Cisco’s advocacy group, Cisco Insider, brings our prospects collectively and supplies a means for them to make highly effective connections, increase their skilled and private networks, and study from prime consultants of their subject. Certainly one of our targets is to deepen {our relationships} with our prospects. Our Q&A collection permits us to shine a highlight on a few of our most passionate advocates as we study their backgrounds.
In the present day, we’ve one of many friendliest faces locally becoming a member of us for a chat. I’m excited to welcome Tim Harmon from Journey Group Church.
Tim is a member of Cisco Insider Advocates, Cisco Insider Champions, and the Cisco Networking Academy Pupil Advisory Board.
Welcome, Tim! Let’s kick issues off by speaking about what you wished to be if you have been 16 years outdated?
I all the time wished to be a meteorologist. In Colorado, I grew up watching Mike Nelson forecast the climate on the information. In highschool, I acquired the prospect to go to KUSA 9NEWS. I spent the day within the studio studying climate stories and watching behind-the-scenes motion. I beloved each minute of it.
What a tremendous expertise! How did you pivot to start out your profession in IT? What skilled choice or alternative helped lead you to your present function?
Sadly, once I moved from Colorado to San Diego, Calif., there have been no meteorology applications at any of the faculties I thought of. Someday on the trolley cease, I heard somebody speaking about telecommunications, which sounded attention-grabbing. I did a little analysis and determined to get my diploma at Related Technical Faculty after which my bachelor’s diploma in laptop science with a networking emphasis at California Faculty San Diego (CCSD). Subsequent, I continued my training with a grasp’s diploma in laptop science and a grasp’s diploma in cybersecurity. It’s fascinating to know the completely different applied sciences and the way they work collectively.
In between my graduate applications, I labored at a managed safety service supplier (MSSP) as a safety analyst and fell in love with safety. These days, you hear so many tales about new cyber threats and corporations getting attacked. I wish to be the one to assist them place to defend themselves.
COVID performed a job in the way in which I obtained my present place. I used to be volunteering on the manufacturing workforce at Journey Group Church. In March 2021, the weekend manufacturing director requested if I’d be fascinated by becoming a member of the employees. I’m now the particular person charged with getting the pc graphics (CG) prepared every weekend and ensuring all manufacturing workforce roles are stuffed.
That’s superior. I ponder how lengthy your journey would have taken with out that day on the trolley cease. The Cisco Networking Academy is a superb place to develop cybersecurity expertise. How did your expertise with the Academy start?
A few years in the past, I used to be the assistant director for distributors and leisure on the San Diego Homosexual Rodeo. In 2010, the director, who was additionally a instructor at DeVry College, instructed me about Cisco Networking Academy. I utilized instantly. It turned out that Cisco Networking Academy was supplied via San Diego Persevering with Training. It was such a terrific expertise! All courses have been in particular person and this system was actually hands-on with a dwell lab that used routers, switches, computer systems, and cables. A particular second was once I acquired the chance to go to Cisco Dwell 2015 as a part of the Dream Crew. We helped construct your complete wi-fi community for the occasion and it was among the finest alternatives I’ve ever had.
We might have to jot down one other weblog publish on simply your rodeo expertise! What an unbelievable alternative to be part of the Dream Crew! How did you develop into a member of the Cisco Networking Academy Pupil Advisory Board?
W
ell, I used to be named Mr. San Diego Rodeo 2007, so a lot to speak about! After Cisco introduced the brand new Cisco Licensed Cyber Ops Affiliate certification and the scholarship program in 2016, I utilized, was accepted, and earned my certification. Given my familiarity with the workforce and my long-time engagement with Cisco Networking Academy, I used to be invited to develop into part of the Pupil Advisory Board. Our function is to make sure that this system is frequently bettering and updated with present info expertise and data safety developments. And my studying hasn’t stopped there. I’ve begun a two-year program to acquire a grasp’s diploma in superior research in knowledge and engineering on the College of California, San Diego and can graduate in June 2025.
I like that you simply’re nonetheless on the board at the moment and we’re rooting for you in your research! Pivoting barely, what do you’re keen on in regards to the Cisco Insider Champions group?
The Cisco Insider Champions program engages with greater than 300 folks from everywhere in the world who come collectively to share their experience. We get sneak peeks at evolving Cisco applied sciences and have the prospect to present suggestions. They educate us elevate our private model, so we study running a blog expertise and share content material on social media. Cisco Champions get unique entry at Cisco Dwell, together with behind-the-scenes alternatives, enjoyable events, and the prospect to do a podcast on the Podcast Area within the World of Options.
I hear you’re additionally part of one other program below the Cisco Insider umbrella! Inform me about your expertise with Cisco Insider Advocates?
Cisco Insider Advocates is a group any Cisco buyer can be part of with completely different channels to discover. I’ve realized a lot about not simply safety however Catalyst Heart, Thousand Eyes, Intersight, Duo, and extra. Each day I study one thing new. The rewards I get for finishing challenges are a terrific bonus. And I like the CIA sales space at Cisco Dwell as a terrific place to hang around and meet fellow advocates and group managers.
How have being part of these communities impacted you each professionally and personally?
Being part of Cisco Insider has helped me discover and join with those that I take into account my shut buddies. Cisco Insider has actually helped me department out. I’d by no means blogged or achieved social media earlier than. Now, I’ve began personal weblog website and launched my very own YouTube channel to share cybersecurity ideas and tips I’ve realized alongside the way in which. It’s designed for folks from newbie to intermediate in order that they will get pleasure from and study with me.
You’re concerned with a lot inside Cisco and we recognize you vastly. Final query, is there the rest in your life you’re tremendous keen about and wish to spotlight?
I’m part of a nonprofit right here in San Diego referred to as BSidesSD. BSides is an annual info cybersecurity convention the place audio system do a apply run earlier than they current at Black Hat and DEF CON in Vegas over the summer season. I’ve created a promo and teaser video for it on my new YouTube channel (SecurityCyberGeek). The convention will happen March 30, 2024 at San Diego State College. I’m tremendous excited to be main because the volunteer coordinator this 12 months! Take a look at their web site for extra info and to study future occasions!
Learn extra advocate interviews
You may get pleasure from this interview with Cisco Insider Damian Erni.
Be a part of us!
For our prospects who’ve already joined our Cisco Insider Advocates group, say howdy to Tim in the event you haven’t met but. And in the event you’re a Cisco buyer however aren’t a group member, take into account becoming a member of. You’ll be capable to:
- Join with friends in a gamified, on-line group
- Have a chance to satisfy with Cisco’s executives
- Share your suggestions, questions, and finest practices
- Get entry to ‘insider’ content material and sources
- Develop your skilled and private model
- Amplify your organization’s success story with Cisco expertise
Able to get began?
Head over to the Cisco Insider Advocates Group and say howdy!
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