Research Testimonial
Matt Boon
APAC (Sydney, Australia)
Introduction: After spending 10 years in the IT industry, Matt joined Gartner as a Senior Research Analyst. In just seven years at the company’s Sydney office, he has risen through two other positions to become the Managing Vice President and Group Team Manager for Global Hardware Teams.
Why did you join Gartner?
I saw the opportunity to join the largest global research company in IT. If you compare Gartner to other organizations, even other major IT companies, it offers a greater variety of opportunities for career development and growth on a long-term basis.
What do you like most about working for Gartner?
I think one is the opportunity to work with some of the industry’s brightest people. Also, working for Gartner allows you to open doors to engage with very senior-level executives at IT organizations, people you would never typically meet.
Has it been challenging to manage a global role from your base in Australia?
No, I think Gartner is unique in that it encourages people to take on significant global roles without the need to reside in the U.S. I’m sure other companies would have pushed me to move geographically, but Gartner has given me the opportunity to take on a very challenging and interesting global role and still stay based where I want to be.
Is there a lot of travel involved in your position?
There is. I probably travel 40% of the time. When you first join Gartner, travel is often quite light, but it increases as you make a name for yourself. It’s really one of the benefits of working here: the opportunity you have to meet people from different cultures and different countries, and gain a very broad understanding of what the issues are across IT.
Which personality traits are critical to success at Gartner?
I think you have to be personable and a good listener. You have to have strong opinions, but you have to get those opinions across to clients and peers in a way that’s respectful of the other person’s opinions. Also, a willingness to accept flexible working conditions is important, and you need to have a willingness to learn and grow on an ongoing basis, and change your ideas as situations change.
Are you still challenged?
Yes, I am. Absolutely. I’ve been fortunate to change my roles fairly regularly as I moved through the organization, and I would have to say I have never sat down and thought, I’m bored with this job.
Do you have advice for Gartner applicants?
I think applicants need to be prepared for a very diverse and interesting career, and they need to ensure as they embark on a career with Gartner that they’re willing to change and move as the industry changes and moves. Don’t be too set in your ways, basically.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I take a keen interest in current affairs. I like to, as we do in Australia, go bushwalking. And, believe it or not, even though I do a lot of traveling as part of my work, I like to travel as well.
