From electrician to specialist Next-Gen Security
Eleven years ago, when I graduated high school as an electrician, I started working for different companies in various fields. I have always had an interest in technology. When I started working for an Internet Service Provider, Mostly I installed Digital TV, Internet and telephone, and got my first hands-on with the design of networks for small enterprises when working for business customers.
However, I wanted to know how it worked so that I could be a better technician. That is why I took a big step. I left my paid job and went back to school, where I started in the IT factory at the Thomas More College in Geel and decided to graduate in the specialization Cloud and CyberSecurity.
Combining school with my son and the household was not always easy; however, I did manage to free some time for new adventures. Competing (and winning) in the Cisco NetAcad hackathon in October 2018 was one of them. First prize: Going to Cisco live Barcelona 2019.
At that moment, I learned to grab every opportunity you can. I still apply that every day.
After this three-year study, I developed an interest in two fields, namely Open Source and cybersecurity. Once I graduated, I was back where I was eleven years ago: fresh out of school and no experience. I stumbled upon the trainee trajectory from Orange cyberdefense and applied for the job. When I received the phone call I got accepted, I was relieved. My journey at Orange cyberdefense started on October 7, 2019.
Having the knowledge gained from school is one thing, but the ‘how to’ is different at many vendors (Palo Alto Networks, Juniper Networks, … ). The traineeship allowed me to learn the specifications of these technologies. Because of the traineeship, I was able to go into the conference room with the customer with more confidence.
Once I completed the traineeship, I started to work in the field. It is no surprise to say that every day brings new challenges. Now being one year at the job, I enjoy the diversity it offers. I truly hope to continue in this field for many years to come.
