If it had not been for Scott Moody, I would have never gotten this far in my career.
In 2014, I met Scott, the ISACA Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Chapter President, who invited me to lunch to connect, learn more about each other’s backgrounds and experiences, discuss career and volunteer opportunities, and how I could get involved with the Chapter. At that time, the chapter needed assistance with chapter operations like putting together programs to educate its members. Over the next couple years, I was given a wide variety of volunteer opportunities that sharpened my skills in so many areas, including leadership, problem-solving and developing my communication skills.
My career progression has grown exponentially since being involved with ISACA. My career path would have been different had I not been involved. In fact, I might still have been a finance auditor had I not taken a risk to learn about information technology and security.
ISACA has taught me about collaboration and strategy—two things that I deeply value. I still volunteer extensively through ISACA, and I really value the teamwork and camaraderie that comes with striving toward a particular goal and figuring out how we can achieve it by working together.
Outside of my passion for volunteering, another passion of mine is chess. When I was studying at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, I competed in chess tournaments, and it is an ongoing hobby that has helped shape my mindset as a professional. If I ever have any down time, it is playing chess. I just love to think strategically and think outside the box, because in my line of work, if you’re able to think strategically and have that critical thinking capability, you will go far.
My advice is this: if you have an opportunity to be involved with ISACA at the local chapter level, I highly recommend it. Volunteering as a chapter leader builds confidence and networking skills. If you are a young professional, I highly recommend getting involved as a chapter leader early on in your career, because once you start your own family and take on additional work responsibilities, it becomes a challenge to grow in that space.
I prioritize family, the pursuit of lifelong learning and career growth. ISACA is a provider of learning and career development, which is why I have a desire to give back and contribute to ISACA and the professions it serves.
Scott helped me put my life on a whole new trajectory, and I want to pay it forward and be a Scott Moody to the next generation of ISACA professionals.