Carlos Abdoellah, a dedicated cybersecurity professional, has carved a remarkable career path starting from the seemingly unrelated role of a service desk representative. His journey defied expectations by transforming his humble beginnings into a remarkable career as the Information Security Officer at Hakrinbank in Surinam, the largest business bank in the country, is a testament to his passion, perseverance, and commitment to lifelong learning.
From Service Desk to Cybersecurity Leadership: How Can Passion and Perseverance Transform Your Career?
The digital world is constantly evolving, and with it are threats to our online security. This has resulted in a heightened need for cybersecurity professionals. One such individual who has made a significant impact in the field is Carlos Abdoellah.
Carlos’s career trajectory was greatly influenced by his pursuit of a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Degree program. He chose the Master of Science in Cybersecurity Degree program at EC-Council University for its practical approach, flexibility, and the ability to study remotely from his home country without relocating or sacrificing family time. The program allowed him to balance his professional responsibilities while gaining valuable knowledge and skills.
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity Degree program is very pragmatic. The information gathered through the courses was very practical, and I could use this in practice when I was evolving into the new role.
— Carlos Abdoellah
Carlos praised the EC-Council University’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity Degree program for its exceptional quality, rating the faculty and their engagement with a “nine” out of ten. He appreciated the faculty’s commitment to continuous improvement, their regular interactions with students, and their efforts to create a dynamic learning environment. Carlos noted that the global diversity of his peers enriched his learning experience, enabling him to engage with professionals from various cultural backgrounds and learn how to lead diverse teams effectively.
The opportunity to study from my home country, where I didn’t have to leave my family, and the benefits of paying the fee in installments allowed me to pursue my dream. EC-Council University is way down in New Mexico, I’m down in Wanica and never had to leave my country to be on board. And everything was done digitally and also secured.
— Carlos Abdoellah
Inspiring Others and Giving Back: How Can You Use Your Success to Empower Future Professionals?
Carlos’s success story is a powerful example of the value of education and perseverance. He is passionate about giving back to the community and has taken on the role of Internship Coordinator at a university where he mentors aspiring IT and cybersecurity professionals. He sees this role as a way to share his knowledge, help others navigate their careers, and uplift the next generation of cybersecurity professionals
Leadership in Cybersecurity: What Skills Do You Need to Lead and Inspire in a Digital World?
Carlos emphasizes that cybersecurity professionals must possess technical expertise and strong leadership skills. His education at EC-Council University played a critical role in developing these abilities. The program taught him how to inspire and motivate teams, collaborate effectively with stakeholders, and communicate complex ideas clearly.
Once I finished my Master of Science in Cybersecurity Degree program with the EC-Council University, I applied to a new role within the organization as the Information Security Officer.
— Carlos Abdoellah
He learned to lead people from various backgrounds, foster mutual respect, and create a shared vision that could drive organizational goals, regardless of geographical or cultural differences. Carlos describes the program’s emphasis on leadership as transformative, helping him become a more effective leader in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
Overcoming Challenges: What Strategies Can Help You Triumph Over Obstacles in Your Career?
Carlos’s journey was not without its challenges. Balancing work and studies, adapting to new technologies, and managing the stress inherent in the cybersecurity field were significant hurdles. He shares that “success doesn’t come just like that”—it requires a combination of personal effort and external support. He acknowledges the crucial role of EC-Council University in his career development, offering a program that is both practical and supportive.
The specialization that I took within the degree program is about leadership. And to be considered as one of the great leaders, you need to have the knowledge, the ambition, the attitude to have and to become one of the great leaders. The Master of Science in Cybersecurity Degree program is creating new leaders in this new digital world.
— Carlos Abdoellah
To overcome these challenges, Carlos applied several strategies: using time management techniques like the Pomodoro Technique to maintain focus, staying updated on industry trends through conferences and publications, and practicing mindfulness, meditation, and exercise to manage stress.
Personal Insights and Motivational Advice: How Can You Stay Focused and Positive on Your Path to Success?
Carlos offers a wealth of advice to aspiring cybersecurity professionals. He encourages them to set clear career goals and to persist through challenges with a positive attitude.
Whenever you pursue a goal, you will come across challenges. Just keep the yin-yang balance in mind: focus, but also relax. Enjoy the ride, because focusing too much on the end goal can lead to setbacks.
— Carlos Abdoellah
Carlos also stresses the importance of building strong interpersonal and communication skills, forming professional relationships, and learning to lead and inspire teams.
The Role of Mentorship: How Can Mentorship Shape Your Cybersecurity Journey?
Carlos believes that mentorship has been vital in his journey. He has benefited from the guidance and support of experienced cybersecurity professionals and now encourages others to seek mentors to help them navigate their careers and achieve their goals. As a mentor himself, he aims to give back to the community by helping others succeed.
I am the internship coordinator. And this way I’m giving back to upcoming IT or cybersecurity professional, and this is my way of giving back to the community.
— Carlos Abdoellah
Looking Ahead: How Will You Adapt to the Future of Cybersecurity?
Carlos envisions a future where cybersecurity is shaped by increased automation, a stronger focus on prevention, and heightened ethical considerations. He believes that professionals will need to adapt to these changes by continually updating their skills, particularly in areas like data privacy, surveillance, and ethical decision-making.
Carlos Abdoellah’s experience highlights the critical role that education, leadership, and perseverance play in achieving success in the dynamic field of cybersecurity. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Carlos’s story inspires aspiring professionals, showing that they can make a meaningful impact with the right mindset and commitment. EC-Council University, with its comprehensive cybersecurity programs, offers aspiring professionals the knowledge and skills required to follow in Carlos’s footsteps and become leaders in the field.
