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Avant Alumni: Meet Jared from the Information Security Team

Jared smiling next to the Avant logo on a navy blue background
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Even after they’ve moved on to new opportunities, every Avantee leaves their mark on our culture. Jared, we’re proud of everything we did together and we know you’ll keep thriving! You’re in the Avant Alumni Club for life.

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Jared Gray

Former Head of Security Operations for the Information Security Team

With Avant 2020-2022

What’s it like to work @Avant? We asked Jared for his take on our culture, and here’s what he said:

1. How would you describe Avant’s culture?

Jared smiling in a plaid shirt

Agile, fast-moving—it’s a security playground. We’re enhancing every single facet of information security right now, from the endpoint security stuff to network security, data loss prevention, data security, vulnerability management, all at the same time. It can be a little stressful, but it’s fun, and there’s always something new. This is probably the most challenging position and team I’ve been on. If you like to be challenged and you like to learn, this is the spot for it.

We’ve also got the best of the best when it comes to technology. InfoSec professionals really crave that access—we want to be able to play with the best technology, and at Avant, we get that coming in the door. We get to configure and work with the very best that the industry has to offer. The opportunities are endless.

2. Why are you happy/successful here?

Why I really enjoy it here is that even in the midst of having so many things to do, we know we’re all people with lives and other responsibilities outside of work. There’s never a doubt that if a team member needs time to reset and replenish, the business will support.

What it all comes down to is that you have to care about people and their livelihoods, because there will always be high-priority work to address in this field. Striking the balance between supporting business objectives at a fast-moving pace and taking care of one’s self is key.

3. What’s your favorite thing about the way your specific job role works?

What I really enjoy: my team has their own ideas, and while I’m the manager, they might have an idea that makes our program better. I like that I can share how I’d approach whatever we’re dealing with and then say “I want you to go out and try it for yourself.” They apply their experience, their knowledge, then together we talk about it and sync up, and I critique and mentor as required.

I don’t always have to be prescriptive and instead can give people the chance to do it their own way, and that keeps me open to ideas. Just because I would approach a project or process one way doesn’t necessarily mean it’s best for the team. That’s my favorite part, seeing my more junior team members take on a new responsibility and realize that they actually can deliver on large-scale, enterprise-level projects. It’s really cool to see.

4. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Firefighter. Coincidentally enough!

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