Hey students! Professor Simon here. I want to make a quick video explaining how I got started in the field of cybersecurity and IT in general. It all began when I was eight years old and got my first computer, an Apple II GS. I remember it like it was yesterday—such an exciting experience for a young boy! Throughout middle school and high school, I tinkered with computers, helping family members and friends with any problems they had. I always had a passion for and interest in technology.
During my senior year of high school, I received a scholarship to Savannah College of Art and Design for computer animation by creating a roller coaster ride animation with a Pixar-like look and feel. However, I wasn’t ready for college at that point, so I opted for a tech school instead. I earned an associate’s degree in Web Master Technology, during which I learned Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Tomcat, Illustrator, and other programs. I was interested in web design, which was a big deal at the time.
I worked in various roles, including at an email marketing company, where I created content for marketing emails, and at several web hosting companies in tech support.
About five years after high school, I decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree. I attended Florida International University (FIU), where I earned a bachelor’s in IT with a minor in business. The curriculum included Java programming, web design, database management, networking, and security.
During my senior year at FIU, a professor helped me get a job at Kaseya, a software company that creates IT management tools. I started as a senior support engineer and was later promoted to manager, overseeing a team that grew from eleven to thirty people. During this time, I pursued a master’s degree in Management Information Systems and Security at Nova Southeastern University, completing it online.
After several years at Kaseya, I realized I wanted to return to a more technical role. I joined CompEquip Cybersecurity as a senior security engineer, managing multiple customers and learning a lot over a short period of time. The hands-on experience in a contracting job allowed me to rapidly develop my skills.
Currently, I’m pursuing a doctorate in Information Security and Cybersecurity at Capella University. The program focuses on governance, policy, administration, and technical aspects of cybersecurity. I expect to complete my dissertation in about six months.
Since earning my master’s degree, I’ve been eligible to teach at universities. I started teaching IT Automation at FIU and now teach cybersecurity courses at several universities across the country. Teaching allows me to share my knowledge and experience with students.
One key piece of advice I always give my students is to stay marketable. Pursue certifications, degrees, and continuous learning opportunities. Stay updated with the latest trends, read books and articles, set up a home lab, and listen to podcasts. This ongoing growth is imperative in IT’s constantly-morphing industry.
Certifications have been a significant part of my journey. I’ve earned certifications like A+, Network+, Security+, and CISSP. While some people question the value of certifications, I believe they’re important if they provide value to you or your employer and align with your career goals. Many companies offer financial support for certifications and further education, so take advantage of these opportunities.
I hope this video helps you understand my journey and the importance of continuous learning and staying marketable in the IT field. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
My final words of advice are: Keep moving forward, keep learning, and stay engaged with the industry through networking, seminars, and conferences. Also, create a compelling LinkedIn profile to showcase your achievements and connect with other professionals in the field. I’ll be making more videos to dig further into specific topics mentioned here. Thanks for watching!
Questions?
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