Jon's Story

Tell us about yourself 

My name is Jonathan Gailing, I am an adventurer, mountaineer, a privacy advocate, and a graduate of the MSBA program at Cal Poly Pomona. I began my undergraduate education at Cal Poly Pomona in 2005 majoring in Marketing and I switched my major to Computer Information Systems when I realized I wanted to do more with technology.

During this time, I worked part-time at an email marketing agency since high school and it was my experience in this field that helped me get my first full-time job at Newegg after graduating in 2010. From there I worked my way up in the industry and joined a startup, called Responsys, in San Francisco. I pushed myself unconsciously into technology wherever I could until I joined the Technical Services department where I was finally able to put my education and skills to work. This was my first real taste of working in information systems and I went on to work for larger companies like Oracle and Salesforce as a Solution Architect. I eventually left these larger companies to move back to the Los Angeles area, joining smaller consulting firms to help deliver platform-agnostic solutions.

Throughout my career, I noticed that there was a large disconnect with the clients I was helping and their understanding of their privacy requirements and security needs. Despite my knowledge in their areas, I felt I could learn more and needed to learn from experts in the fields and push my academic pursuits in the process. I remembered how much the education I received from Cal Poly Pomona helped me while researching graduate degree options and found the MSBA program. I applied, took a two-week road trip after never taking a vacation from work, and on the way back discovered I had been accepted. It is now Spring of 2020 and I have successfully completed the program and can reflect on one of the most positive experiences I have had in my life.

What interests and excites you about business?

Businesses are on the front lines of security and privacy in the world. From a security perspective, they are constantly the target of attacks due to their valuable customer data and intellectual property. These businesses need to find new ways to defend these assets while being cost-effective. In the last two years, privacy has taken a new position in front and center in the lives of everyone in the world. Advances in technology have produced some amazing products, but they pose serious privacy issues. New laws are quickly being developed to create a balance between this advancement and the human rights of the people. This is a fascinating challenge faced by companies and I believe they can be solved with transparent practices and trust with consumers. Truly innovative companies will be the ones to find solutions that achieve a balance between their products and services and maintain the privacy of their users.

Tell us about your experience in the MSBA program.

My experience with the MSBA program could not be more positive. The program was set up to work around working professionals which helped me maintain my career while attending classes at night. The program advisors and coordinators were amazing and guided me throughout the program. My job was remote but having to drive to school at night with traffic was a struggle. They were able to secure me a room that I could work in on the days I had classes which saved me on a stressful commute twice a week.

The professors are truly experts in their field and what I learned could not have come from more qualified individuals. They pushed me to succeed more than anyone before and challenged all of us to think critically about the subject matter while applying it to relevant scenarios and issues highlighted in current events. I also had the opportunity to study alongside a diverse student body in my cohort who came from a wide range of educational and cultural backgrounds. These students brought a large range of diverse thoughts and perspectives to the subjects which still resonate with me today.

The on-campus organizations, specifically the security and technology-focused clubs were a great addition to my learning. I joined the Forensic and Security Technology (FAST) club which is where I met some of the most intelligent and driven students at Cal Poly Pomona. I was able to help contribute to the club and speak on topics within privacy that other individuals shared a similar passion for while gaining valuable insight into topics I never knew about.

What strengths/skills have you gained from the program and taken back to work?

Throughout the program, the classes gave me the insights I required to create solutions for clients that dovetail with their compliance needs. Now in my new role, I am one of the few subject matter experts on privacy in my organization and I am able to confidently advise project leaders on legal and technical requirements. One thing I never thought I would learn to do is conduct research. I always thought this skill would only be useful in an academic environment but I have found how important it is to gather evidence and present it to people with varying understandings and familiarity with the subject. This has enabled me to be more confident in my presentations and my ability to impart knowledge to others.

One of the most important things I have gained from the program is the friendships I have made with people with different backgrounds and a stronger professional network of colleagues to rely on. The people you meet in this program is truly its greatest strength.

What is your future goal?

There has been an increase in the need for privacy professions to redefine how people interact with businesses and share personal information. I hope to eventually become a Data Protection Officer and help organizations manage personal information in an ethical and legally compliant manner. After interacting with so many knowledgeable people within my program and my Professors, I realized how much I enjoy mentoring and teaching others about security and privacy and sharing my knowledge and experiences. I am aiming to pursue my Ph.D. and become an educator myself, passing on my knowledge and experiences to the next generation, and giving back to the community.

Do you have any advice for future MSBA students?

The program is only worth the effort you put into it. The professors are there to introduce you to new concepts and technologies and it is your job to challenge yourself and push the boundaries of what you are taught. The student body at CPP is your most valuable resource. The students there have helped shape me into the person I am today, they have humbled me. Reach out and join them in their journey and bring them along for yours. Immerse yourself in the curriculum, student organizations, and the industry.