Emerging Leader Program at Trellix: A Path to Success in Cybersecurity

The Emerging Leader Program at Trellix has proven to be a transformative experience for recent St. John’s University graduate and Navy veteran Marquise Gainey ’24CCPS, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Cyber Security Systems in May. 

“I first learned about the Emerging Leader Program from Jennifer McCrea, Talent and Development Manager at Trellix, at the St. John’s Career Fair last spring,” Mr. Gainey recalled. “I decided to join Trellix because I felt they were a market leader, and I could gain real-time exposure to different kinds of technologies.”

In his role as an Emerging Leader Associate, Mr. Gainey works closely with subject matter experts, tackling daily tasks, projects, and deliverables in vulnerability management within product security. “My experience so far has aligned with everything I was introduced to while attending St. John’s,” Mr. Gainey said. “Initially, I wasn’t sure which sector I wanted to be part of, but working here, I’ve found where I belong.”

One of the program's key features is its rotational structure, which allows participants to work with various teams and departments across the company. “Since Trellix is a global entity, coordinating cross-functionally with teams in different regions is imperative. Working alongside those team members has sharpened my perspective on how everything is connected,” Mr. Gainey explained.

Marquise’s first rotation in vulnerability management has been a positive experience, and he expressed interest in joining the threat intelligence team next. Throughout the rotations, the program has helped him develop critical skills such as problem-solving and organizational savvy. 

“There are a lot of tasks and projects to get involved with here,” Mr. Gainey said. “Being exposed to many areas at once, you learn how to adapt, learn as you go, and build your network and knowledge base.”

Professional growth and development are central to the Emerging Leader Program. Trellix offers an internal mentorship program, which Mr. Gainey credits for helping him grow both mentally and professionally in just a few months. 

“I use this service for professional advice, how to handle situations, and overall navigation while I am in this program,” he explained.

When asked about his involvement in impactful projects, he highlighted two notable examples: automating the company’s enterprise vulnerability management program using Python and contributing to an artificial intelligence project slated for market release in 2025. “Learning Python is a valuable skill that is in demand, so working on it has been fun,” Mr. Gainey said.

As the program progresses, participants gain exposure to various functional areas within the cybersecurity industry. Mr. Gainey emphasized the importance of stepping outside his usual scope to work with the company’s global Governance, Risk, and Compliance team. “In cybersecurity, policies help organizations manage risks, and gaining this knowledge will ultimately make me well-rounded,” he said.

The Emerging Leader Program has not only sharpened his technical skills, but also influenced his long-term career goals. 

“Being an Emerging Leader Associate, I’m looked at as a future leader,” Marquise said. “I have more visibility than the average employee and can ask specific questions to leaders about their career trajectories. I’m aiming to become a vice president in the future.”

In terms of where they see themselves after completing the program, Mr. Gainey expressed a passion for vulnerability management and a strong interest in threat intelligence. “I love what I do in vulnerability management, and I’d be interested in staying or joining the threat intelligence team.”

His advice for recent graduates considering the program is clear: “Be open and adaptable. Those two skills will serve you immensely, whether at Trellix or anywhere else.”

The program’s most rewarding aspect, according to Mr. Gainey, has been the opportunity to engage with college students who are still undecided or have a major interest in cybersecurity. “I feel it’s a calling, as I got my job at the Spring 2024 Career Fair.”

When asked if he would recommend the program to others, he responded enthusiastically, "Yes!" 

“The amount of learning, exposure, and opportunity you will gain while being here is unlike any company I’ve ever seen. I encourage eligible candidates to apply to the Emerging Leader Program today.”