In our ongoing "Life at Fortinet" blog series, we talk with team members from around the world to shed light on Fortinet's unique culture, which is based on teamwork, innovation, and openness. We also ask our colleagues to reveal the various career pathways people can take to forge careers at Fortinet and in the larger cybersecurity industry.

We recently spoke with Juan Ibarra, Fortinet's senior manager of business development in Latin America (Latam). We learned why Juan thinks Fortinet was the right place for him to begin his rewarding cybersecurity career.
 

What led you to a career in cybersecurity at Fortinet?

My journey into cybersecurity at Fortinet was a bold leap from my established career in business process outsourcing, operations, sales, customer service, and telemarketing for sales.

Initially, I was uncertain about making such a significant change. However, meeting Fortinet's inspiring leadership team during my interview process was the catalyst I needed. Their vision and passion for the company's mission resonated deeply with me. As I researched more about the company's core values and saw how they permeated everyday operations, I knew this was the right place for me to embark on an exciting cybersecurity journey.

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

A common misconception is that cybersecurity is a one-person job. People often think that a single expert in an organization can handle all cybersecurity needs. In reality, cybersecurity is a collaborative effort requiring diverse specialists for tasks like network security, endpoint security, threat intelligence, and compliance.

Another common misconception is that all you need is technical skills. While these are essential, soft skills-such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork-are equally crucial. Professionals must explain complex issues to nontechnical stakeholders and work together to implement solutions.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that cybersecurity is boring. There's a perception that the field only involves monotonous, repetitive tasks, but the reality is that cybersecurity is dynamic and ever-evolving. It regularly presents new challenges, technologies, and threats. And it requires continuous learning and adaptation.

What do you find most rewarding about your job?

My primary role involves generating new sales pipeline through the enablement of business development representatives (BDRs). The most rewarding aspect of my job is identifying potential customers and raising awareness about the critical importance of cybersecurity across various industries and markets. Turning initial interest into real business opportunities is immensely satisfying.

Additionally, I take great pride in building and empowering my team, equipping them with the necessary soft skills to succeed. Meeting quarterly challenges and contributing significantly to our sales team's pipeline are achievements that continuously drive me.

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

I am incredibly proud of building a highly successful business development operation for Latam from scratch. We adapted our functions to meet sales needs, transforming a traditional BDR operation into one that constantly evolves to understand and cater to sales requirements.

Looking beyond technical skills, what soft skills or qualities do you believe are crucial for success in cybersecurity roles?

The skills that I think are crucial for success in cybersecurity are communication skills, problem-solving and analytical thinking, attention to detail, teamwork and collaboration, adaptability and continuous learning, ethical judgment and integrity, customer service orientation, consultant selling, and relationship building.

What do you like about the culture at Fortinet?

I love how our core values truly shine in our daily operations. Teamwork is palpable, and open, honest conversations are encouraged. Everyone is always ready to help and support one another, sharing their expertise to ensure collective success. The robust training and mentorship culture ensures we are well-equipped to excel in our roles.

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

These core values are fundamental. Innovation is at the heart of our approach. We constantly refine our strategies to maximize marketing tools and resources while staying aligned and focused on our goals. By embracing teamwork, I can ensure seamless collaboration between departments to effectively meet sales needs. And by fostering an environment of openness, I help encourage honest conversations and prioritize internal clients' needs, mirroring the responsiveness expected by our external customers.

What are some cybersecurity practices you follow outside of work?

I use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication on all my email, banking, and social media accounts. I also keep my software updated and ensure all my devices have the latest security patches. And I stay informed and follow reputable cybersecurity news sources, take online courses, and participate in awareness programs.

What role has training and mentoring played in your career?

Training and mentoring have been pivotal in my career at Fortinet. Transitioning from an operational and sales background into another industry-the guidance and support I've received here have been crucial. The continuous availability of training and mentorship has been instrumental in my success and growth.

How have you grown professionally while in your role?

I've gained deep insights into various aspects of cybersecurity, honed my leadership skills to adopt a more tactical approach, and achieved goals I previously thought were unattainable. Each day brings new challenges, keeping me in a constant state of learning.

Ready to join a world leader in cybersecurity? Explore exciting career opportunities with Fortinet and become part of a team that's shaping the future of digital security. Discover open roles and apply today!