Get to know Carl Harris

What do you do in your role?

I lead the organisation’s marketing function. I’m responsible for the overall planning, design and execution of marketing activity to promote who we are and what we do. We have a key role to promote the mission, vision and offerings of BCS; and to support acquisition, engagement and retention of members and customers with that.

Why BCS?

I started my career as a web designer and developer in the 1990s; and as a result, I’ve always had a heavy exposure to both the creative and technical side of IT and marketing. As an IT practitioner, BCS has been relevant to my career not just through my involvement as a member of the staff team, but also as professional member of BCS supporting my career development and pathway to becoming a Chartered IT Professional (CITP). I therefore connect strongly with the BCS mission and vision both from an alignment of professionalism values, but also for the ultimate purpose of BCS - to make IT good for society.

What’s the proudest achievement in your career?

My career at BCS has given me some amazing highlights that I’m very proud to have on my record, including single-handedly designing and coding the Institute’s first ever online membership application system and payment gateway. It’s also been very humbling to have led several teams and projects that have picked up awards recognising their quality, innovation and impact. A continued highlight is having the opportunity through my work at BCS to meet, work with, and be inspired by some of the very best people in our profession.

Where do you think computing can have the biggest impact in society?

Computing touches all aspects of our lives and ultimately the greatest impact it can have is on improving our personal well-being and enabling us to thrive in the modern world we live. I relate strongly to the UN’s sustainable development goals, and computing both today and in the future has enormous potential to deliver against those goals if we design, build and deploy computing in the right way.

What’s your favourite drink?

Oooh, that’s contextually dependent, but I’m rather partial to a Bloody Mary if I encounter an expert mixologist; or a nice relaxing cup of tea for those quieter and calmer moments!