My time at Parsons has been an incredible journey filled with opportunities for growth and development. I started with Parsons in 2019 as the very first Security Operations Center (SOC) Apprentice; I was eager to learn from the team’s highly knowledgeable and talented people. I was astonished by the longevity of their careers with Parsons and knew I was in the best place to begin a career in cybersecurity. From day one, I was impressed by their expertise and dedication to keeping Parsons safe from cyber threats.
After three years, I transitioned to the Business Information Security Office as a Strategy Advisor. This was an exciting opportunity for me to expand my skill set, work on building security strategies, and interact with the business. The foundation of skills I built in the SOC proved invaluable in this role, allowing me to understand the technical aspects of cybersecurity while also being able to communicate effectively with business leaders and stakeholders.
One of the things that made this role even more fulfilling was having the best leadership team supporting me every step of the way. They provided guidance, mentorship, and resources that allowed me to excel in my role while also growing professionally.
In January of 2024, my leadership team supported me in my move to Dubai to take on the role of International Business Information Security Officer (BISO). It was another first for the team, which was incredibly exciting. This was a drastic move from my home in Colorado Springs, Colorado, but thus far, it has proved incredibly rewarding thanks to having such great support from my colleagues throughout the company. One of my major personal goals was moving outside the United States. I did not necessarily ever dream of moving to Dubai, but the opportunity to move presented itself, and I took the leap.
Before moving here, I had never been to Dubai, but I am not one to shy away from a challenge. Saying goodbye to my friends and family as I embarked on my journey to my new life was hard. There were tears of happiness and sadness at the airport as my family dropped me off. After an 18-hour flight and an 11-hour time difference, I had landed in my new home. I recall my first day at the office in Dubai when I was still jetlagged but incredibly excited. All of my peers were very welcoming, and I am forever grateful.
Since then, I have made Dubai feel like home with new friends, family visiting, and rewarding work. I easily found a lovely apartment in a very safe city that feels like home. Many people were in the same situation as I was, moving to Dubai by themselves. As a result, building a community has been very easy. I would highly recommend relocating to the UAE if you have the opportunity, not only for the career advancements but also for the multicultural environment.
Despite the challenges along the way, I am grateful for this opportunity, which has allowed me to grow personally and professionally while contributing positively to our global mission. The company’s focus on innovation and commitment to excellence has shaped my career greatly while allowing me access to talented individuals who are just as passionate about their work.