Pedro Ortega
Concho Resources
Plano, TX USA
"Sometimes you just have to take the plunge. Like bungee jumping...once you make that jump and you’re going down, then you’ll sort out everything else."
Career Roadmap
Pedro's work combines: Technology, Business, and Problem Solving
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Information Technology
Western Governors University
Graduate Degree
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance
Western Governors University
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Senior Cybersecurity Engineer:
Bachelor's Degree: Information Technology
Graduate Degree: Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
I was born and raised in Texas.
2.
My interest in computers started when I was young; my parents bought a laptop for me when I was about nine years old—the only programs I had were a word processor, spreadsheet, and Hangman!
3.
As I got a little bit older, my interest in computers grew and I started playing around with the internet and various software programs.
4.
When I went to college, I started off with a degree in programming—my studies were very contingent on the fast, fluctuating growth of computers and the internet.
5.
I got my first job at a bank and started gaining experience in IT as it pertained to corporate America—I started as a help desk technician and kept working my way up the ladder.
6.
After years of working, I was motivated to further my education and open up better opportunities for my family—I discovered Western Governors University’s online college program.
7.
While balancing my day job and family obligations, I was able to gain a bachelor’s degree in IT security and a master’s degree in cybersecurity and information assurance from WGU in just four years!
8.
Now I work as a senior cybersecurity engineer for Concho Resources, where I spend my time protecting our network from security threats.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
You just have to power through the hardships.
How I responded:
After going back to school, I had a lot on my plate and wanted to get it all done quickly. I hit a huge bump in the road when I kept failing my certifications. My mentor recommended I take a break to relax a bit. After taking a break and talking to others who had completed the courses, I was able to pass the certifications with no problem. Trying to power through everything can work but it's important to realize when to step back. It was a hard lesson for me to learn, but an invaluable one.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
When I decided to go back to school, I knew it would be a struggle because I'd have to work during the day, spend time with my wife and kids in the evenings, and then do school work late into the night. The flexibility of WGU's program helped vastly.