What is a typical day for you like at Concentric?
What I appreciate about being a GSOC Specialist is that everyday is truly different! The Global Security Operations Center is a team that works 24/7, 365 days a year in a wide range of tasks, including global security operations, intelligence collection and reporting, investigations, and a multitude of ad hoc projects. My typical morning begins with reviewing any updates from the previous evening and planning out what I can for the rest of the day. With time sensitive around-the-clock monitoring and incident response, a day in the GSOC can definitely be unpredictable. These varied projects make the day interesting and keep us on our toes!
How long have you been at Concentric and what part of your job do you find most fulfilling?
I have been at Concentric for a little over 1.5 years, joining in January 2022. As my first role in the security industry, I have found so many aspects fulfilling, from gaining both intelligence analysis and investigations skills to standing up emergency security operations around the globe. The most rewarding part of my job is simply being able to help clients and coworkers, especially in critical situations. Providing up-to-date information on malicious actors or sensitive environments at any time, day or night, is essential in keeping people safe.
What is your educational and professional background before joining Concentric?
I graduated from Drake University with a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Law, Politics, and Society, with minors in Spanish and Latin American Studies. While in college, I interned with various organizations, including the World Food Prize Foundation. After graduating in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, I knew that I wanted a career that made an impact in a rapidly changing global environment. In Concentric, I found a position that enabled my passion for learning, research, and staying on top of events around the world.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
Now that it’s summer, much of my free time is spent exploring the great outdoors in the PNW—hiking, backpacking, kayaking, you name it! Even when the weather isn’t quite as cooperative, I enjoy trying out new vegetarian recipes, learning how to knit, or sitting down with a good book. Overall, I love getting to experience all that Seattle has to offer, especially its incredible restaurants, music scene, parks, and farmers’ markets.
What are you most looking forward to over the next year?
Professionally, I am excited to continue to gain more experience in the security industry and hone my skills further. Every day offers new challenges and opportunities to learn and grow! I am also looking forward to seeing all of my remote coworkers this fall and connecting again in person.
Personally, I am looking forward to many more hiking adventures and camping trips soon! I plan to travel internationally later this year, hoping to cross off more countries from my travel bucket list.
