Our "Life at Fortinet" blog series features conversations with team members from around the world. The series explores how each individual's education, experience, and enthusiasm help make Fortinet one of the top cybersecurity providers worldwide.

In addition to being Cybersecurity Awareness Month, this week is Cybersecurity Career Week. To better understand the various career pathways available in cyber, we recently spoke with Yang Xue, a senior software dev quality assurance engineer based at our HQ offices in Sunnyvale, California.

Yang explains why she thinks Fortinet is a great place to work, how she feels about her role at the company, and what she believes is unique about the cybersecurity industry and the Fortinet culture, which is built upon three core values: teamwork, innovation, and openness.
 

What led you to a career in cybersecurity at Fortinet?

I studied cybersecurity during my undergraduate and graduate programs, developing a strong foundation and passion for the field. Fortinet is one of the top companies in cybersecurity, known for its innovative solutions and leadership in the industry. Joining Fortinet was a natural choice for me because it offers the perfect environment to apply my skills, learn from the best, and contribute to cutting-edge cybersecurity advancements. I'm excited to be part of a team that's making a significant impact in protecting organizations worldwide.

What are some common misconceptions people have about working in cybersecurity?

While many people think cybersecurity professionals are primarily hackers or focus solely on breaking into systems, in reality, cybersecurity encompasses a wide range of activities, including risk management, compliance, incident response, and user education.

What do you find most rewarding about your job?

I am a QA engineer, working on an automation test and analysis system to make sure our device is reliable, secure, and performs optimally. The most rewarding part of my job is knowing that my efforts contribute to delivering high-quality products that our customers can trust and rely on.

Can you share what it's like to be a woman working in the technology sector?

As more women enter the technology sector, there's a growing sense of community and camaraderie. It's reassuring to know that you're not alone and that there are opportunities to connect with others who share similar experiences and interests.

I work alongside many female colleagues. We are in different teams, and during our lunch breaks, we often engage in yoga and stretching exercises. It's a time when we discuss topics that are important to us as women. These informal conversations continue over coffee breaks, fostering a supportive environment.
 

How does your work at Fortinet contribute to our core values of innovation, teamwork, and openness?

My managers, who are exceptionally smart, knowledgeable, and patient, embody these values daily. They encourage continuous learning and generously share their expertise, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment within our team. We actively integrate new technologies into our workflows to enhance efficiency and stay at the forefront of industry developments. This commitment to innovation and openness improves our daily operations and ensures that we are constantly evolving and adapting to meet new challenges and opportunities.

What role has training and mentoring played in your career?

We have weekly online knowledge-sharing meetings that continually enhance my skills and keep me updated with the latest developments in the field.

What advice would you give to your high school self after working in cybersecurity?

During high school, I recommend you try more things and find the field you are most interested in. Always try to set up an environment on your own and do the tests. Sometimes it looks very easy in the instruction video, but when you work on it, you may encounter many problems. Try to fix them and don't give up.

Ready to join a world leader in cybersecurity? Explore exciting career opportunities with Fortinet and become part of a team that's shaping the future of digital security. Discover open roles and apply today!