Colleague Spotlight: Beth Thompson
Meet Beth Thompson, Team Lead, Security Operations Center (SOC) at ConnectWise. Beth’s unique position allows her to support analysts, as well as help partners grow their cybersecurity positions. Read on to learn more about Beth’s growth from security analyst to team manager.
Getting started at ConnectWise…
What did you do before joining ConnectWise?
I’ve always had a passion for technology since I was a child, whether it was playing video games or building the machines to play games on. I had the opportunity in high school to focus my studies on networking and was given an internship at a big clothing company to work with their help desk department. I was able to get real life experience of what it would be like to work in the IT realm. I worked for multiple organizations in college. At one of these companies, I taught IT to adults with disabilities to pass the CompTIA A+ certification, which allowed them to grow professionally and personally. During this time, I was in university working with a professor as his teaching assistant, providing tutoring and grading services. Before joining ConnectWise, I was at a renowned private university’s cybersecurity department, where I refined my cybersecurity skills and developed a strong understanding of governance, compliance, and risk management.
Being a ConnectWise colleague
What different roles have you had with the company?
I started ConnectWise as a level 2 analyst and was given the opportunity to grow into the manager of the security operation center (SOC) team. Cybersecurity is not a one-person responsibility but a collaborative effort between everyone in the organization, including our partners. Though I have never worked in another role in this organization, my position allows me to work closely with many different teams and partners.
What do you enjoy about working at ConnectWise?
Cybersecurity is not for the faint-hearted and requires continuous ambition to stay on top of the latest attacks, vulnerabilities, and remediations. Thankfully, my unique position allows me to not only support our analysts, but also to engage with our partners during their time with ConnectWise. I establish and grow partners’ cybersecurity positions, while providing support during difficult times.
What’s something about your job that makes you feel accomplished?
In cybersecurity, it’s not always doom and gloom. I was able to experience that firsthand during one of our IT Nation events, where some of the wonderful partners shared their experiences of working with ConnectWise SOC. Hearing from our partners that what we do daily has made a positive impact on them and their clients’ businesses was invaluable.
What’s something that you want people to know about ConnectWise?
ConnectWise is a global organization of different people, cultures, and stories. Despite our differences, we all share a like-minded approach when it comes to our products, services, partners, and communities.
What’s a big win that you’re proud of?
Being promoted to team lead has been my biggest professional accomplishment to date. It reassured me that the hours of studying and continuous hard work had paid off. This position is more than just the responsibility of managing people—it is also an opportunity to grow with the company and provide feedback and value from the perspective of someone who has started at entry level.
And now for some fun!
If you could have any superpower for 24 hours, what would it be and why?
Instant teleportation! Being able to teleport instantly through time and space is the ultimate superpower. I would be able to visit all Seven Wonders of the World in one day.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
“Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey. This song always gets everyone in the crowd pumped!
What’s one bucket list item you’re looking forward to?
As someone who has never seen snow, one of my bucket list items is to go skiing. Hope I can get to do that sometime next year!
