Influential Woman · IT Systems Administration

Cathleen Vilmont

IT Systems Analyst, Estes Construction

Davenport, IA

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Post-Baccalaureate in Cybersecurity (February 9 Degree 2022) Cert Post-Baccalaureate in Cybersecurity

Her Story

About Cathleen

I've been working in the IT field for about three and a half years, with the last year spent as a systems administrator for a construction company. I earned my post-baccalaureate in cybersecurity in February 2022, which has given me the foundation for the work I do. My approach to my work centers on being really attentive to others and listening to their problems, so that I can get to the root of issues in order to solve them proficiently. I believe that overcoming adversity and coming through it to the other end has been key to my success. Right now, I see AI as both a challenge and an opportunity in my field - it really holds a lot of power for people and is changing our landscape, especially when it comes to the security aspects of what I do.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Cathleen

01What do you attribute your success to?

I would say maybe adversity. Having to deal with that and come through it to the other end has been what's made me successful.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I've received is that if you're unhappy with your boss, no matter how much you like your work atmosphere or your other coworkers, you're going to be unhappy. People don't leave companies, they leave their superiors. So if you're unhappy there, it's just going to be impossible to be happy in your life.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I would say stick with it, and learn everything you can from wherever you can, so that you can continue to build your skills and take those with you as you grow.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

I would say AI is both a challenge and an opportunity. It really holds a lot of power for people, and is changing our landscape. Especially in the security part of the field, it's keeping us really busy.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

I would say really being attentive to others and listening to their problems, so that I can get to the root of that in order to solve them proficiently. Being a good listener is really important to me.

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