What’s your job about?
I work as a Cybersecurity Engineer at Copart Inc. in Dallas, Texas. A company that sells used and repairable cars. My job is like being a digital guardian for the company. I make sure that our important stuff, like data and systems, stay safe from bad guys on the internet who try to steal or mess with them. It's all about keeping our information secure, so only the right people can access it, and everything works smoothly without any interruptions.
What is your background?
Growing up in the streets of Malabon, Metro Manila, I developed a fascination with computers. Internet cafés were like my second home, where I spent countless hours playing games. However, my family had different plans for me. Despite my passion for computers, my dad insisted I pursue Nursing in college.
I went along with it for two years, but deep down, I knew it wasn't my path. When our family moved to the United States during my third year of Nursing, I realized the importance of education and the opportunities it could bring.
Given a fresh start, I decided to pursue my passion for Information Technology at the University of the East - Caloocan. I took my studies seriously, even earning recognition as a University Scholar for one semester. During my fourth year, I supplemented my education with various IT training and certifications, which greatly boosted my career prospects. These certifications are Cisco CCNA Routing and Switching (Certified Cisco Network Associate), Cisco CCNA Security (Certified Cisco Network Associate), and CompTIA CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst+)
Could someone with a different background do your job?
Of course! With a proper mindset, passion, willingness to learn, and discipline, ensuring that something is working while also being secure gives me a dopamine rush. It provides me with the excitement that I crave to pursue more projects. Though managing multiple projects can be challenging, with proper time management, you'll be able to excel in those projects.
What are the limitations of your job?
One aspect to be aware of in this role is the occasional need to be on call. This means being available to address any issues that may arise with the tools or systems you're responsible for managing, regardless of the time of day. Ensuring these tools operate smoothly without hindering the business is crucial. At times, you may find yourself troubleshooting and resolving issues during the early hours of the morning to minimize disruption and ensure continuity of operations.
3 pieces of advice for your university-self?