GOrillana

Greetings (potential) reader! I am starting this new blog as a way to track some thoughts and experiences while learning the realm of computer science, mainly programming and cybersecurity. At this time, I am starting the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst certificate. This certificate follows the IT Google certificate I completed last year as well as a smattering of other classes related to cybersecurity and programming (CS50 – phew). Through Coursera and The American Dream Academy, I am starting this journey in the IBM certificate of Cybersecurity Analyst. Prior to starting the certification, they request that you take a class to help you find your natural affinities which entails a “Strengths Assessment”.

Prior to this High 5 Test assessment, the Coursera course had mentioned the Gallup’s Clifton Strengths test (which I had coincidentally had taken at my last position), and thought it would be interesting to compare my results from the Clifton Strengths (Finders, I think it used to be called) with those of the HIGH5 test. Here are my results:

Clifton Strengths:

Restorative, Achiever, Learner, Relator, Intellection.

The High 5 Test:

Problem Solver, Philomath, Empathizer, Deliverer, Time Keeper.

If you’re interested in the longer definitions of the Clifton Strengths, they provide summaries on this page: Themes Explain Your Talent DNA. Since I have the High5 ones handy (and they’re pretty short, I’ll provide them here and note which Clifton Strength it somewhat relates to (if one applies).

Problem Solver (Clifton: Restorative) – both first on my list, it appears I love to solve problems. Per High 5, “Problem Solvers love uncovering flaws, diagnosing problems and coming up with solutions. It is difficult for them to simply sweep unresolved issues under the rug and keep going as if everything is fine.

Philomath (Clifton: Learner) – per High 5, “Philomaths love learning. They explore many interests, follow new paths and acquire as much knowledge as possible. They don’t enjoy the company of so-called ‘know-it-alls’, people with little curiosity and no desire to explore new ideas.

Empathizer (Clifton: Relator) – “Empathizers are great at understanding how people feel and use this sensibility to do good for others. They become frustrated when asked to disregard feelings and focus solely on logic instead. “

Deliverer (Clifton: ~Achiever) – “Deliverers follow through on their commitments and appreciate seeing how this builds more trust and respect among others. They feel terrible if promises get broken – both on the receiving and giving side.”

Time Keeper (Clifton: ~Achiever) – “Nothing excites Time Keepers more than meeting a deadline. They enjoy setting up processes, timelines and plans. They may feel confused in chaotic circumstances where neither the outcomes nor the ways to achieve these are clear. “

While my top three traits in the High 5 test relate to some of the other characteristics from the Clifton StrengthFinders, the one that didn’t have any relation to the High 5 test would be the Intellection “strength.” While the Achiever Strength does somewhat relate to Time Keeper and Deliverer, as the Achiever likes to get things done, the importance of time/deadlines in the High 5 test doesn’t really truly relate to the Achiever. Nor does the Deliverer as getting things done, as an Achiever, isn’t contingent upon doing them for other people as the Deliverer seems to prioritize.

All in all, what I can glean from having taken both tests many years apart from each other is that, I love to learn and solve problems, usually for other people. It’s naturally easy for me to relate to others, and that in turn kind of helps me figure out how to solve the problems they might have (which speaks to me wanting to be a psychoanalyst growing up, but I digress…). In an effort to gain some insight using AI tools, I had asked Bard “Do you suggest becoming a Cybersecurity analyst or a cloud solutions architect? ” and after providing a breakdown comparison of the two careers, it seems I have a natural leaning towards Cybersecurity Analyst.