Name: Tallal Tawil
Job title/role: Cloud engineer
Work location: McLean, VA
Years/months at Booz Allen: 2 years, 7 months
We asked Booz Allen’s Tallal Tawil, a cloud engineer on the Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM) team, about how he’s helping to make a difference in the cybersecurity space and why Booz Allen is the place to do it. Interested in hearing Tallal’s perspective? Keep reading.
How did you get started in your field?
I graduated from the University of Houston with a management information systems degree. At the beginning of my professional career, I was exposed to data analysis, software development, infrastructure, and security. I quickly realized security crosses into everything we do, including both functional and technical areas regardless of role. You either had to deal with it or embrace it. Embracing security along with my cloud background led me to this field.
Why did you choose Booz Allen?
I chose Booz Allen because of the opportunity and the reputation. The number one reason I know I made the right decision is the culture. Everyone is approachable, we value each other, and it’s a startup feel with a global presence.
Tell us more about the project you’re working on.
My team works to engineer technical solutions to meet the client’s requirements. For example, if the requirement is to collect data from a third-party system to increase visibility, then we need to understand what data is available to consume, then define a mechanism to securely pull that data and store it in a meaningful way. The solution needs to include the technology as well as a, a justification for why we chose it over other vendors, the cost, and a visual depiction and/or blueprint of how information is exchanged.
What’s your most memorable moment at Booz Allen?
This is a tough one. Recently, I had the honor of seeing the project I was on from day one go live. It was a really a proud moment to see the success of a project from end to end. It was also our first IT modernization project with this specific emerging technology. My second achievement was getting promoted.
What is the result of what you do?
Our project is focused on facilitating better information sharing across different devices in order to get the right people the right information in a fast, reliable, and secure way that supports critical missions without compromising classified, secret, or confidential information.
How has Booz Allen empowered you and your career?
Booz Allen provides a platform of great opportunities, strong leadership, support, and encourages innovative thinking.
