SYNGENTA
The careful approach highlights that security is now a vital part of the business and key to success in today’ s sprawling digital world.
Resources: making networks cool again Finding and retaining a talented workforce is challenging across the industry. Kris refers to Alexis Bertholf’ s famous question about the difficulty in making network engineering“ cool again.” He sees a generational change:“ I came into the IT industry at 16 when networking was very cool. Then, the industry went through a long period when it was accepted and became the norm. I see the industry coming back, becoming cool again.”
One specific challenge is a shrinking number of“ legacy systems specialists.” These people know their way around the command line and can work directly with network hardware.” Managing older hardware remains crucial, even with software-defined networking and user-friendly interfaces.“ We’ re starting to see that it’ s becoming challenging to hire people who have that level of knowledge of legacy systems that will be around comparing it to the ongoing need for COBOL programmers.
Recruiting has become more challenging due to competition from DevOps, cybersecurity and AI fields. He adds,“ We are not seeing people take up networking as a career as much.” Syngenta has a multi-faceted plan to address the challenge. Kris stresses,“ One key approach is hiring for attitude, seeking curious and eager
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