CST300: Major ProSeminar, Industry Expert / Executive Interview Exploring Career Paths and Industry Trends

As I continue to explore a potential career in cybersecurity, I had the opportunity to interview Robert Mendoza, the Chief Information Security Officer at Perfect Translations. With over 20 years of experience, including a long tenure in the military working in networking and security, Robert offered a unique perspective about the transition to civilian tech work, staying current in a fast-moving field, and the real value of hands-on experience. 

One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation was how much weight real-world experience carries in this field. Robert explained that while certifications can help you get your foot in the door, especially for entry level roles, there is no substitution for hands-on practice. He explained that many certification programs teach the theory, but real-life cybersecurity work doesn't always follow textbook solutions. When he hires, he prefers candidates who've already been in the trenches, even if they don't have every certification. 

Robert's journey started in the military, where he was a network professional. As technology evolved and networks became more complex and centralized, he realized cybersecurity was becoming a critical piece of the puzzle. He requested training in security before leaving the military and has stuck with it ever since. His background gave him hands-on experience with serious cyber threats, which gave him an edge when he moved into the private sector.

I asked him what a typical day looks like in his current role, and he described a mix of daily check-ins with team leads, reviewing incidents, and staying alert to major threats across his global team. He stays involved in any significant incident, not to micromanage, but to keep a pulse on current threats and make sure his team is staying sharp. He shared an example of a DNS-based attack that could have been overlooked if he hadn’t been on the call.

We also talked about the challenges of working across different countries and cultures. Something as simple as using multi-factor authentication (MFA) is handled very differently in other parts of the world. In the U.S., it’s normal to use MFA on your personal phone, but in Europe, that can violate GDPR laws, so companies have to issue separate devices. In places like South Korea, there’s a cultural resistance to locking down phones or devices, which makes securing them even more difficult.

AI and automation came up as well. Robert sees both the risks and benefits. On the attack side, AI makes it easier for bad actors to generate advanced scripts. But on the defense side, tools like SOAR (Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response) help reduce false positives and automate repetitive tasks. He mentioned Torq as one of the newer tools that makes these workflows more accessible for users who aren’t as technical.

For those just starting out, Robert recommended beginning with a foundational certification like CompTIA Security+ and sticking with one certification track, rather than jumping between providers. He also pointed out that some employers will sponsor certifications as part of their benefits, so it’s worth asking about that when job hunting.

Talking with Robert gave me a clearer picture of what a cybersecurity career actually looks like beyond the classroom. I've always had a general interest in this field, but hearing about the real-world incidents he handles and the tools his team uses made the work feel more tangible. It was also encouraging to hear that things like self-taught skills, personal projects, and practical experience really matter when applying for jobs. Robert’s story also reminded me that starting small, like learning how to build Ethernet cables can lead to big things over time.

After talking with him, I’m more motivated to get hands-on experience and start learning more about automation tools like SOAR. I also plan to research certification tracks and choose a path that aligns with where I want to go. Internships or entry-level roles that offer training and growth opportunities are now a top priority for me. I really appreciate Robert taking the time to talk with me. It gave me a clearer sense of direction and left me feeling more confident about the road ahead.