CyberWire Daily Maria Thompson-Saeb: Be flexible and make it happen. [Program Management] [Career Notes]
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Feb 16, 2025 Maria Thompson-Saeb, a Senior Program Manager at Illumio, shares her inspiring journey from government contracting to cybersecurity. She discusses her initial aversion to math and instead pursued information systems management. Maria highlights her transition into Unix and Linux environments as a pivotal moment, sparking her interest in security. She emphasizes the importance of flexibility and continuous learning in overcoming career challenges, especially as a woman in a male-dominated industry, while navigating her path to recognition in cybersecurity.
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Choosing a Path
- Initially interested in computer science, Maria switched to information systems management due to the math requirements.
- She noticed a lack of women in both her classes and the tech field early in her career.
Career Path
- Maria Thompson-Saeb started her career in government helpdesk roles, later transitioning to private sector sysadmin.
- A shift to Unix/Linux environments proved pivotal, opening doors to cybersecurity.
Overcoming Challenges
- Despite advocating for security best practices, Maria faced challenges being recognized as a security professional.
- To overcome this, she pursued certifications (CISA, CISSP) and changed companies.