From FSU Graduate to Systems Developer: The Importance of Communication in a Technical Field
Guest Post by Alumnus Isaac Lambert
(Published as submitted)
At a recent gathering, I was discussing my previous position as a Cybersecurity Assurance Specialist for NASA and my then current role as a Principal Cyber Process Manager at Capital One with professor and faculty advisor of the Columns, Barbara Grigg. While my background in Cybersecurity is very technical, a major part of my recent NASA job – and even larger part in my then present Capital One role – is communication skills. With this in mind, she asked me to share my experience and viewpoint with current students.
The roles I’ve had since graduating from Fairmont State University have been communication – heavy – whether through email, by phone, or in person. In high school, I never thought going into a technical field would require so much communication. In a nutshell, my Capital One role was taking complex security issues and writing about them so that company leaders could make informed decisions based on what I produced: the quality of my written work setting the direction for an international company. It was an awesome job to be able to have such an impact within a company that was a great place to work, along with being a customer of the products myself.
My new role is at Agile5 Technologies, Inc., a Fairmont small business that specializes in IT services and software supporting enterprise systems for Government agencies, as well as commercial interests. We do amazing work that ensures the safety of Americans all across our Country and our military troops serving abroad. It is of the upmost importance when interacting with clients that a clear and stable line of communication be established to ensure the product exceeds our customers’ requirements for these tactical systems.
I must say that without good communication skills, both in writing and in person, I don’t think the jobs I have held could be done properly. If I had known sooner, I would have taken more time to develop my communication skills earlier in my career, starting in college.
If anyone has questions about navigating communication in a technical world, mentorship, or are looking for job opportunities, I invite them to connect with me at [email protected]
One can be the smartest person in the building, but if they can’t communicate effectively and passionately, then much if not all value is lost.
