As a self-proclaimed introvert, Lisa DiNezza often has shied away from professional networking and seeking mentors.
But when DiNezza recently found herself in job-searching mode, she summoned the courage to reach out to professionals who might strengthen her network. Those efforts paid off when DiNezza landed a new position as senior IT audit specialist at the University of Pennsylvania in February 2019.
“I really had to force myself just to go to networking events,” DiNezza said. “That’s one of the reasons I never delved into it much. You have to step out of your comfort zone and force yourself to make new connections. If the person isn’t receptive to you, don’t take it too personally – even though it’s hard not to--just keep trying.”
DiNezza, who transitioned to academia after around 20 years working in clinical quality assurance in the pharmaceutical industry, came to realize that the rewards of attending conferences and networking events often outweigh any initial nerves of striking up conversations with new people.
Sometimes, just being in the right place at the time can pay dividends. Early in her career, DiNezza was working toward a master’s degree when an instructor teaching a course on computer validation emerged as a mentor who helped interest her in the IT audit field. That instructor, Maryann McKendry, would later become her manager.
“I think it was the first time somebody took an active interest in helping me develop my career and promoting my success. That was very beneficial in terms of putting me on a career path and just providing positive reinforcement and suggestions for where to take my career,” DiNezza said. “I’ve been lucky because several mentors have appeared in my life and I’ve recognized that this person is a good person to tap into. I would say, though, even if they don’t appear in your life, if you’re interested in a certain field, you can do some research to find out who would be a good person to touch base with.”
DiNezza’s ISACA connections also played a big role in her new position with the university. She credits earning the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification shortly before landing the job as a key qualification, and said the knowledge she gained in the process proved helpful in her transition after having spent many years on audits focused on laboratory settings and clinical trials.
“It gave me a different perspective on IT audit after being in the same industry, in the same type of role, for so many years. I always thought of IT audit from a quality assurance auditor’s perspective, but when I was going through the test exam questions, I realized I had to approach it from an IT professional’s perspective,” DiNezza said. “It broadened my outlook on IT audit after being focused on one role in one industry.”
DiNezza relishes her new role at the university, saying she gets to “interact with some really brilliant and innovative people.” She enjoys working with various schools within the university as well as the university’s healthcare system. All things considered, the career change has treated her quite well, with the possible exception of a lengthy train commute from her home to the university campus.
“I sleep or I read or I do something productive to kind of offset the long train ride,” DiNezza said. “The commute is long, but I really like the job I’m doing, and I really like the people that I work with.”
As much as DiNezza has come to appreciate the importance of networking and meeting new people, those commutes offer the opportunity to take a deep breath.
“I often revert to my introvert self and ride in the quiet car on the train,” she said.