Welcome to National Engineers Week 2024! This year, we celebrate under the theme "Welcome to the Future," emphasizing the appreciation of current accomplishments while paving the path for a more diverse and radiant future in engineering.
We’re excited to spotlight CDW coworkers, Connie Reid, Associate Consulting Engineer - Contact Center and, Jay Guida, Consulting Engineer – Network Security, as they share their inspirations for pursuing engineering and their excitement for the future of technology.
Connie Reid
Associate Consulting Engineer – Contact Center
Who or what inspired you to get into engineering as a career?
I have a deep-rooted appreciation for technology, stemming from my childhood experiences accompanying my mother to her workplace. She began her career as a keypunch operator with the city of Dallas, working on early IBM mainframes. Despite the deafening noise of the machines, I was fascinated by the intricate operations taking place. Over time, I observed my mother's journey as she transitioned from a keypunch operator to a skilled computer programmer. Her dedication and perseverance inspired me to pursue a career in technology myself. These early experiences instilled in me a profound respect for the evolution of technology and its transformative power in our lives.
What changes have you seen in the technology industry that you are most proud of?
One of the technological advancements that I take pride in is the exponential growth of the Internet. The Internet has revolutionized the way we communicate, collaborate, and access information on a global scale. Its transformative impact spans across various sectors, from commerce and education to healthcare and entertainment. As a testament to human ingenuity and innovation, the Internet has made possible access to knowledge, fostered connectivity among individuals and communities worldwide, and paved the way for unprecedented opportunities and advancements.
What are you most excited about for the future of engineering & technology?
The future of technology and engineering holds immense promise, with several domains poised to revolutionize both our personal lives and the operational dynamics of businesses.
The advancements in Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering represent a profound leap forward. These fields are no longer relegated to the realms of science fiction but are active areas of research and development with the potential to address and rectify a myriad of health issues and diseases. The ability to modify genetic material to eradicate diseases or extend human health spans is a monumental shift in our approach to medicine and personal well-being. This area holds particular significance for me, as it heralds a future where enhanced health and longevity could become a universal reality.
Additionally, the adoption of AI and ML technologies is a strategic move towards optimizing operations, gaining deeper insights into consumer behavior, and personalizing customer interactions. The integration of AI into business processes is not just about efficiency; it's about enabling businesses to flourish by making informed, data-driven decisions and enhancing the customer experience in innovative ways.
In essence, the advancements in these fields are set to illuminate the path forward, offering brighter prospects for individual well-being and business success. The excitement lies not just in the technological innovation itself but in the potential of these developments to improve quality of life and transform business landscapes for the better.
"Remain focused on your intended destination, understanding that every step, even those taken amidst uncertainty, is a valuable part of your journey toward achieving your aspirations."
– Connie Reid, Associate Consulting Engineer - Contact Center at CDW
What advice would you give your younger self looking back at your journey to where you are now?
The advice I would offer to my younger self centers on the importance of steadfastness in one's journey. Often, a lack of confidence in our choices can lead to distractions, deviating us from our path and consequently delaying our progress toward goals that were within our reach much earlier. It is crucial to trust in the decisions we make, have confidence that we are making the best decisions based on circumstances and to remain focused on our intended destination, understanding that every step, even those taken amidst uncertainty, is a valuable part of our journey toward achieving our aspirations.
Jay Guida
Consulting Engineer, Network Security
Who or what inspired you to get into engineering as a career?
I was about 12 years old during the “dot com” boom of 2000 – I’ve been around computers all my life. I pursued a career in music prior to cybersecurity but when it didn’t pan out, I dove headfirst into my IT journey. My first big certification was Cisco CCNA: Routing & Switching. I fell in love with networking during my studies.
What changes have you seen in the technology industry that you are most proud of?
The increased importance of cybersecurity and securing data has been exciting to watch unfold. Larger companies must act responsibly when securing and storing consumer data. They also must be held responsible for their inability to keep that data secure.
The European Union’s GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is the toughest privacy and security law in the world. It was put into effect in 2018 and aims to protect consumer data while also holding companies and firms accountable for malpractice.
Institutions must continue to forge ahead with drafting similar regulations to help improve data security. While protecting data is a difficult task, there are far too many data leaks happening currently.
What are you most excited about for the future of engineering & technology?
Like most people, I’m excited to see how Artificial Intelligence (AI) I changes the cybersecurity world. Machine Learning (ML) has been implemented in several security products and can help detect threats quicker by analyzing various amounts of data in real time. I’m excited to see how security vendors leverage AI to improve Machine Learning and make our security products more effective.
Saying that, with every new development, improvement and implementation of AI solutions, new threats will emerge as malicious actors try to leverage the same technology. Executive Order 14110, “Safe, Secure, And Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)” is a step in the right direction to ensure companies and agencies are managing the risks and security of AI solutions.
"Believe that you are the biggest proponent of your success. You must know where you are, where you want to be and believe in your abilities to get there. With every failure comes an opportunity to learn and grow."
– Jay Guida, Consulting Engineer, Network Security at CDW
What advice would you give your younger self looking back at your journey to where you are now?
It took me until my early 20’s to really believe that you are the biggest proponent of your success. You must know where you are, where you want to be and believe in your abilities to get there. With every failure comes an opportunity to learn and grow. When I was younger, it was difficult for me to accept failed experiences. As I’ve grown older, a failed opportunity, or experience, is a catapult to push me forward and further grow both personally and professionally.
– CDW Coworkers
