Welcome to another "Life at Fortinet" blog. This series features Q&As with our team members from around the globe. Within these conversations, we explore the various career pathways that individuals can take in the cybersecurity industry.

Meet Poliana Lopes, a Fortinet field marketer based in S?o Paulo, Brazil. She strategically supports Fortinet's Brazil team with demand-generation activities and co-hosts the Fortinet Brasil Podcast. Read on to learn why Poliana thinks Fortinet is a great place to work and what she finds unique about our workplace culture.

What led you to a career in cybersecurity at Fortinet? 

I started working in marketing for cybersecurity without planning to, but I ended up really enjoying it because I discovered a world of learning possibilities that I had never imagined before.

What are some common misconceptions people have about working in cybersecurity? 

As a marketing professional, I've often heard how technical and difficult cybersecurity is and how it's not for everyone. In reality, it's an area where anyone can find a place.

What do you find most rewarding about your job? 

I love learning new things every day, whether through conversations with customers, at events, or on projects. Being able to help people see cybersecurity in a more simplified way and understand how much Fortinet can help them is incredibly rewarding.

Can you share a recent project or initiative you've been involved in at Fortinet that you're particularly proud of? 

The Fortinet Brazil Podcast is a project I started with the marketing team in Brazil. It gives me the opportunity to talk to different C-level executives from customers in various sectors about cybersecurity challenges and trends.

Can you share what it's like to be a woman working in the technology sector?

I believe it's an opportunity to inspire other women like me who may not have had previous exposure to technology and might question whether they can find a place in this field. I can confidently say it's possible-there's work for everyone, and the world needs it!

How does your work at Fortinet contribute to our core values of innovation, teamwork, and openness?

Working in marketing naturally aligns with these values. As my director says, "Marketing can't work alone." To innovate in everything we do, we need collaboration. We can't create something transformative if we're not open and don't work as a team.

What do you like about the culture at Fortinet?

I appreciate the open environment, the freedom to propose new ideas and projects, and having leaders who listen and engage with us.

What role has training and mentoring played in your career?

Training and mentoring have been fundamental. I had never worked in technology before joining Fortinet, and I'm fortunate to have a leadership team committed to investing in my development within the company.

How have you grown professionally while in your role?

I believe in the importance of listening to others-my teammates, leaders, and colleagues in other areas. Lifelong learning, one of my core values, involves sharing knowledge with others. The more we interact and learn from each other, the more we grow.

What advice would you give to your younger self about working in cybersecurity?

There's a field you probably haven't heard of yet, but it's well worth exploring and studying. Even if people say it's a field for men or requires superhuman intelligence, don't believe it. You can be and do whatever you want, even in marketing and communications.

Cybersecurity offers diverse roles and career pathways to individuals interested in positively impacting the world while making a living.Learn more about careers at Fortinet.