Mentee: Kevin Gitau
Starting a new job often brings a blend of excitement and uncertainty. You feel eager to make a contribution, yet you know there’s a learning curve to navigate. This was certainly true for me when I stepped into a technical support roles, where I quickly realized that the job encompassed much more than I had anticipated. The journey has been both challenging and fulfilling, and I’ve gained valuable insights not only into the technical aspects but also into the critical importance of security in any tech-related position. In the beginning, my main focus was on problem-solving, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring that systems operated smoothly.
What I hadn’t fully grasped was the significant emphasis on security. While it seemed straightforward to tackle issues as they arose, I soon understood that security was woven into every task we undertook. For instance, in addition to resolving technical glitches, I began to engage in activities like reviewing web application security, securing cloud platforms, and the likes. These tasks are vital for protecting the systems and services we rely on, but they were areas I hadn’t explored in such detail before. As I became more established in my role, the real challenge emerged in balancing the immediate demands of technical support with the longer-term priorities of security. Initially, I struggled to switch my focus between addressing urgent problems and taking proactive measures. It was a valuable lesson to learn that security cannot always be handled reactively—being proactive and anticipating possible risks is equally, if not more, important. Adjusting my mindset and workflow to manage this balance took time, but eventually, I became more adept at integrating both elements into my daily responsibilities.
Fast forward to where I am now, and my role has evolved in ways I didn’t expect. Initially, I focused on quickly resolving technical issues, but now I address challenges more holistically, considering the broader security context of each task. For instance, when troubleshooting software or cloud issues, I approach them with an awareness of potential vulnerabilities. It’s not just about fixing what’s broken; it’s about ensuring that the system is secure and resilient against potential threats. I’ve also come to value continuous learning. The tech landscape is always changing, and so is the security threat landscape. Staying updated on the latest security trends, vulnerabilities, and tools has been essential. This role has pushed me to embrace new technologies and security practices that I hadn’t considered before, while also teaching me the importance of adapting quickly to changes.
One key takeaway is that there’s no such thing as “perfect security.” The goal is to minimize risk and always be ready to respond to new threats. One challenge I continue to face is balancing the reactive nature of support work with the proactive, often more time-consuming, tasks involved in security. As I’ve become more familiar with the job, I’ve learned to manage my time more effectively. I’ve developed a better understanding of which tasks are critical and require immediate attention and which can be scheduled for later. This experience has helped me streamline my workflow, making it more efficient while ensuring that security remains a top priority.
Looking back, one of the key lessons I’ve learned is the importance of collaboration. Security isn’t just the responsibility of a single team; it needs to be integrated across the organization. Working closely with other departments has given me a better understanding of the challenges and solutions they face, as well as the role I play in ensuring security.
This collaborative mindset has been instrumental in my growth, making me appreciate that every team member contributes to the security and integrity of the systems we depend on. For anyone considering a career in tech or security, my advice is to stay open to learning and be flexible. While the technical aspects might come easily, understanding the complexities of security demands commitment and a desire to keep improving. Security is a field that constantly changes, and staying ahead requires ongoing vigilance, teamwork, and problem-solving. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek help when necessary. The challenges can be significant, but the rewards are truly worthwhile.
Most importantly, cherish those moments of growth—they are what transform you into a more skilled and well-rounded professional. In conclusion, this role has involved much more than just tackling technical issues; it’s about critical thinking, managing risks, and a continuous journey of learning and adaptation. The growth I’ve experienced in such a short time has been priceless, and I eagerly anticipate the challenges ahead, confident that the skills I’ve developed will continue to benefit me in the future.
Kevin Gitau
Created by Kevin Gitau as part of the Lateral Connect Mentoring Training Programme
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