What's your background? What was it that drew you to initially apply for the NEC IT Graduate Program?
I was born and raised in Colombia where I completed my Bachelor of Tourism Administration and I worked in the Tourism Industry before I migrated to Australia to learn a second language and to experience studying abroad. The initial plan was to stay for one year but plans changed and I fell in love with this country.
After settling down in Australia, I decided to go back to university to follow another of my passions, technology, and I did my Master of Information Technology, majoring in Networks where I had the opportunity to learn about network systems, cyber-security and web development.
After my graduation, I attended several virtual networking events where I got to know all the learning opportunities that a graduate program has to offer and decided to search for a Graduate role. I started my job hunting and found the NEC Graduate Program. I decided to apply for the program because I saw a chance to build technical skills while also developing my soft skills.
What does a typical day look like for you, and what are you currently working on?
I’m currently working with the Security Operations team. My typical day starts by checking my mailbox then checking all my assigned requests through our action request system. I start to organise my day through priority requests, response clients enquires and analysing non-standard request requirements such adding firewall rules, digital certificate renewals, adding devices to whitelists or blacklists and assessment of vulnerability bulletins. I also have the opportunity to learn and work with different technologies as NEC partner with vendors such as F5, Cisco, Palo Alto, and CheckPoint.
What have you enjoyed most about your experience in the Graduate Program? Or what’s the coolest thing about your job?
What I have enjoyed the most about my experience in the Graduate Program is the continuous support from my team leader and team members. I have seen my progress from my first day at NEC until now where I can give a quick response to some enquires but I also enjoy getting new tasks as it challenges me to investigate and analyse something new.
What are the limitations of your job?
Limited interaction with the rest of the organisation due to COVID-19 restrictions but during my second rotation, I have had the opportunity to meet new people within the organisation through social events and professional programs such as the mentorship program.
I would say one of the biggest limitations in my job is not knowing how to do the work on different software technologies, but my team leader and all my team members have helped me gain a better understanding and I have challenged myself to take on more responsibilities to progress my career.
What have you gained from working at NEC from a career perspective?
NEC Graduate Program has helped me to gain technical skills. Having the opportunity to work with different technologies has provided me with a better understanding of how firewalls work, and how traffic flows through a VPN just to name a few. It has also helped me believe in myself more to boost my confidence and soft skills. I have the opportunity to participate in bootcamps and internal training programs which provide me with the tools to progress in my career.
What kind of characteristics or skills do you believe a Graduate needs to be successful in the program?
Definitely be passionate about what you do. When you have a passion, you feel motivated to continue learning. Don’t feel afraid to try new things, have the courage to do it and learn from your mistakes to move forward. Be a team player and be open to work within a diverse work culture.
3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...
I would advise myself as a Uni Student: