Homeless security guard to CCIE: You can't train ambition: Katherine McNamara shares her story

Summary

In this inspiring interview at Cisco Live in Barcelona, David Bumble speaks with Katherine McNamara, a cybersecurity systems engineer at Cisco and co-organizer of the Router Gods study group. Katherine shares her remarkable journey from working entry-level customer service jobs to becoming a successful IT professional. She emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, ambition, and the willingness to sacrifice for one's career goals. Katherine also discusses the value of networking, both professionally and within communities like Router Gods, which offers job advice, mock interviews, and even supports members to attend Cisco Live. Her story highlights the fluid nature of job titles in tech and the significance of practical learning through labs and certifications. Katherine's advice for those aiming for a career in IT is to stay passionate, engaged, and always eager to learn, as these qualities often set individuals apart in the competitive tech industry.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Catherine McNamara, a cybersecurity systems engineer at Cisco, emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and ambition in the IT industry.
• 🚀 Starting with entry-level jobs, Catherine's journey involved working two jobs while studying for IT certifications, showcasing the power of dedication and hard work.
• 📚 She highlights that formal education, such as a computer science degree, is not the only path to a successful career in IT; certifications and self-study can also lead to rewarding careers.
• 💡 Catherine's experience demonstrates that even in challenging circumstances, with determination and the right resources, one can overcome obstacles and achieve their career goals.
• ⏰ Her story illustrates the value of time management and the sacrifices that may be necessary to gain the qualifications and experience needed to advance in a field.
• 💼 Catherine's advice for job seekers includes being honest about one's knowledge, showing a willingness to learn, and taking the initiative to study and improve after an interview.
• 🔒 In the cybersecurity field, she stresses that there are multiple paths and emphasizes the importance of networking, continuous learning, and staying up-to-date with technology.
• 🤝 Catherine is involved in 'Router Gods,' a community that provides study resources, job advice, and networking opportunities for individuals interested in IT and networking.
• 🌐 She recommends participating in IT communities, conferences, and leveraging platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals and demonstrate one's progress.
• 📈 Catherine's experience shows that certifications like CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE require a significant time investment and a mix of study materials for effective preparation.
• ✅ Her parting advice is to start early in one's career path, be open to learning at every stage, and not to underestimate the value of one's own knowledge and experience.

Q & A

What is Catherine McNamara's current role at Cisco?

Catherine McNamara works at Cisco as a cyber security systems engineer.

What is the name of the study group that Catherine co-organizes?

The study group is called 'Router Gods'.

What was Catherine's initial career path before transitioning into IT?

Catherine initially worked in entry-level customer service jobs.

How did Catherine overcome her financial struggles when she decided to pursue IT?

She took on a second job as a security guard to afford studying for IT certifications.

What certifications did Catherine earn during her first year of studying?

Catherine earned her A+, Network+, and Security+ certifications.

How did Catherine manage to double her pay instantly after her studies?

She applied for and got a contract position at a hospital system that offered higher pay and tuition reimbursement.

What is the name of Catherine's blog?

The blog is called 'networknode.com'.

What is Catherine's perspective on the importance of experience versus ambition in a candidate?

Catherine believes that a candidate's willingness to learn and ambition are more important than the amount of experience they have.

What advice does Catherine give to people who want to get into the IT field but cannot work extra hours?

Catherine suggests getting involved in online study groups and communities to learn and grow within the IT field.

How does Catherine feel about the job opportunities in the cybersecurity field?

Catherine believes that cybersecurity is a great field with a lot of growth and opportunities, especially with the increasing number of job openings and the demand for skilled professionals.

What is the name of the community Catherine is heavily involved in, and what does it offer?

Catherine is involved in 'Router Gods', a community that offers study groups, job advice, mock interviews, and networking opportunities for people in the IT field.

What is the significance of the GoFundMe initiative that Router Gods started?

The GoFundMe initiative by Router Gods aims to provide financial support for someone new to the IT field to attend Cisco Live, offering them networking and learning opportunities.