InfosecTrain's Anita Menon Shares Her Inspiring Story

Meet Anita Menon, an Executive Assistant of the Management Office department at InfosecTrain who believes “punctuality is the virtue of the board.” Let's catch up with the very amiable, punctual, energetic, and hardworking colleague Anita Menon to understand more about her profession, the nature of her work, and what is ahead.

1.What sparked your interest in this particular profession?

I would say I started my corporate career after my post-graduation. After getting married, I had to quit my job due to family responsibilities. After a 10-year break, I decided to restart my career because my children had grown up, and I could now devote full attention to my work. When I started searching for a job, the covid-19 pandemic struck, and everything changed. It affected the work environment and increased the work-from-home facilities. When I was searching for a job, my cousin, who is Prabh Sir’s student, informed me about the openings at infosecTrain. I'm glad InfosecTrain saw that I had potential and gave me a chance to start over in the cybersecurity field as an Executive Assistant.

2. When did you realize acquiring a job here was the right move?

As I said, I started this job after 10 years of my career gap; everything was entirely new for me. I was very nervous and scared about how I would bridge my career gap and cope with the new domains of teaching. I took it as a challenge; over time, it all came naturally, and I learned everything easily and efficiently. And after 2-3 months of my learning phase, I realized that there was nothing else I could accomplish at this point in my career.

3. What is something that was unique to this place?

I would say that InfosecTrain's flexibility, excellent work culture, supportive coworkers and leaders, and great work environment are commendable attributes that set it apart from other organizations.

4. What would you say about your role in the company?

As an Executive Assistant of an organization head comes with many responsibilities where the work needs perfection. I have to be perfect and prominent as well as accessible to participants for training-related queries and concerns.

5. What is something special about your line of work that you have learned?

Working in cyber security and IT was very different and challenging in my early days. From having no knowledge of cybersecurity to knowing everything or something about it is something unique about my line of work that I have learned over the course of 1.5 years.

6. Describe a professional role model who has inspired you.

I want to mention My Manager and CEO of the company, who have inspired and pushed me to do well at my job. I'm inspired by how professionally they handle situations, how they work, how they lead, and how well they do everything.

7. What about your job energizes and drains you?

I would say I am very passionate about my work, and I always try to give my 100% to any task. I believe it is a part of working anywhere because sometimes working is exciting, and other times it feels like an ordinary activity. I believe that a combination of having a positive attitude, punctuality, hard work, and discipline never drains you out. And I would say that as a homemaker as well as a working professional, I am good at managing my time. So there is nothing that drains me.

8. What has boosted your confidence?

I believe that your work and knowledge directly affects your confidence, and as you learn new things and get more experience, your confidence will grow. And I think my positivity toward my work, punctuality, and hard work boosted my confidence. Lastly, when my mentor and colleagues appreciate my work and students give positive feedback on my service and express appreciation for my work, it boosts my confidence.

9. Describe a time at work that you particularly enjoy.

I'm a morning person, and I always start my day with yoga, meditation, and rituals that keep me healthy, happy, and motivated. I believe that maintaining a positive attitude towards your work and working with a dedicated and enthusiastic team keeps you motivated.

10. What qualities most stand out about the folks you work with?

I consider myself fortunate to work with people who are always caring, supportive, understanding, respectful towards one another, and readily available when I need them. Everyone is just a ping away; I especially thank Marketing Head for supporting and helping me throughout my journey at InfosecTrain.

11. What are you most proud of?

Even though it sounds like a tired trope, it's true that women have to prove themselves twice as hard as men. And being a working woman comes with lots of responsibilities, and you must excel in your time management skills. I am proud that I manage everything efficiently and effectively.

12. What new skill, if any, would you be able to learn quickly and easily?

I believe that gaining new skills and expanding your knowledge are both eternal pursuits. I would like to learn more about cybersecurity.

13. How has your recent work-life balance been?

I would say it's going great. I am very good at time management and self-discipline; also, I am very good at organizing my day. I think you can accomplish anything easily and accurately if you embrace time management and practice discipline.

14. Do you believe your career is progressing?

Yes, because I have learned a lot and am still learning. And I think that learning is a simple way to grow.