Teddy Phillips

Tell me about yourself and your journey into big tech.

I started off wanting to be a rapper or an athlete - something along those lines. I played football at the University of Alabama for a bit, but eventually, I had to ask myself, "What do I really want to do with my life?" As football transitioned out of the picture, I realized I liked technology and business. The University of Alabama was heavily promoting their Management Information Systems (MIS) program at the time, and the 100% job placement rate really appealed to me. It was during 2007-2012 when many people were graduating without jobs, so I wanted to ensure I had a secure future.

I went for MIS and landed internships with Procter & Gamble and Home Depot, where I had the opportunity to build iPad applications. Those experiences were amazing. After graduating, I received an offer from HP and moved to Houston, Texas. There, I worked in incident response for telecom engineering. I got the hang of it and decided to pivot into cybersecurity full-time, partly because my dad was in the field and always said it was the next big thing.

To make that transition, I studied up, earned my PMP certification, and started managing cybersecurity projects. My roles included overseeing an exceptions platform and later becoming an information security officer, advising businesses on managing cyber risks. Along the way, I earned certifications like CISSP and CISM.

A turning point came when my director, who had previously worked at Microsoft, encouraged me to apply for roles there. It felt odd to have my boss suggesting I leave, but he genuinely wanted the best for me. After a few failed attempts, I finally figured out the interview process on my fifth try and started receiving offers. Funny enough, during one interview, the hiring manager mentioned he was going to a Seahawks vs. Packers game with my current director! It was such a small-world coincidence. Thankfully, everything worked out, and I moved from Austin, Texas, to Seattle to join Microsoft.

Now, I work on the cybersecurity green team. If you think about a red team doing penetration testing and trying to break in, we’re the ones who figure out how to patch vulnerabilities across the organization systematically.

In your current role, what does a typical day look like and what are your main job responsibilities?

My role involves managing enterprise risk within Microsoft’s cybersecurity framework. A typical day starts with reviewing our risk register to see which risks are trending at the top. We assess whether we have the data to build a campaign around those risks.

A campaign involves identifying all the users impacted by a potential change, determining how to connect the risk to the impact, and presenting recommendations to leadership. Once leadership approves the campaign, we communicate with the affected users - whether they need to take action or if the change will be handled on the back end to secure the vulnerability.

I also work closely with the red team, incident response teams, insider threat teams, the Security Operations Center (SOC), and bug bounty programs. Our work often involves addressing vulnerabilities identified across these channels, making it a dynamic and collaborative environment.

What advice do you have for others who want to break into big tech or do what you do?

The job market is tough right now, with factors like hypergrowth during the pandemic, companies scaling back, and the rise of AI reshaping industries. My advice is to upskill as much as possible. Meeting basic requirements is one thing but going for the preferred qualifications right now is paramount to landing something. Attend boot camps, get certifications, and build a standout resume.

Also, position yourself as the ideal candidate. Go above and beyond by demonstrating your value through practical skills and relevant experience. The more you can show you’re prepared to excel, the better your chances.

As for skills that are crucial to success in a role like mine, first, persistence is key. You won’t always have the answers right away, so you need to be resourceful and willing to dig for solutions.

Second, adaptability is critical. Cybersecurity and technology are constantly evolving, with new threats emerging all the time. You need to keep learning and adjusting to stay ahead.

Finally, foundational cybersecurity knowledge and risk management skills are essential. You need to understand what it means to secure something and how to articulate risks effectively. If you can’t explain why a risk matters or how to mitigate it, it’s hard to influence others to act on it. And one more thing I always keep in mind is the mindset of FIO - figure it out. It’s about tackling problems head-on and finding solutions, no matter what.

What’s your favorite thing about working at Microsoft?

Definitely the people. I’m surrounded by incredibly smart, like-minded individuals, and I learn something new every day. Plus, working at Microsoft gives you opportunities to be on the cutting edge of technology. Whether it’s mixed reality, AI, or other emerging fields, the company encourages career mobility. And, of course, the flexibility of working from home is a great perk.

Finish this sentence. Outside of the office, you can find me:

Helping others and creating dope art.

Check out Teddy’s digital illustrations here (www.instagram.com/stattheartist) or connect with him on LinkedIn!

“What advice do you have for someone transitioning into a new role and a new company simultaneously? For example, from an IT role in a nonprofit media company to product management role in big tech.” - Codey Y.

First of all - congrats! I know a transition like this can be both exciting and challenging at the same time. Here are a few pieces of advice to help you succeed:

1. Stay positive and maintain a growth mindset. Embrace the opportunity to learn and grow in your new environment.

2. Build relationships with your new colleagues. Take time to get to know your co-workers (I’ve always loved scheduling coffee chats or lunches).

3. Immerse yourself in the company culture. Familiarize yourself with the organization's values, philosophy, and expectations.

4. Take thorough notes during meetings and training sessions. This will help you retain important information and demonstrate your commitment to learning.

5. Set clear goals for yourself and regularly check in with your manager for feedback. Be proactive in seeking guidance and aligning your objectives with the company's expectations.

6. Leverage your strengths while remaining open to new ways of working. Apply your existing skills to your new role, but also be willing to adapt and learn new approaches.

7. Seek out mentorship opportunities within the organization. Connect with experienced colleagues who can provide valuable insights and guidance.

8. Be patient with yourself as you navigate the learning curve. Remember that it takes time to fully acclimate to a new role and company.

9. Maintain a balance between showing initiative and asking for help when needed. While it's important to demonstrate independence, don't hesitate to seek clarification or assistance when necessary!

10. Continuously invest in your professional development. Stay updated on industry trends and seek out opportunities for growth within your new role.

By following these tips, you can set yourself up for success as you transition into your new role and company!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read today’s newsletter! If you have any feedback, please let me know down below. Have a great rest of the week and see you in the next one! Cheers, Brenna

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