Tech Talk with Focal Point Data Risk

Tech Talk with Focal Point Data Risk: Building IAM Experts: How Computer Science Grads are Finding Success in Identity and Access Management

Topic and description of talk

Join a team of Focal Point’s IAM professionals (including WWU’s own Edward Thompson), as they discuss the exciting career field of identity and access management. Focal Point, a leader in the field, has developed a training program that takes recent grads – particularly those with degrees in Computer Science and related fields – and offers them a chance for hands-on, experiential learning in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the cybersecurity industry. We’ll discuss how the fundamentals of a Computer Science degree translate to professional success in IAM, explore a day-in-the-life of an IAM consultant, outline Focal Point’s IAM Integration Consultant training program, and offer advice for current WWU students seeking a professional career in cybersecurity or identity management.

Panelists/speakers information

Edward Thompson

Edward Thompson is an IAM Integration Consultant at Focal Point, where he supports the deployment of IAM technologies for enterprise customers. Prior to joining Focal Point, Edward was a software engineer with AbiliTrek, working on an iOS/Android app that provided easy-to-use accessibility information to the public. He graduated from Western Washington University in 2020 with a degree in computer science.

Rachel Mahar

Rachael Mahar is an IAM Integration Consultant at Focal Point, where she assists in the implementation and integration of market-leading IAM solutions. Prior to joining Focal Point, she worked at CSEA, New York's largest labor union as a computer programmer/analyst. She is a graduate of Siena College, where she received her bachelor’s degree in computer science in 2019.

Mitch Powers

Mitch is a Manager with Focal Point’s Technology Integration practice. He brings more than 17 years of industry experience to Focal Point’s IAM clients, as well as extensive expertise in Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), software development and integrations, business process improvement, cloud computing, enterprise architecture, and IT project management. Prior to joining Focal Point, Mitch was a security consultant with Optiv, Inc. and supported cyber security engagements for several large clients.