Taharka Beamon

I started my career in finance after earning my undergraduate degree from Drexel University. But early on, I realized I wanted a career that would keep me learning and growing. As the son of a Ph.D. Computer Scientist, I had been exposed to computers since I was a young child and hold fond memories of using my favorite software and games. Additionally, with the invention of the iPhone, social media and other new forms of technology while I was in college, it felt like the next technology boom was coming.

I joined Reed Exhibitions (RX) more than a decade ago as part of the IT help desk. That role gave me hands-on exposure to all parts of the company and helped me build foundational technical knowledge. Over time, I started noticing more cybersecurity tasks coming from our corporate office in London.

I saw an opportunity to step up. I started helping interpret those tasks, completed industry certifications on nights and weekends, and I told everyone who would listen of my intentions of continuing to learn cybersecurity and wanting a full time role in that space. Eventually, the company created a junior security analyst role for me with a dotted reporting line to the CISO. 

Firstly, I had already explored the CS50 computer science course on YouTube and was incredibly impressed with the quality of instruction. That gave me confidence in exploring options at Harvard. I had taken other other IT and cybersecurity certifications, and I wanted to study at an institution that would be challenging.

Second, I work on teams across the world. I wanted to make sure that I invested in a program and a curriculum that people really respected far and wide. Harvard provided that kind of recognition.

Third, I was looking for a strong professional network. We all have to network in order to advance our careers, or to just generally meet new colleagues and friends. Harvard has some of the best networking opportunities that I’ve seen. People who have completed these programs have gone through the rigor, come out the other side, and gone on to do amazing things in their careers. I’ve had the opportunity to connect with many of them.  

Know you can do it as others did before you and that we chose Harvard Extension School for the challenge and the worthy accomplishment it will be, not because we thought it would be easy!

Two months after completing my graduate certificate in cybersecurity, I was promoted from Security Analyst to SOC Manager and moved into a global role. I had been sharing updates on LinkedIn, and I think my managers saw the effort I was putting in. 

Now, I am the Security Operations Director at Reed Exhibitions (RX) where I lead a global team focused on Incident Response, Vulnerability Management and General Security Operations. The classes I took at Harvard Extension School still inform the work I do every day.

Cloud Security and Communication Protocols are both classes that stand out as especially useful. Both of them are relevant to what I do every day from overseeing the secure build processes of modern infrastructure in the cloud to monitoring and removing new and legacy communication protocols.

I also appreciated courses that gave a broader view of the cybersecurity landscape, including threats, governance, and industry standards. They helped me understand not just the technical side, but also the policies, protocols, and stakeholders that shape the field.

Completion of your class or program will take focused effort and require you to prioritize getting your school work done during your free time while potentially taking time from fun or family. You have to think of the bigger picture. Why are you taking these classes? And, ultimately, how will your completion be beneficial to you and those around you?

Also, speak to current or former students for encouragement or just to vent because they know how you feel. Know you can do it as others did before you and that we chose Harvard Extension School for the challenge and the worthy accomplishment it will be, not because we thought it would be easy!

Find a company that you enjoy what they do as a business. That will allow you to be more engaged. Then, get in, however you can. Starting with entry-level roles like help desk or junior analyst is great because those roles help you to build knowledge and prove yourself. Show that you have the knowledge, that you’re willing to do the work, and that you’re serious about advancing your career. 

Also, focus on your communication skills. It is important to explain complex technical concepts in ways that make sense to other departments. Anybody who can take a very technical concept and explain it to the other parts of the business — those are the kinds of skills that you really want to have as well.