Empowering women in tech: Sam’s journey to becoming a Senior Cybersecurity Engineer

Sam T.'s path to a career in cybersecurity has been anything but conventional. After earning a degree in Law and Society from Purdue University, she discovered her passion for technology while taking an elective coding class in her final year. Although the class was challenging, Sam found inspiration in a female professor, an IT role model who encouraged her to pursue a career in technology. Motivated by this guidance, Sam went on to earn a second degree in Information Technology from Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI).

While studying at IUPUI, Sam gained hands-on experience working as a product advisor at a local tech company. There, she honed her skills in simplifying technical concepts for non-technical users. Sam also became involved in outreach programs that introduced young people to coding. She led efforts like teaching kids how to code through Minecraft and organizing gaming tournaments. Her work in these programs fueled her passion for technology and education, an interest she continues to nurture today.

It was at a career fair where Sam’s path took a decisive turn. During her time at IUPUI, she attended a Cummins career fair and, after speaking with the team, secured an internship with the company’s IT Functional Excellence Team. Through her internship, Sam developed a connection with the head of Cybersecurity Engineering, who was impressed by her technical background and ambition. “The internship allowed me to learn a lot more about the cybersecurity field,” Sam recalls. “By the end of it, I had a job offer to work full-time in the Cybersecurity Department.”

Today, Sam works as a Senior Cybersecurity Engineer, a role she’s been in for almost three years. Her work involves helping to protect Cummins’ assets, people and software from cyber-attacks by implementing security tools to safeguard the company against both external and internal threats. She’s passionate about cybersecurity and loves teaching others about the importance of staying safe online. “I love talking about cybersecurity and encouraging others to be safer on computers and the internet,” she says. “Even though I’m introverted, I always jump at the chance to present webinars or participate in outreach programs.”

Sam's workday begins with a cup of coffee and a check on any major security incidents that might need her attention. Throughout the day, she works on various tasks, from troubleshooting security issues to supporting the deployment of new security tools. Recently, she’s been focused on rolling out a new Anti-Virus tool across the company, a project that involves collaborating with various teams to ensure the tool integrates smoothly into production systems. “There’s always something new and exciting to tackle in this field,” Sam notes. “I enjoy working with different departments to address challenges and ensure that our security tools meet the company’s needs.”

One of the reasons Sam enjoys working at Cummins is the culture of collaboration within her team. “I think cybersecurity is one of the best departments to work in,” she says. “Everyone works so well together, and there’s a strong sense of teamwork. We support each other whenever needed.” This team-oriented environment extends beyond work tasks as well, as the cybersecurity team is involved in charitable initiatives, including the company’s Angels of Love program during the holiday season.

In her role, Sam also enjoys participating in recruitment events and employee resource groups. “I love being involved in recruitment and connecting with students, especially when I can help them understand the many possibilities in technology,” she shares. Her passion for advocating for women in tech is a cornerstone of her career and she is committed to encouraging more women to enter the field. “Cybersecurity can benefit greatly from more diversity, particularly more women in leadership roles,” she adds. “I’d love to see more women in senior positions in this field, and I hope to play a role in making that happen.”

Looking ahead, Sam is excited about the future of cybersecurity, particularly in areas like cloud security. “I’m really interested in how cybersecurity will evolve in the cloud space,” she notes. “It’s an area I want to dive deeper into and continue exploring as I grow in my career.” As the cybersecurity landscape constantly changes, Sam remains focused on learning and developing new skills. “I try to stay up to date on the latest trends and technologies, and I always look for ways to improve my knowledge.”

Sam’s journey highlights her commitment to protecting Cummins’ assets while educating others on the importance of cybersecurity. She is equally passionate about advocating for more women to pursue careers in technology. “This is a field where women can truly make a difference,” she emphasizes. “The cybersecurity industry needs more gender diversity, and I believe we’re headed in the right direction.”

When asked about her experience at Cummins, Sam encourages others to consider joining the company. “Cummins offers a wealth of opportunities,” she says. “Whether it’s through the company’s innovation initiatives or its strong focus on sustainability, it’s a great place to grow your career.” She also praises the resources available to employees, particularly those that support skill development, mental health and work-life balance. “Cummins supports employees in so many ways,” Sam shares. “From the flexibility of remote work to a strong focus on mental health, they really prioritize employee well-being.”

Through her work at Cummins, Sam has developed both professionally and personally. Her role has helped her build key skills in project management, communication and cross-team collaboration. She’s also become more comfortable with leadership responsibilities and feels confident in her ability to guide her team. “I’ve learned so much about working with others and how to navigate challenges,” she reflects. “These experiences have shaped me into the professional I am today.”

As she continues to make an impact at Cummins, Sam’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the value of following your passions and embracing new opportunities. “I’m proud of the work we do,” she says. “It’s exciting to know that what we’re doing in cybersecurity is helping to make the world a safer place.” With a bright future ahead, Sam’s journey in cybersecurity is just beginning.