Barry Collins
Aspiring Cyber Secrity Professional

My Career and Academic Journey

I am currently pursuing opportunities in the Security Operations field and SOC (Security Operations Center) by leveraging my current academic pursuits and extensive experience in team leadership.

As an aspiring information security professional, enrolled in the Networking and Cyber Security Bachelor’s program at DeVry University, I am actively developing the skills necessary to defend networks and systems against online attacks, implement information protection strategies, conduct risk analysis, and formulate robust security plans including disaster recovery protocols. My hands-on experience in cyber security operations within a controlled lab environment has equipped me with a solid foundation in security frameworks such as CIS, NIST, and ISO 27001, as well as a deep understanding of OSI and TCP/IP models, router and switch configurations, and network troubleshooting.

I am currently preparing for the ISC2 CC (Certified in Cybersecurity), and the CompTIA Security+ certifications to further enhance my technical expertise and credibility in the industry. In addition to my academic pursuits, I bring over 20 years of experience in coaching high-performing teams in contact center environments across diverse industries including financial services, real estate, and medical device manufacturing. My track record of success in remote work settings underscores my ability to effectively communicate, collaborate with team members, engage end-users, and manage multiple tasks efficiently within fast-paced environments.

I am excited about the prospect of applying my blend of technical knowledge, contact center and leadership experience to contribute to a dynamic organization focused on information security and risk management. I am confident that my passion for cyber security, coupled with my proven ability to drive results through teamwork and effective communication, make me a valuable asset to any team.

Thank you for visiting my IONOS site, that showcases my prior career experience, education, technical certificates and micro-internships.  I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my background and skills align with the needs of your organization.

My Prior Career Experience

Kelly OCG/Medtronic | Operations Supervisor | Bala Cynwyd, PA | October 2018 to November 2019

Lead Customer Service Contact Center staff in executing daily operations by organizing workflows, evaluating processes to identify growth opportunities, promoting exceptional client service, and fostering culture of continuous improvements. Recruit and build highly productive Customer Service Agent teams by coaching individuals in standard operating procedures, work instructions, operational efficiency improvements, change management functions, and successfully meeting all client needs. Interface with cross-departmental teams to craft targeted process improvements, effectively communicate changes to leadership for impact assessment, and facilitate continued staff training to promote operational uniformity. Bolster center productivity by conducting annual staff reviews, promoting agents, and motivating individuals to seize opportunities for improvement.

Transferrable Skills

CUSTOMER SERVICE: Oversaw support agents in resolving customer issues through quality service and escalate non-compliance issues to leadership for swift resolution.

  • Crafted workforce plan to establish new Team Lead position for corporate site by authoring position description, qualifications, performance metrics, and hiring standards.
  • Catalyzed improvements in internal knowledge, competitor analysis, and market information within Operations Department by researching and designing online assessments for on-site training programs. 

Freedom Mortgage | Operations Supervisor | Moorestown, NJ | August 2016 to  April 2018

Drove process and productivity improvements by overseeing loan coordinator team and directing daily operations for loan changes team in tandem with Operations Manager.

Orchestrated department-wide workflows by prioritizing tasks based on deadlines for maximum regulatory compliance, staff performance, and operational efficiency across teams. Drafted standard operating procedures, maintained current Loan Changes Procedure Manual, and facilitated continued training to ensure team adherence to change management functions. Partnered with HR staff to recruit, hire, and train new employees and guarantee all staff meet training standards.   

Transferrable Skills

LEADERSHIP: Coached loan change team that achieved 95%+ accuracy on all loan estimates delivered to potential borrowers.

  • Advanced community services benefiting local residents and military organizations by volunteering for multiple events, toy drives, and food drives. 

TD Bank NA | Team Manager | Mount Laurel, NJ | August 2015 to August 2016

Guided Call Center staff in successfully executing daily operations aligned with corporate strategy and vision while delivering exceptional customer service. Promoted operational efficiency and customer service deliver improvements by steering operational strategy, mentoring individual employees to grow productivity, and motivating staff to attain personal development and corporate goals.

Key Contribution:

  • Served as banking representative team mentor and supervisor following existing manager’s absence due to established record of success supervising teams, call center experience, and banking acumen.

TD Bank NA | Banking Specialist | Mount Laurel, NJ | August 2015 to August 2016

Fostered increased customer retention and satisfaction within Contact Center by providing quality support and effectively closing new sales.

Engaged with clients to understand specific financial needs, identified sales opportunities to expand firm revenues, and connected clients with optimal products. Proactively resolved issues through direct and sincere communication and interfaced with senior leaders to implement best practices during all client interactions. 

Key Contribution:

  • Selected as member of committee that drove process improvements and resolved customer complaints by conducting client outreach, connecting with cross-departmental teams, and executing targeted SOP changes. 
  • Chosen by senior leadership to lead new hire training for L&D department staff to bolster productivity.   

Education

March 2022 | December 2024

Devry University | Bachelors of Science Degree | Information Technology and Networking

March 2022 | March 2024

DeVry University | Associates of Applied Science Degree | Information Technology and Networking with honors

Technical Certificates and Internships

Technical Certificates

Google - Cyber Security Certificate

Skillsoft - Security+ Course Completion

Devry University - Cyber Security Certificate

Devry University - Networking Essentials Certificate

Micro-Internships

Mastercard – Cyber Security Virtual Experience Program on Forage – July 2023

Skills acquired Cybersecurity, Technical Security Awareness, Problem Solving, Design Thinking, Communication, Security Awareness Training, Data Analysis, Data Presentation

 

AIG – Cyber Security Virtual Experience Program on Forage – August 2023

Skills acquired both non-technical and technical skills that are used in the world of cybersecurity.  Specific to this virtual program, I had to notify internal stakeholders that may be at risk from a ransomware attack and then help recover some hacked files. I learned how to analyze alerts from the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and collaborated with the FBI and the NSA - and then applied the intel to reduce the risk of an attack on AIG.

Barry Collins - P | 215-607-1817 E | Barry.Collins1023MB@gmail.com
Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-collins-philapa/

Barry Collins

Aspiring Cyber Security Professional

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