Calvin Canada

College Major: Information Security 

Title: Subject Matter Expert: Network Automation 

Company: Cisco 

Professional Industry: Information Technology 

What is the day in the life like at your job? 

It varies. It depends on the assignment. Some roles I’ve had were the same every day which I did not like. Some roles are project-based which allow me to interact with  many teams and people. These are a lot more interesting in my opinion. 

What do you love about your job? 

I honestly just have a fascination with technology. There are so many tools to interact with. It is like legos for adults. 

What is challenging about your role? 

I have been constantly learning for the past 4 years. I study more now than I did in college. 

What are the benefits of working in this field? 

The industry pays really well and it applies to every industry so lack of jobs will  never be a problem. Your work inherently is a benefit to the company that you work  for in terms of cost reduction. 

What experiences did you have that prepared you for this role? 

The only thing that I had to prepare me was the fact that I had to work hard my  entire life. Other than that, I had nothing that prepared me. It is a constant grind for me.

What do you see happening in the future for these types of careers? 

I see no end in sight for the number of job growth in this industry. I also see an  increased flexibility in terms of remote work. I see these jobs getting easier due to increased automation, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. 

What should a student know about your field? 

The industry is going through a rapid transformation at the moment especially due to COVID-19. I would recommend the following areas: Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Healthcare Technology, IoT, and Software Development. Find an area that you like and learn everything you can about it. 

What advice do you have for a student considering a career in your profession? 

I would say that the Information Technology industry is definitely challenging, however, you are greatly rewarded for your patience. This is an industry of vast importance and rapid change. Due to this nature, it is required that you have a genuine passion for technology or learning. If you have one of these following traits, the sky is the limit for you.