Analyzing Potential Career Paths - Essay Example

? Potential Career Paths Supervisor] Current of ICT sector The world we live in today has seen some significant changes over the past decade or so. The decade has seen the creation and dissolution of the internet bubble and the emergence of countries such as India and China as the leading providers of ICT equipment and services. The revolution within the IT industry has had a phenomenal impact on all aspects of an individual’s life. From health care to public relations every profession has been given a complete makeover due to the increase in popularity of ICT sector (Lanvin, Dutta, & Bilbao-Osorio, 2013). One of the most significant impacts the ICT has had is on the world of business. The adoption of ICT methodologies in business has seen the conversion of small enterprises to large multinational corporations in a matter of years. The economic crises of 2008 brought with it new challenges not only for businesses around the globe but also for the ICT industry (Lanvin, Dutta, & Bilbao-Osorio, 2013). In these crucial times businesses are looking to gain competitive edge over their rivals and obtain as much of the market share as possible. To achieve these objectives they heavily rely on innovative techniques that can only be provided by the ICT industries. These factors have contributed to the growth of the industry and have accelerated the progress of the industry to great speeds (Lanvin, Dutta, & Bilbao-Osorio, 2013). Issues of ICT sector: One of the main issues that have plagued the industry is the integrity of personal and corporate data. Data that is converted into digital format is usually vulnerable to a number of threats from different sources. Even with different security measures implemented there is no guarantee that the data would not be accessed by unauthorized personnel (Mathieu & Woodard, 1993). Another issue that the industry faces is its bad reputation regarding satisfaction of customer needs. In a number of cases customers complain that large corporations fail to meet their demands and provide an end product that is of no use to them (Norton, 2011). This usually gives the sector and those working in it somewhat a bad name. Moreover IT professionals tend to communicate with the customer in an arrogant manner portraying as if customers are of less intelligence because they are unaware of the basic fundamentals of IT sector. The customers may be oblivious to these fundamental facts but treating them in such a manner increases their ill feelings towards the IT professional they are dealing with. This adds to the deteriorating image of the industry as a whole (Norton, 2011). Since the invention of internet, mainframe and personal computers one trend has been seen increasing within the ICT industry every year and that is the complexity of software and hardware produced. The complex nature of products that are developed increases each year. This causes a huge dilemma for professionals working within the industry (Norton, 2011). These professionals must have thorough knowledge of all these products in order to be efficient at their jobs. However due to the increased complexities of these products companies need to hire entire teams and teamwork with one’s peers have become a lot more vital than it ever was(Norton, 2011). Description of SAP AG SAP AG is one of the leading software development companies. The foundation of the company was laid in 1972 and since then it has been providing businesses all around the world with IT solutions. One of its most popular software products is the SAP enterprise resource planning application systems and management (PR Carbon, 2013). The company has its headquarters in Walldorf, Germany however the company offers its services to a number of companies across the globe. The company has divided its operations with respect to four geographic regions it has created EMEA, America, LAC and APJ. EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) as the name suggests, operates within the Middle Eastern and the African regions. America region covers most of the North American continent and carries out operations in Canada and United States. LAC (Latin America and Caribbean) region deals with the companies in South America and the Caribbean islands. APJ (Asia Pacific and Japan) this region covers the Asian and Australian continents and is probably the largest region where the company operates (SAP, 2011). Moreover, the company possesses around 120 subsidiaries which are in direct contact with the parent company. The company’s research and development facilities are spread across the globe (SAP, 2011). The total number of employees working for the company is approximately 64,598 (NYSE, 2013). Prevailing organizational culture: The prevailing culture at the organization can be somewhat related to a hierarchical oriented culture. The company’s top management focuses on strict control with additional emphasis on the efficiency and productivity of individuals. A proper chain of command is implemented within the organization where roles are defined for each individual (Carroll & Harrison, 2006). Moreover, great importance is given to general rules of conducting business activities. The top management at the company bank on their power and position to help them organize the integral activities within the organization and manage various issues related to their employees (Carroll & Harrison, 2006). Since the formation of the company in 1972 the company has utilized its resources and has made its mission to perfect their final products. This further supported the management’s decision of implementing and encouraging the growth of a hierarchical culture (Shmitt & Rogers, 2009). In addition to promoting a hierarchical structure the management also tries to promote innovative thinking amongst its employees and developers. By providing innovative solutions to its customers the company helps these customers gain a competitive edge over their rivals (Commonwealth of Australia, 2011). Moreover, the management believes that by promoting an innovative culture they could get an input from employees regarding any processes that can be carried out in a much more cost efficient and faster manner (Commonwealth of Australia, 2011). These two factors combined form an organizational culture that is makes use of hierarchical culture to ensure that discipline is maintained amongst employees at all levels and overall productivity of the company also keeps on increasing. In addition developers and project managers are encouraged to propose innovative ideas regarding processes that are executed at the company and IT solutions provided to the company’s clients. Internal structure of the organization: The organization makes use of a divisional structure to ensure that all operations are carried out as efficiently as possible. Divisional structure allows the company to tackle problems that arise in different regions in accordance to the situation and culture bounds of those regions (Ireland, Hoskisson, & Hitt, 2012). In addition to ease in management the company is able to easily meet the needs of operations within that division. Since an entire team focuses on the problems of a particular region, different perspectives are given on a problem that arises. The continuous interaction of team members of a particular division enables them to form an environment that suits them and helps them coordinate better with each other. This environment also helps increase the overall morale of the division (Ireland, Hoskisson, & Hitt, 2012). Working at SAP AG as an information security analyst Brief introduction: Information security analysts at SAP AG work with customers that require the implementation of a secure network within their organization. Usually information security analyst are a part of an entire team that in basic terms is rented out to other organizations to work for them on a particular project or aid them in it. The team comprises of a number of individuals that are trained to understand the potential threats that the company could face. Furthermore they also classify data of the company into different categories that allow them to decide how valuable a piece of data is and sets the security level of that data accordingly (New England College, 2013). Job description: The job of an information security analyst is to analyze the systems and working of an organization’s network and locate any vulnerability within the security of those networks. A security analyst has to view the network from a hacker’s perspective to know exactly what entry points the hacker can make use of to gain access to the network and possibly obtain access to the data or cause harm to the network itself. Information security analyst has the responsibility of overlooking all other aspects of security that is they must monitor individuals that are implementing security measures within the network (New England College, 2013). The job of an information security analyst can sometimes be demanding. An information security analyst has to be up to date regarding new security measures that can help protect a network and latest techniques that are being used by hackers to gain access to an organization’s network (New England College, 2013). Structural location of job: The information security analyst is responsible for overlooking the activities of all security administrators and senior security administrators. Security administrators and senior security administrators are responsible for monitoring the security of the entire system and making sure that all components of network’s security are working fine. The position of senior information security analyst monitors the activities of an information security analyst. Overall the position of an information security analyst can be considered as a managerial position (Infosec institute, 2010). (Infosec institute, 2010) Daily tasks involved: The initial steps that are taken by an information security analyst when assessing the security of a network is that he or she becomes familiar with the security measures that are implemented on the network of the organization. This involves the process of knowing who has access to a particular resource available on the network (New England College, 2013). Once aware of the systems schematics they must locate the weak spots of the network. Recommendations are then made to ensure that these weak points are not exploited by anyone to gain unauthorized access to the network. Policies and protocols are then proposed to ensure that human error does not lead to a breach in the network’s security. Finally steps and procedures are set up that are to be followed in case there is a breach in the security’s network (New England College, 2013). Strengths and weaknesses of the job: Information security analysts tend to learn a lot from working in their field. The challenges they face at their jobs helps them polish their skills and help them become professionals. In addition to learning experience information security analysts are in high demand with a number of companies big and small hiring information security analysts to protect their data from unauthorized access. One of the major weaknesses of the job is being on call. Information security analysts that are on call could be asked to report for work at odd times of the day. Usually such a scenario occurs when there is a breach within the security of the network. In such a scenario information security analyst has to track the perpetrator and implement new security measures to ensure that such an attack does not happen again. Conclusion: With more and more companies opting and relying on the latest technology to help them obtain a competitive advantage over their rivals network security has become a real issue. This increases the demand for professional that can help manage large organizations with the security of their data and their network resources. This in turn gives rise to companies such as SAP AG who provide security solutions to other companies. The position of an information security analyst fits the plan I have seen for myself in the near future. This position would act as a stepping stone through which I would be able to make my career. This position would help me gain experience not only in the field of networking but also in the field of business. Once equipped with adequate experience I would be able to climb the corporate ladder and become an information security director or even the CIO of a large organization such as SAP AG. Reference List Carroll, G., & Harrison, J. (2006). Culture and Demography in Organizations. Princeton: Princeton University Press. Commonwealth of Australia. (2011). Business innovation. Melbourne: Commonwealth of Australia. Retrieved from innovation.gov.au: http://www.innovation.gov.au/innovation/policy/AustralianInnovationSystemReport/AISR2011/chapter-3-business-innovation/innovation-is-the-means-to-deliver-profit-productivity-and-other-benefits-to-business-2/index.html Infosec institute. (2010, June 30). Security Architect. Retrieved October 6, 2013, from infosecinstitute.com: http://www.infosecinstitute.com/jobs/security-architect.html Ireland, R. D., Hoskisson, R. E., & Hitt, M. A. (2012). Understanding Business Strategy Concepts Plus, 3rd ed.: Concepts Plus. Boston: Cengage Learning. Lanvin, B., Dutta, S., & Bilbao-Osorio, B. (2013). The Global Information Technology Report 2013 Growth and Jobs in a Hyperconnected World. Geneva: World Economic Forum. Mathieu, R. G., & Woodard, R. L. (1993). Data integrity and the Internet:: implications for management. Information Management & Computer Security, 3-7. New England College. (2013, August 21). Information Security Analyst Career Outlook and Salary. Retrieved October 6, 2013, from newenglandcollegeonline.com: http://www.newenglandcollegeonline.com/information-security-analyst-job-description-and-salary/ Norton, A. (2011, April 19). 10 challenges facing IT. Retrieved October 3, 2013, from techrepublic.com: http://www.techrepublic.com/10-things/10-challenges-facing-it/ NYSE. (2013, October 4). SAP AG (ADR). Retrieved October 5, 2013, from google.com: https://www.google.com/finance?q=NYSE%3ASAP&ei=NqRPUpjoLsmCwAO_OQ PR Carbon. (2013, February 10). SAP to Expand Customer-Centric Regional Events and Visibility in 2013 Instead of Holding SAPPHIRE NOW from Madrid in 2013. Retrieved October 3, 2013, from prcarbon.com: http://www.prcarbon.com/press/sap-to-expand-customer-centric-regional-events-and-visibility-in-2013-instead-of-holding-sapphire-now-from-madrid-in-2013-1003711.html SAP. (2011, December 22). Management Report. Retrieved October 5, 2013, from sapannualreport.com: http://www.sapannualreport.com/2011/en/management-report/assets-finances-and-operating-results.html Shmitt, B. H., & Rogers, D. (2009). SAP: Building a Leading Technology . New York: Colombia University. Appendix 1 Time table of initial contact and interview: Date Purpose of interview Details 28/09/2013 Introduction and tour of the organization. It was the first meeting with the officials of the organization. Introductions were made and tour and workings of the organization were explained. The purpose of each core departments was explained and Introduction to various department employees was provided and their roles within those departments further elaborated. 30/09/2013 Collection of information about the security department of the organization. A more detailed tour was conducted where I was allowed to take down notes regarding the exact workings of the security department at the organization. The notes were related to the norms and culture that was exhibited within the department. Details such as interaction between employees and their working habits were observed and noted for developing the questionnaire. 1/10/2013 Assignment of a mentor and the interview. During the second meeting a mentor was assigned. The mentor was supposed to answer any queries and questions I had about the organization. Furthermore, the mentor was also supposed to help resolve any issues I had about working in information security department of the organization. The issues were mainly regarding the field of information security and the troubles that new entrants face while applying for the job. 2/10/2013 Analysis of initial answers and further questions. The answers of the initial questions were analyzed and further questions were formed on the basis of those analysis. These questions were more in depth and helped obtain information about the workings in detail. These questions were planned after the first sitting of the interview to obtain any new information. 5/10/2013 Compilation of interviews and follow up. At the final meeting review of all the answers was conducted and it was made sure that no question was left unanswered. Moreover, a confirmation was carried out to check if my understanding of their workings was thorough and issues regarding the field were clearly defined. E-mail sent: Respected sir/madam, My name is Saud Alanzi and I am currently enrolled in the Cyber Forensics & Information Management program at Murdoch University. I am writing this e-mail to ask your permission to conduct an interview of one of your employees working within the information security department. The purpose of the interview is to obtain insight on the future prospective of working within the field of network security. The information provided in the interview could heavily influence the career choices I make for my future. If you would look at my resume that I have attached with this email you would notice that I have completed a number of courses that are related computer network and information security. The field has intrigued me since my days in high school. After my graduation I am seriously thinking of exploring this line of work. I carried out a little research online and SAP AG is one of the largest organizations of the IT industry. Furthermore the company has an excellent reputation regarding the information security solutions that it provides to its clients. An interview with a professional from a company of your caliber would definitely provide me with an insight regarding the future prospects of the field of information security. The interview would comprise of general questions regarding operations at SAP AG and the cultural norms of the company. Interrogating information on the cultural norms would help me determine how different aspects of the company affect an individual’s work and his or her daily routine. I promise you the interview would not, in any way, hinder your company’s operations. The total duration of the interview would be of two hours at the most and an hour at the very least. The interview can be carried out in one sitting or it can be conducted over a span of more than one meeting depending on the preferences of the interviewee. I assure you this interview is not in any way an attempt to secure a position within your organization. The purpose of this interview is purely academic and would contribute to my knowledge regarding the future prospects of my career in the field of network security and information technology. Please find attached my CV and scanned copies of my academic documents. I look forward to hearing from you. Best regards Saud Alanzi Appendix 2 Questionnaire: 1. In your opinion how well do you think the organization’s goals have been defined to the employees? Are these goals implemented in the daily operations and activities carried out by employees at the organization? 2. What activities and services are performed by the information security department? 3. What attributes of services provided by the department are most valuable to the organization’s customers? 4. While hiring, what are the skills and personal characteristics that the organization considers crucial for such a job? 5. How would you describe the management style adapted by SAP AG? 6. What is the organizational structure that has been implemented by the organization? 7. What cultural norms of the organization do you think affect the performance of an individual working in the information security department? 8. Given the organizational structure adopted by the company, would you say that your department has developed a culture of their own? 9. Has this culture ever hindered the operations of the department or the organization as a whole? 10. Is it normal for employees to work overtime in your line of work? Is the trend same at SAP AG? 11. Does the job have any significant impact on an individual’s personal life? How can one find balance between the two? 12. What sources do you personally think are the best to keep updated about the workings and findings within the field? 13. How crucial is experience for this line of work? 14. How is one supposed to market themselves in such a line of work? 15. Would you consider this field of work stable? 16. What future trends do you see within the field of information security? 17. How are these trends likely to affect those entering this field? Read More