the first time.

“I was at a point in life where I needed to find a new job and figure out what I actually wanted.”

He applied broadly and went to several interviews but didn’t feel at home in the agency world. Instead, he came across a job posting he wasn’t even sure he fully understood – but he took the chance.

That became the beginning of his current workplace, where he started in support. Today – two and a half years later – he works as a cloud consultant.

IT Is Not Just One Thing

Mark is now specialized in cloud solutions and automation, working with scripts and flows.

“The great thing about IT is that something new is always happening. You’re never stuck. New technologies emerge, new ways of doing things – and you’re constantly developing.”

He especially highlights the variety in the work:

• Some tasks are complex and require deep focus

• Others are simpler and give quick wins

• There’s both technical depth and human interaction

“You get the big projects where you can really geek out, and the small tasks where you quickly feel that you’re making a difference.”

Flexibility and Freedom

For Mark, IT work also means something else: flexibility.

“I can work from home, I can start later if the morning with the kids has been chaotic, and I can adjust my day. That freedom is really something special.”

He also points out that the IT industry generally offers good salaries and strong job security – and that you can move in many directions:

• Consultant or permanent employee

• Internal IT departments or agencies

• Support, development, cloud, security, and much more

“IT is a bit like saying you want to be a craftsman. There are countless specialties. You walk through one door – and a whole lot of new ones open."

IT Is Not a Stereotype

One concern Mark had was the work environment.

“You might imagine that IT is only for very introverted types. But it’s not like that at all. There’s room for all kinds of people.”

Today, he experiences a workplace with calm, collaboration, and space for personality.

What Would He Say to a Young Person Who’s Unsure?

“Do it. There are so many opportunities.”

His advice is to try things out – both during education and internships.

“You only find out what you truly find exciting when you try it. And IT constantly gives you new opportunities to change direction.”

For Mark, it ultimately comes down to growth:

“I like challenging myself and learning new things. And I get to do that every single day.”