For the year 2019, one word comes to mind “Patience.” This year has been one emotional roller coaster and tested my patience to the extreme. In part one of my stories, I expressed the ups and downs of finding employment after a long layoff. This last blog will wrap up all my final victories hopefully, it will inspire you and let you know you are not alone in this world.
Victory & Taking Risks
After going through a regrowth period of 9 months, my success finally was achieved by accepting an offer for a Program Analyst position in May 2019. During my job search process, I had three goals in mind for finding employment. One was meeting my deadline to obtain a position by May, or I would have to pack up and move back home to Cleveland. Second, finding employment closer to the house at least 15- 20 min commute. Third, know my worth when it came to salary requirements and career advancement.
With these goals in mind, I only accomplished one goal. I’m a person that is very goal-oriented and hard on myself to go above and beyond my career. About four months in this new position, I noticed I was not happy, my mind wasn’t simulated, and this role did not fit my overall career path.
Taking Risks
As I mentioned, in my previous blog about taking risks to advance in your career. Another one was coming sooner than expected. Even though, I knew I was only in this position for a short period of time. It was time for me to find my happiness again.
Since my resume was already on various platforms recruiters would reach out to me all the time. There were a few emails that kept popping up about this Systems Engineer position. I had interviewed with one company about this role but did not get the position. However, another one popped up and it was to support the same agency. Department of Homeland Security/ Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). I was excited because I’ve been trying to get to this agency all year.
This company I had an interview for the email stated, “Best Place to Work,” we all know that individual companies have earned this title, but what makes this company so unique. The 1st step in this hiring process was, of course, reply to the email and had a phone screen with the recruiter. The recruiter was impressed with my resume, and I was able to articulate everything on my resume in addition to showing my personality. Second, the phone screen with the hiring manager. This process was smooth, and I moved on to the last step. The final step was meeting with the prime of the contract hiring manager in person.
For this hiring process, it took about a month due to scheduling conflicts. However, what set this company apart from all the other companies I had interviews with. During the whole process, they checked with me to get dates and times and informed me about the process for the final step.
The in-person interview was a few days before my birthday in September! One day before my birthday, I had an offer, but a TBD start date. I had a TBD start because even though I had a security clearance, it was not for the DHS agency. The clearance process is very confusing, and since I have been through this process numerous times this year, I was aware of the process.
Patience
After three months of waiting, I finally accomplished the three goals I mentioned previously on Jan 6th, 2020. I will start my new role as a Systems Engineer supporting a contract for the Department of Homeland Security/ Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and working for a company named “Best Places to Work” where I can grow in my career!
In conclusion, this year has tested my patience more than ever. I remained positive, but I also had some bad days. Sharing my experiences through my blogs hopefully should share some light that you are not alone. If you are not happy in your current role, it’s ok to change and find what makes you happy. Take those risks, stop making excuses, and be inspired.
Now, my blog series has ended on sharing my experience with finding employment. I will shift my focus. since I have created my 1st course Discovering Your Cybersecurity Career Path: Using the NIST 800-181 publication. I highly recommend this course to find your path if you are a student, career changer, or experienced cyber professionals.
Thank You, Everyone! Who has been on this journey with me ?.