Welcome to another episode of Tech Woke where we delve into the world of cybersecurity, career transitions, and personal journeys. Today's episode, "From Security Guard to Network Engineer," features an inspiring conversation between our hosts, Christopher Okpala and Kai. Kai shares her incredible journey from playing college basketball and working various retail and security jobs to becoming a successful network engineer. She discusses the pivotal moments that shaped her career, including her transition from an armed security position to securing her first role in network engineering after obtaining her CCNA certification and secret clearance. Join us as we explore the challenges, triumphs, and practical advice from Kai's experience in navigating the tech industry. Whether you're looking to break into cybersecurity or learn more about career growth in tech, this episode is packed with invaluable insights. Tune in and get inspired!

Key highlights:

### 1. Introductions and Backgrounds

Kai Smith, a Network Engineer, and Christopher Okpala discuss their backgrounds, how they met, and share their recent holiday experiences spent with family and friends. 

### 2. Early Career Journey

Kai pursued basketball through high school and college but left after a knee injury. Post-college, he juggled various retail jobs, including working at Foot Locker, as he figured out his next steps.

### 3. Shift to Security

Attracted by the armed security field through a friend's recommendation, Kai started an armed security job in 2007, which offered a significant pay increase and required only a public trust clearance.

### 4. Transition to Network Engineering

Realizing limited growth in security, Kai met an instructor who taught networking. He enrolled in a six-month CCNA course and earned his Cisco Certified Network Associate certification, stepping into network engineering.

### 5. Obtaining Security Clearance

Despite having a CCNA, Kai struggled to find work. A friend's advice led him to obtain a secret clearance, landing him a job within four months. The clearance opened new career opportunities and professional growth.

### 6. Role of a Network Engineer

Kai’s responsibilities include mitigating vulnerabilities in network devices, enabling remote system access, and configuring and upgrading network hardware. His role extends to building and maintaining network infrastructures like VPN and BGP.

### 7. Challenges and Learning

Initially, Kai struggled with security aspects despite his network skills. Obtaining the Security Plus certification improved his understanding. He emphasized the importance of self-learning, using resources like Google and YouTube.

### 8. Networking and Professional Growth

Networking helped Kai grow professionally, keeping him focused and driven. He continuously seeks new certifications, like AWS, to stay current in the field and enhance his marketability and skill set.

### 9. Job Opportunities and Salary Ranges

Kai recommends LinkedIn for job searches and suggests starting with security jobs to gain clearances. Entry-level salaries range from $78,000 to $90,000, mid-level from $95,000 to $115,000, and senior-level positions up to $150,000.

### 10. Future Goals

Kai aims to diversify his IT skills, possibly moving into system administration. He hopes to leverage his income to become his own brand, establishing a personal business and reducing dependency on employers.

### 11. Closing Remarks

Christopher thanks Kai for sharing his story and insights. Kai appreciates the opportunity to discuss his journey and experiences in network engineering with listeners.

Hashtags:

#cybersecurity #techwoke #Networkengineer

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