Meet Gage Olson

{ About Me }

Welcome! I'm Gage Olson, a dedicated cybersecurity professional with a B.S. in Cybersecurity from Southern New Hampshire University. My journey into the digital security realm began in the small town of Kennett, Missouri, where my fascination with the complex mechanisms safeguarding our online interactions took root.

At the heart of my approach is a commitment to continuous learning and hands-on experience. I specialize in threat analysis, system security, network defense, and incident response. I am particularly driven by the challenge of creating robust networks and systems that not only prevent attacks but also prioritize user safety and privacy.

My toolkit includes advanced programming skills and proficiency in security analysis tools, enhanced by my ongoing work with technologies like Splunk and Sysmon, and platforms like Kali Linux. Beyond the technical, I am an advocate for mental health awareness within the tech community, promoting a balanced lifestyle that integrates work and personal well-being.

Outside of work, I am passionate about video game development and enjoy diving into game mechanics and storytelling. I also cherish downtime with my chihuahua, Scrappy, and unwind by playing video games, which keep my problem-solving skills sharp.

Explore my portfolio to discover the projects and innovative solutions that highlight my career in cybersecurity.

Thank you for visiting my professional space. Let’s connect and collaborate to safeguard our digital future together.

{ Work Experience }

Sales Associate

Walmart

2021 - Present

Responsible for providing excellent customer service, assisting customers in finding products, and answering their questions. Tasked with maintaining store cleanliness, organization, and stocking shelves. Play a key role in ensuring a pleasant shopping experience and be expected to have good product knowledge, communication skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced retail environment.

Assistant Store Manager

Walmart

2017 - 2021 (3 yrs 10 mos)

Oversees daily store operations, supervises employees, and ensures customer satisfaction. Responsible for managing staff schedules, training new employees, and addressing customer complaints or issues. Additionally, assist in inventory management, enforcement of company policies, and work to achieve sales targets and financial goals.

Asset Protection Associate

Walmart

2017 (9 mos)

Leverages knowledge and expertise in identifying and analyzing security risks and criminal activity, analyzing signs of shrinkage, and conducting investigations. Teaches, utilizes, and enforces company and regulatory policies, standards, and procedures. Implementation of procedures to ensure the safety and security of associates and assets within the facility. Coordinates and aligns planning with organizational initiatives and direction concerning the facility. Conducts directed shrink-related audits and utilizes reports. Apply appropriate legal, safety, and security requirements when identifying, handling, and documenting theft and other suspicious, criminal, or unwanted behavior, i.e., Shoplifting). Monitor the annual inventory team and conduct recounts to ensure accurate inventory levels.

Support Manager

Walmart

2015 - 2017 (1 yr 10 mos)

Supervises associates in the area of responsibility by assigning duties, communicating goals, providing feedback and follow-up, monitoring performance, teaching and supporting company policies and procedures, ensuring compliance including OSHA and HIPPA regulations, and participating in the hiring, promotion, coaching for improvement, and teaching and evaluation of Associates. Drives the achievement of financial goals by managing the Customer Inventory Flow Process and SWAS planning. Receives and stocks merchandise throughout the Facility and organizes and maintains the backroom by receiving, sorting, staging, and delivering merchandise, and completing paperwork, logs, and other required documentation. Maintains inventory accuracy for the facility by binning and picking merchandise utilizing the inventory management system, completing bin audits, and working inventory exceptions (Inventory volume $4+ Million)

Network Administrator Internship

Visiting Nurses Association of Southeast Missouri

Summer 2014 (4 mos)

Aid Network Administrator with daily operations related to college course work.

Sales Associate

Walmart

2013 - 2015 (2 yrs 3 mos)

Responsible for providing excellent customer service, assisting customers in finding products, and answering their questions. Tasked with maintaining store cleanliness, organization, and stocking shelves. Play a key role in ensuring a pleasant shopping experience and is expected to have good product knowledge, communication skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced retail environment.

Assistant Network Administrator

Kennett School District

Summer 2013 (4 mos)

Aid Network Administrator in daily operations. Set up Computer Labs and upgrade hardware and software.

{ My Certifications }

Here, I showcase the qualifications and expertise I have gained through training and dedicated learning within cybersecurity. Each certification represents a milestone in my professional development.

Whether you're a potential employer, a fellow cybersecurity enthusiast, or someone interested in the field, these certifications reflect my unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. This commitment assures you that I am always ready to adapt and protect digital environments against evolving threats.

Explore my credentials and see how they align with the high standards for securing today's digital landscape.

Certified in Cybersecurity | (ISC)²

Issued: Feb 2024 | Expires: Jan 2027 | Credential ID: 1942011

The Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) certification is an entry-level credential offered by (ISC)², a leading international nonprofit association for information security professionals. This certification is designed for individuals who are new to the field of cybersecurity and are seeking to demonstrate their foundational knowledge and commitment to the industry.

Google IT Support | Google

Issued: April 2022 | Credential ID: LQQTK4EMNK2Q

The Google IT Support Professional Certificate is an entry-level certification designed to equip learners with the fundamental skills required for a successful career in IT support. The program covers a broad range of topics including troubleshooting, customer service, networking, operating systems, system administration, and security.

Networking | IT Security | Operating Systems | System Admin | IT Infrustructure

{ My Education }

B.S. in Cybersecurity

The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity degree is a program designed to equip students with the critical skills needed to protect and defend information systems from cyber threats. This comprehensive degree covers network security, information assurance, digital forensics, and ethical hacking. Through this program, I have engaged in hands-on learning experiences and simulations that mimic real-world cybersecurity challenges. The curriculum emphasizes technical proficiency and ethical considerations, preparing me to think critically and act decisively in high-stakes environments. My education at SNHU has been instrumental in forming a solid foundation in cybersecurity principles, and it continues to fuel my passion for this ever-evolving field as I prepare to contribute effectively to the cybersecurity community.

Honor Roll | 3.895 GPA

High School Diploma

I received my high school diploma from a local high school in Kennett, Missouri, where I laid the foundational stones of my education. This experience not only shaped my academic abilities but also honed my skills in critical thinking and collaboration. Throughout my high school years, I was actively engaged in a variety of courses that sparked my interest in technology and set the stage for my future pursuits in cybersecurity. My time in high school was pivotal in developing my work ethic and my passion for learning, qualities that I have carried forward into my higher education and professional endeavors. This formative period was crucial in preparing me for the rigorous challenges of a cybersecurity degree and beyond.

Honor Society | 3.77 GPA

2021 - 2024

Southern New Hampshire University

2009 - 2013

Kennett High School

Kennett Career and Technology Center

2011 - 2013

Kennett High School

KCTC is a vocational school located on the Kennett High School campus. While attending, I studied Information technology, CCNA courses, and welding.

FCCLA Class President