I’d like to start by sincerely thanking the GSI Cybersecurity team for the opportunity to interview. It was an honor to be considered for a role within an organization dedicated to supporting state and government programs. Given the mission-critical nature of GSI’s work, I approached the interview with deep respect and extensive preparation—researching your mission, tools, and operational priorities to ensure I could contribute meaningfully to your team. Unfortunately, the overall interview experience did not meet expectations. The format felt rushed, and I was not given a fair opportunity to properly introduce myself or convey the breadth of my experience. The energy from the panel felt disengaged, and the interaction came across more as a formality than a collaborative exchange. That said, I want to acknowledge John for his professionalism and thoughtful engagement he stood out as a model of leadership and composure. Alyssa, while appearing to be under some pressure, came across as highly capable and driven. She reminded me of myself when I first started as an analyst—eager, focused, and ready to tackle challenges head-on. Eri and Alex also joined the panel, and I appreciated Alex’s question regarding TLS, even though time constraints limited my ability to provide a more in-depth response. During the interview, I posed a few technical questions related to tools listed in the job description such as CrowdStrike, Cisco FTD, and Palo Alto—with the intent of engaging the team in a deeper discussion around infrastructure and daily operations. I also asked very basic questions regarding Zero Trust architecture and IAM/PAM solutions, which are fundamental topics in modern cybersecurity practices. To my surprise, no one on the panel—including the CISO—was able to answer these entry-level questions. This was unexpected and concerning, especially given the critical nature of the work GSI performs. Further, I was taken aback when the CISO characterized my questions as resembling penetration testing and responded with clear defensiveness. As a cybersecurity professional who has completed CEH v13 training and will begin CISSP coursework in early June—aiming to complete certification within six months—I approached the interview with curiosity, collaboration, and a genuine desire to align with the team. My intent was never to critique, but rather to contribute constructively. In my experience, open dialogue and healthy technical discourse are hallmarks of effective security leadership. In my 10+ years in IT and cybersecurity, I’ve worked directly with CISOs, CEOs, and senior leadership across DoD contractors, military-aligned organizations, and both MSP and MSSP environments. The strongest leaders I’ve worked with, some of whom rolled up their sleeves to assist junior staff embodied servant leadership and nurtured collaborative, mentorship-driven cultures. Sadly, that spirit didn’t come through in this interview experience. That said, I remain grateful for the opportunity to connect and sincerely hope GSI continues building a culture that reflects the values of transparency, innovation, and collaboration ideals that are critical to securing government infrastructure and serving the public good. Advice to GSI Leadership: • Structure interviews to allow candidates to properly introduce themselves and engage meaningfully. • Encourage active participation from all interviewers — candidates can sense when a team is overextended or disengaged. • Foster a culture of curiosity rather than defensiveness, especially when candidates pose informed and relevant questions. • Promote transparency and collaboration — strong teams are built on trust and shared knowledge. ________________________________________ Where I’m Coming From: I am a U.S. ARMY Paratrooper (13F) and combat veteran with 10 years of service, including tours with the 82nd Airborne Division and 173rd Airborne Brigade. After my military service, I transitioned into a SATCOM/Cybersecurity career as a DoD contractor supporting CENTCOM and USARCENT G6-J6 across Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. This shift wasn't just a career decision it was a continuation of my mission to serve and protect. My journey into cybersecurity was forged through hard work and sacrifice. While pursuing my degrees, I worked full time, often waking at 5:30 AM, attending college classes, and returning home close to midnight. I maintained that schedule for over five years, balancing professional development with family responsibilities — all while raising three children with my wife. That’s the level of commitment I bring to this field. Education: • B.S. in Cyber Forensics & IT Security – Keiser University • A.S. in Information Technology – Keiser University • A.S. in Network Systems Administration – ITT Technical Institute Certifications: • CompTIA SecurityX (CASP+) – Certified May 2025 • CompTIA Security+ – Certified April 2025 • CEH v13 – Bootcamp Completed May 2025, Certification in Progress • Enrolled in CISSP Bootcamp – June 2025, Certification Target: End of Year • CompTIA A+, Network+ I’ve supported hundreds of clients across MSP and MSSP environments and worked closely with C-level leadership. I’ve experienced firsthand what mission-driven cybersecurity looks like, and I’ve helped build it under pressure with results that matter. ________________________________________ Final Thoughts: Cybersecurity is not just about technical skills, it’s about leadership, communication, and trust. While this interview experience felt like a missed opportunity on both sides, I genuinely hope GSI considers this feedback constructively. The organization has strong potential, but improving the interview process and fostering a more collaborative internal culture will be essential to unlocking it. Lastly, I want to thank Mr. Andre Irvens, the Senior Corporate Recruiter, for his professionalism and courtesy throughout this process. His communication and respect stood out, especially compared to many HR experiences I’ve had in the industry, which are often impersonal or dismissive. His professionalism made a lasting positive impression.