The ‘Real You’ is a feature on the European SharePoint Blog which gives you the chance to get to know more about your peers through their experiences, fun facts and the advice they were given to help them strive in the SharePoint World.
Eric Harlan
1.Where are you from?
Originally from just north of the US capital in the State of Maryland. I now live in Dallas Texas
2.Where do you work?
I work for Microsoft as a Premier Field Engineer.
3.How did you get involved in SharePoint?
I actually got involved with SharePoint working with a project where we needed to convert paper forms to InfoPath forms. These forms would then live in SharePoint. This was my first major project in 2002 with SharePoint, however I have been tinkering with SharePoint since 2001.
4.What do you do in your spare time?
Well I don’t have much spate time anymore. My wife and I just moved into a new home with plenty of land (15 acres) so much of that time now is going to caring for the property and even some livestock we’re hosting on the grounds.
5.Favourite TV show?
Going back to spare time, I don’t get to watch much TV but I never really have. For shows right now, I’d say my Fav would be some travel shows I catch every so often
6.Favourite Book?
Im finishing up a book now about how a German fella hitchhiked his way from Germany to Antarctica spending zero money along the way. Just off of kindness and wit and a few side jobs here and there.
7.Favourite Movie?
Fav movie would have to be a toss up between Monty Python and the Holy Grail or Anchorman… CANNON BALLL!.
8.Favourite song?
Current fav song would have to be The Avett Brothers – The Carpenter
9.Apart from a career in SharePoint what would be your dream job?
My dream job would absolutely be a way to travel see the world and take my family with me. That probably wouldn’t happen so my dream job would be a job where I didn’t actually have to work. I could stay around my daughter as much as possible, play, spend some good quality time together with everyone.
10.Have you any hidden talents?
I have the unique ability to manipulate my environment to ultimately (with patience) give me exactly what I am looking for. A little social engineering, a little persistence and time will always get you what you need (note: not always what you want).
11.Who is the biggest party animal in SharePoint?
Me of course. Party hard in between diaper changes and making lunches!
12.Who is the biggest troublemaker in SharePoint?
Me if I actually answered this question 🙂
Robert E Lee, Bill Gates, Steven Hawking
14.If you were stranded on a tropical island and could only bring 3 things with you what would they be?
Satellite phone, sand castle making kit, GPS
15.Who is your hero?
I don’t think I have any “heroes” there are people that I admire tremendously some of those are my parents, people making differences in the world etc.
16.What’s the best piece of advice you were ever given?
“Fate is determinations sidekick.”
17.Have you any advice to give to someone just starting their SharePoint career?
Training is great. Technical books are a waste of paper. Nothing will compare with hands on reactive based learning. Learn by doing, do because you have a need.
18.What has been your biggest SharePoint challenge so far?
Trying to learn all of it. Its impossible.
19.If you could do one thing to change the world what would it be?
Open borders for freedom of travel to anywhere. Understanding diversity only comes from experience of other cultures. You can’t expect people to understand another culture from a far.
20.Biggest fear?
Not living life to the fullest every moment I have to do something fun and interesting I fear being complacent enough to skip that adventure.
21. If you could choose anyone to be your mentor who would it be?
Bill Gates. Not because of the company I work for but because he followed a dream he stuck it out, he made his fortune then is now using that fortune to do good (and traveling) the world.
22.If you could share the stage with anyone in SharePoint who would it be?
Mark Rackley. He’s humble, hes funny and he’s fun to do sessions with. I’ve had the pleasure twice in the past at US SharePoint conferences and I enjoy it more and more every time.
Why not check out Eric Harlan’s ESPC13 conference presentation on ‘Real Time Upgrade SharePoint 2010 to 2013‘ for insighful tips. Download Free Presentation Now>>
Whether you are relatively new or experienced in SharePoint, we’d like to share your story with the European SharePoint Community. If you are interested in taking part, simply email mary@sharepointeurope.com.
