Joe Carrigan: Building Your Network and Navigating a Career in Tech

Early Life and Career Detours

• 💡 Joe Carrigan initially pursued theater, believing it was his lifelong passion, but later realized it wasn't the right path.
• 💻 Despite early exposure to computers like the Osborne in 1981, he didn't initially see technology as a career.
• 📻 He also pursued a career in radio, but the industry's commoditization led him to abandon that dream.
• 📉 A brief stint in sales ended abruptly when his employer had already hired his replacement before his two weeks' notice was up.

Transition to Technology

• 🤝 A chance encounter with a stranger at a metro station encouraged him to pursue a career in IT or software development.
• 🎓 He enrolled in a second bachelor's program in computer and information science at University of Maryland University College.
• 🛠️ His first role in the tech field was in Netware administration and tech support, followed by a move into junior programming.
• 🎓 He later earned a Master's degree in Computer Science.

Current Role and Concerns

• 🏢 Joe is currently a Senior Security Engineer at Johns Hopkins University's Information Security Institute and the Institute for Assured Autonomy.
• ⚠️ He expresses significant concern about the cybersecurity practices and