From IT Enthusiast to Cyber Security Leader: Jan Madzin’s Story

Jan Madzin is someone who has learned the benefits of stepping outside his comfort zone.

His journey into the field of cyber security involved not only a change in career direction but also a move to a whole new country.

Initially, he travelled to New Zealand for a break and to experience a change of scenery. However, he ended up working in construction and suffered a knee injury, which led him back to his first passion, cyber security.

For Jan, working in cyber security is more than just an interesting occupation. He has discovered his love for helping people and organisations, as well as his natural leadership skills, along the way.

We recently caught up with Jan, and he shared his fascinating journey with us, from studying IT in Slovakia to immigrating to New Zealand and becoming an expert in cyber security and a team leader.

Reading this story, you’ll learn more about Jan’s capstone project on preventing brute force attacks, the discovery of his leadership skills, and the pivotal role played by the Institute of Data’s cyber security program in helping him achieve his dreams.

1. Could you share some information about yourself and where you come from?

I’m originally from Slovakia, where I studied and worked in IT. About five years ago, I decided to come to New Zealand for a holiday because I love travelling, and I wanted to take a break. New Zealand was my escape for a year, and where I ended up meeting my partner. Five years later, I’m still here!

2. Have you always been interested in technology?

From a very early age, I was interested in technology, electronics especially. I was lucky my parents are both very engineering-minded. I remember when I was a boy, my father bought me my first computer with a 30GB hard disk. He told me I would never be able to fill it up! I was fascinated initially by hardware, but this slowly evolved into learning more about other capabilities.

I learned more about hardware and low-level programming language, and at university, I majored in Information Technologies (IT). During the first part of my studies, I focussed on software development, but I wasn’t completely satisfied, so I got involved with networking, which was my main focus for the next three years.

I finished my majors, which were still on programming, but I was more focused on developing new ways to approach object-oriented programming. My university used an approach called component programming.

This is where you can use different programming styles to build blocks that can be combined with other components. I finished my major with this.

In my last year of study, I joined the firewall team and network security at a big telecommunications company in Slovakia.

After a few years working there, I decided I needed a break and wanted to travel. So, I quit and moved to New Zealand.

3. Why did you choose to study with the Institute of Data?

When I first arrived in New Zealand, I wanted a total break from computers. I worked seasonal jobs in construction, where I became the operations manager, and I contracted on my own for a while. After a knee injury, I decided it might be a good time to restore my previous career in IT.

I wanted to focus on cyber security, which had experienced a boom in the last few years. I sent out some CVs and talked to a few people, but I found it difficult to gain any traction in New Zealand without any local experience.

That’s when I discovered the Institute of Data Cyber Security program.

I liked the operational side of cyber security and that you’re responding to life events, to what’s happening around the world.

I also like the idea of helping people and organisations, stopping bad actors and protecting data.

I decided the best way to help was to be on the front line, where I could spread awareness of these types of threats and help businesses and individuals protect against them.

When I found the Institute of Data Cyber Security program, I thought it was a great match. After reading through the content and timelines, I realised everything was a good fit, especially given the program was backed by a university.

4. What are your thoughts on the program?

I completed the full-time three-month program. It’s an intensive course, a bootcamp in partnership with the Auckland University of Technology.

It’s one of the best options out there for those starting from scratch.

I was familiar with the content in the networking module, but the non-technical aspects really opened my mind, and I learned a lot.

5. What were some highlights and lowlights?

I really liked the Institute of Data’s job outcome program. I used this to the full extent as I struggled with understanding the New Zealand market. The team at the Institute of Data were amazing at helping me with this.

I thought it was great that no matter your background, whether you start off as a nurse or a real estate agent, the Institute of Data Cyber Security program will give you the support you need to break into a new industry.

Another highlight was the trainers. They each have many years of industry experience and provided me with hands-on knowledge to guide me every step of the way.

6. Tell us about your capstone project.

My capstone project was on brute force attacks. I used a simulator to set up an attack on a hypothetical network and deployed a feature called SYN cookies, which showed real-time how it works to prevent an attack.

I had lots of good guidance on this project, with trainers who were willing to share advice without actually telling me what to do. I was able to work on their suggestions and really enjoyed the whole process.

The final presentation (of the capstone project) can be very helpful to open the doors in the industry and get noticed.

7. Do you believe the Institute of Data has prepared you for a job in the cyber security industry?

Yes, for me personally, the program taught me everything I needed to know about the market and niche technical knowledge. Getting the qualification is one thing, but for me, it was more about how I applied that knowledge.

I gained lots of technical know-how, which opened up opportunities for me. I got my current role with Defend soon after finishing the program and spent the first six months in an operational engineering role.

Being a manager is not about telling people what to do but being in service to them. It’s humbling. It’s something I enjoy, and last month, I moved into a Team Leader role at Defend.

8. What advice would you give to someone that is interested in joining the tech industry?

What I love about IT, which can be applied in life and cyber security, is that you can find comfort in being uncomfortable. So that’s how I try to live: not being afraid to step outside my comfort zone.

If you’re interested in what’s going on in the world and you enjoy working with people, cyber security could be the industry for you. Teamwork is very important. There is no wrong time to start; just don’t be mistaken into thinking that working in tech is all about sitting at your computer.

After completing the program, my advice is that you can complete the Institute of Data Cyber Security program with no experience in IT.

The cyber security industry is constantly evolving. It won’t slow any time soon. It’s fast-paced—a place where you can find your niche.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a career transition into tech and pursuing your dream job, book a career consultation with one of our experts at the Institute of Data and start your journey with an actionable plan.

You can connect with Jan and follow his professional journey on LinkedIn.