Canoe

I've been with Canoe for six months now, and I've experienced substantial professional growth in that short time. My role is unique, as I serve as both the technical recruiter and the HR business partner for our commercial organization. This dual responsibility has allowed me to collaborate with colleagues across a wide range of departments, giving me valuable insight into both the product and engineering organization and the commercial organization.

Additionally, in my short time with Canoe, I've had the chance to work on large-scale projects, including the critical migration we made from relying on a professional employer organization to having our own HR information system and benefits, giving us full control over the benefits that we offer our employees. This project required significant coordination across multiple departments, ensuring a smooth transition to meet the needs of our workforce.

I can safely say that I had no clue just how much work it takes to get a project like this over the finish line, and this experience is something that I will take with me wherever I go.

The information technology and security space is classically male-dominated, although it's becoming less so by the day. Since entering this field, I have always been acutely aware that in order to be heard, I couldn't just be "good" at my job — I would have to excel.

I always bring my best into work every day because I believe my attitude, work ethic and know-how will shatter any predispositions. It's not easy, and I've had more than my fair share of awkward or belittling interactions, but I'm always learning and growing with the support of my team at Canoe!

At the moment, I am really enjoying being as hands-on and technical as possible. Analyzing suspicious events, restructuring technological workflows and sending out security public service announcements about the latest threats are all parts of my job that make me feel the most fulfilled.

I'm grateful to be allowed to tackle such challenges as valuable hands-on experience, as well as have professional training and textbooks at my disposal. Canoe is invested in my future, no matter where I want my career path to go, whether that be as an engineer, an architect, a manager or, eventually, a chief information security officer.

For me, it has been a "when you know, you know" experience. The difference between a company that values you as an individual and one that does not is completely night and day. My advice would be to speak up and speak your mind as often as possible.

Be thoughtful, ask questions, and don't be afraid to be wrong. How people respond to you after failure is the ultimate indicator of whether or not you will be able to flourish. Trust your gut!

A supportive team at a company that cares is out there waiting for you.