Tayvion Payton is a Senior Cyber Security Consultant, Tech Blogger and UNT Alumnus. As a recent graduate, Tayvion works as a consultant and full-time employee creating strategies to secure the cyber space and advise companies on how to improve their cyber security.
Sadie Baxter- Why UNT?
Tayvion Payton- UNT felt like home when I visited there. Everyone was genuinely nice, and the university was very diverse.
What degree did you earn at UNT?
Integrative Studies (Computer Science, Computer Information Studies, Learning Technologies).
How did your college experience prepare you for where you are now?
I felt like my college experiences taught me how to deal with life and conduct myself differently in certain settings.
What made you get into cyber security?
I could give an essay on this, but I’ve always been into tech and the world is constantly evolving in regard to technology. It has to be secured by someone. So why not receive a salary for something I did for a hobby.
What is a common misconception about your industry?
That you have to be this geeky kid with no [social] life to be in this field.
I see you have a scholarship for STEM students. What inspired that?
Not too many minorities are in STEM, and those who are STEM majors don’t always have the materials or financial support they need to be successful.
What advice would you give to other young people interested in your field?
Make sure to intern as early as possible, also self-study. In this field you have to learn every single day. It’s important that you’re constantly learning.
What exactly is a Senior Cyber Security Consultant?
I advise clients on what their security infrastructure should look like, make recommendations based on their needs and/or compliance needs and implement the solution.
What does your day to day consist of?
Usually meetings and speaking to clients. If I’m not doing that, I’m usually traveling to the client site making implementations from the recommendations I made.
Why did you choose consulting versus being a full-time employee?
I’m both a consultant and FTE.
Do you feel that you are living in your purpose?
I do.
To keep up with Tayvion you can visit his website www.tayontech.com. Also, follow him on socials- Twitter @TayOnTech and Instagram @Tay0nTech.