My seed is the ability to see things through

Haruaki Higaki

New graduate hire IT Engineer (Cybersecurity) Networks Company
1st Engineering Division, 2nd Engineering Division

"Protecting our customers and the Japanese economy from cyber attacks." With this passion, Higaki works not only on his daily tasks but also eagerly acquires new knowledge. It was Macnica 's culture that changed his mindset and habits as he aspires to become a manager.

Q1: What is your current job and what is rewarding about it?

from cyber attacks
The front line of protecting society

My job is to use my knowledge as an engineer to help customers understand the technical value of the cutting-edge network security products that the Company handles. Specifically, I am responsible for a wide range of tasks, including proposing new network security products, responding to technical inquiries, and lecturing to customers on how to use our products. As a result, even though I am an engineer, I have many opportunities to interact with customers, with 60% of my work being spent visiting customers together with sales staff, and the remaining 40% being spent on technical support and verification of products.

When I was job hunting, there was a growing awareness of the dangers of cyber attacks in Japan, and I felt that the cybersecurity industry would grow significantly in the future. In addition to the fact that Macnica was already focusing on this field, I was attracted by the fact that the employees I met during interviews were enthusiastic about their work and that there is a culture of delegation of authority, so I decided to join the company. In fact, now I feel rewarded not only by being able to come into contact with and learn about cutting-edge security products, but also by being able to become a leading expert on those products.

At the same time, I feel a great deal of responsibility. Cyberattacks on a company's network can lead to major damage, such as information leaks and production stoppages. In particular, for large companies, the impact of the damage could extend beyond a single company to the entire Japanese economy. My mission is to prevent this from happening.
I believe that I am doing a job of great social significance, which is to protect the confidential information of major domestic companies that have influence in Japan from invisible external enemies, and I work with pride in the fact that I am making a major contribution to Japanese society. When making proposals to clients, I sometimes make presentations directly to department and section managers and Member of the Board.
Although there are times when I feel intimidated, I work every day with a strong determination to fulfill my mission of "protecting customers from cyber attacks."

Daily Schedule

8:30

go to the office

Check schedule, check emails and chats, organize tasks, and attend department morning meetings
10:00

Customer Meetings

New product proposals
Product verification support (QA and training)
12:00

Lunch

Lunch with team members and colleagues

13:00

Regular internal meetings

Sharing the status of new proposals
Check the progress of marketing activities for sales promotion
Technical support case strategy consultation for existing customers
18:00

End of Business

Responsible for document preparation, case compilation, and administrative application procedures
Check tomorrow's schedule and finish
20:00

dinner

Q2: An episode in which you grew

A culture of challenge changed attitudes

The biggest change I have experienced since joining the company is my "attitude." I was originally a conservative and cautious person, but since joining Macnica, I have developed a positive attitude of "trying anything." I think this is largely due to Macnica 's "culture of delegating authority, which allows employees to be entrusted with major tasks regardless of seniority."

In my fourth year at the company, an operational problem occurred with a security product we had delivered to a major parts manufacturer, and there was a risk that security monitoring for all of the company's devices would be halted. I stood between the customer and the manufacturer supplier, setting a common goal of "saving devices with high priority" and promoting recovery. As a result, we were able to significantly reduce the damage beyond the customer's expectations, and received words of gratitude from the customer.
Of course, this was an incident that occurred with one of the Company products, and we must take seriously the inconvenience caused and work to prevent it from recurring. However, it is also our role to face these problems head-on and resolve them as quickly as possible. Of course, there is anxiety and pressure, but a support system has been created where superiors, seniors, and colleagues provide support. Because we have an environment where team members can cooperate with each other, we approach our work with a sense of responsibility and determination to "complete any task that has been entrusted to us."

Macnica also offers the "best learning environment." For example, at the monthly "Security Night" independent study group, the latest malware analysis and technical verification are shared. Around 20 to 30 people attend each session, and the knowledge gained there can be used in proposals to customers. We have experts in a variety of fields, and the learning culture is deeply rooted in our environment, which allows me to learn with enthusiasm.

MY VISIONFuture goals and aspirations

In my daily work, I feel that awareness of security in Japan is lax. That is why I believe that the widespread adoption of security products is absolutely essential for Japan's future. I would like to contribute to Japan's security by acquiring specialized knowledge to the point where I am known as "the best in Japan," explaining its importance, and encouraging as many companies as possible to adopt it.

My next career goal is to become a manager. It all started with a boss I met soon after joining the company. He had a great ability to bring out the best in his subordinates and bring the team together, and I admired him greatly. By actively participating in the development of my junior colleagues, I hope to hone the skills required for a managerial position and become a person who can make a greater contribution to the organization.

Message

The development of AI is bringing about major changes in the security industry. I feel that my work is becoming more and more interesting every day, as I use my knowledge and insight into cutting-edge technology, which I keep up with every day, to solve problems and help customers feel valued.
Now that AI is bringing about such great changes, I believe it is an opportunity for anyone to easily become a leader in cutting-edge fields and to have the value that only they can provide.

It is also a job that gives you a sense of fulfillment in knowing that you are contributing to society by improving security and protecting companies.
If you want to improve the security of Japanese companies, if you like new things, or if you want to work in a fast-paced industry, now is your chance, so please apply.