Cisco’s advocacy group, Cisco Insider, brings our clients collectively and offers a method for them to make highly effective connections, increase their skilled and private networks, and be taught from prime consultants of their area. One in every of our objectives is to deepen {our relationships} with our clients. Our Q&A sequence permits us to shine a highlight on a few of our most passionate advocates as we find out about their backgrounds.
Immediately, we now have one of many friendliest faces locally becoming a member of us for a chat. I’m excited to welcome Tim Harmon from Journey Neighborhood 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 Let’s kick issues off by speaking about what you wished to be if you have been 16 years outdated?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 at all times 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 studies and watching behind-the-scenes motion. I liked 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 position?
Sadly, after I moved from Colorado to San Diego, Calif., there have been no meteorology packages at any of the faculties I thought-about. Sooner or later on the trolley cease, I heard somebody speaking about telecommunications, which sounded attention-grabbing. I did some research 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 grasp the totally different applied sciences and the way they work collectively.
In between my graduate packages, 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 firms getting attacked. I need to be the one to assist them place to defend themselves.
COVID performed a task in the best way I obtained my present place. I used to be volunteering on the manufacturing staff at Journey Neighborhood Church. In March 2021, the weekend manufacturing director requested if I’d be keen on becoming a member of the employees. I’m now the individual charged with getting the pc graphics (CG) prepared every weekend and ensuring all manufacturing staff 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 trainer at DeVry College, informed me about Cisco Networking Academy. I utilized instantly. It turned out that Cisco Networking Academy was supplied by San Diego Persevering with Schooling. It was such a fantastic expertise! All lessons have been in individual and this system was really hands-on with a reside lab that used routers, switches, computer systems, and cables. A particular second was after I acquired the chance to go to Cisco Stay 2015 as a part of the Dream Group. We helped construct the complete wi-fi community for the occasion and it was top-of-the-line alternatives I’ve ever had.
We might have to write down one other weblog put up on simply your rodeo expertise! What an unbelievable alternative to be part of the Dream Group! How did you change into a member of the Cisco Networking Academy Pupil Advisory Board?
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ell, I used to be named Mr. San Diego Rodeo 2007, so lots 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 staff and my long-time engagement with Cisco Networking Academy, I used to be invited to change into part of the Pupil Advisory Board. Our position is to make sure that this system is regularly bettering and updated with present data know-how and data safety traits. And my studying hasn’t stopped there. I’ve begun a two-year program to acquire a grasp’s diploma in superior research in information 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 right now and we’re rooting for you in your research! Pivoting barely, what do you’re keen on concerning the Cisco Insider Champions group?
The Cisco Insider Champions program engages with greater than 300 individuals 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 train us easy methods to elevate our private model, so we be taught running a blog expertise and easy methods to share content material on social media. Cisco Champions get unique entry at Cisco Stay, 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 underneath the Cisco Insider umbrella! Inform me about your expertise with Cisco Insider Advocates?
Cisco Insider Advocates is a group any Cisco buyer can be a part of with totally different channels to discover. I’ve realized a lot about not simply safety however Catalyst Middle, Thousand Eyes, Intersight, Duo, and extra. Daily I be taught one thing new. The rewards I get for finishing challenges are a fantastic bonus. And I like the CIA sales space at Cisco Stay as a fantastic 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 think about my shut mates. Cisco Insider has actually helped me department out. I’d by no means blogged or performed social media earlier than. Now, I’ve began personal weblog web site and launched my very own YouTube channel to share cybersecurity suggestions and tips I’ve realized alongside the best way. It’s designed for individuals from newbie to intermediate in order that they’ll get pleasure from and be taught with me.
You’re concerned with a lot inside Cisco and we respect you drastically. Final query, is there the rest in your life you’re tremendous captivated with and need to spotlight?
I’m part of a nonprofit right here in San Diego referred to as BSidesSD. BSides is an annual data cybersecurity convention the place audio system do a follow 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! Try their web site for extra data and to find out about future occasions!
Learn extra advocate interviews
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Be a part of us!
For our clients who’ve already joined our Cisco Insider Advocates group, say hey 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, think about becoming a member of. You’ll have the ability to:
- Join with friends in a gamified, on-line group
- Have a possibility to satisfy with Cisco’s executives
- Share your suggestions, questions, and greatest practices
- Get entry to ‘insider’ content material and assets
- Develop your skilled and private model
- Amplify your organization’s success story with Cisco know-how
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