From Jobless to IT Manager: The Power of Authentic Networking

Photo by Ehimetalor Akhere Unuabona on Unsplash

Six months ago, I was scrambling for any source of income. Today, I oversee IT operations for a $300 million construction company. Here's how my network made the impossible possible.

As many of my friends may know, and others may not, I fell into my current role quite by accident. I oversee the operations of a corporate IT department for a Florida construction company. The position is exciting and challenging every day. And although I strategized to pivot my career into technology, something within or adjacent to cybersecurity, my current role was never top of mind. Every intention was to take on a more junior position in IT/Cybersecurity to gain experience as I also built More Good Solutions on the side. However, life had a different plan.

After finding myself jobless in mid-2024, I reached out to everyone I knew for referrals to opportunities. The vulnerability of that moment—having to swallow my pride and ask for help—was both humbling and eye-opening. Frankly, I just needed a way to bring in an income. Any income. This is when the true value of my network revealed itself. Not only did I receive tremendous support during this challenging time, but the thoughtfulness and helpfulness of the people surprised me at every turn. And the curious path to where I am now started.

Through a series of friends, new acquaintances, a temp role as a receptionist, and a series of happenstance events, I was invited to shadow the IT director of my current company and was then invited to join the IT team as an IT Specialist. (The full story of how I went from temp receptionist to IT Operations Manager is its own interesting story—stay tuned for that in a future post!)

Simultaneously, I continued my love for learning and decided to attend DefCon in Las Vegas. I thought this would be a great way to grow my network, meet interesting people, learn, and maybe find a job. At DefCon, I met my cybersecurity crush, Rachel Tobac, and volunteered for the Women in Security & Privacy (WISP) table at the conference to force myself to make meaningful connections while there. This led me to starting the Florida chapter of the organization! I did all of the above…except find the job there. That happened back home.

But all these people were stepping stones down the path to where I am now. They cheered for me and encouraged me every step of the way. I am forever grateful to my entire network. I am also challenging myself to continue to grow it every day. I never know when I can return the favor or continue this growth journey alongside so many of these individuals. I haven't even touched the surface of the number of impactful people that came into my life when I needed them the most. But I want all of them to know that I am forever thankful, grateful, and blessed to know them.

Here's my challenge to you this week: reach out to one person you haven't spoken to in a while, attend one networking event (virtual or in-person), or volunteer for an organization in your field. Don't wait for the "perfect moment" to grow your network—start authentically connecting now. These relationships will take you further than you can imagine.

Until next time…

Tracy G.