Rahul Walia
Calgary
Summary
Highly qualified and experienced IT Network and Data Security Professional with over 20 years of proven work experience in the Telecommunication & ICT industry. An innovative and results-oriented leader, focused on achieving exceptional results in environments that demand continuous improvement and out-of-the-box thinking. Excel in developing and motivating a highly focused team that successfully meets and exceeds company objectives. Expertise in IT network and data security allows for effective contribution to a dynamic organization. Currently seeking a role to apply skills in securing and optimizing networks, implementing robust data protection measures, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations."
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
IT Systems Analyst
Calgary Public Library
04.2015 - Current
- Lead technical support for network and security infrastructure across 22 branch locations.
- Provide Level 3 support for IT escalations, troubleshooting network, server, and security issues.
- Maintain and administer Fortinet Firewalls, switches, and security policies to ensure compliance and protection against threats.
- Conduct incident response, problem management, and root cause analysis for security and technical issues.
- Train and mentor junior analysts on best practices, troubleshooting, and system administration.
- Implement IT policies and procedures, ensuring efficiency in operations and service delivery.
- Develop and maintain knowledge-based articles and training documentation for IT support teams. Installed improvements and adjusted parameters to optimize functionality.
- Provided exceptional end-user support, resolving technical issues quickly and efficiently.
- Trained users and supported variety of problems with hardware and software.
- Planned and designed system improvements to meet changing demands.
- Optimized network performance, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum user satisfaction.
- Performed root cause analysis on recurring issues leading to enhanced troubleshooting methods which ultimately increased overall system stability.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop comprehensive IT strategies aligned with company goals.
- Resolved connectivity issues for end-users through troubleshooting and implementing solutions.
- Installed, configured and supported local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN) and Internet system.
- Performed day-to-day LAN and WAN administration, maintenance, and support.
- Enhanced network security through installation, monitoring, and maintenance of firewalls and antivirus software.
- Installed improvements and adjusted parameters to optimize functionality.
Deskside Support Engineer
MicroAge
09.2014 - 05.2015
- Reduced downtime by proactively identifying potential technical issues and implementing preventive measures.
- Improved end-user satisfaction by providing timely and effective deskside support for hardware, software, and network issues.
- Developed strong relationships with users to foster trust and confidence in IT services provided.
- Maintained up-to-date documentation on system configurations, troubleshooting procedures, and user guides for quick reference during support tasks.
- Provided customer support for hardware, software, and network-related issues across multiple corporate locations.
- Assisted in user training and troubleshooting of applications and devices.
- Managed and resolved tickets in compliance with SLAs, escalating as needed.
Network QA Tester
Telus Mobility
06.2014 - 09.2014
- Configured and tested LTE & DSL modems for voice and data functionality.
- Conducted quality assurance testing for network infrastructure.
- Managed bug-tracking systems efficiently, ensuring all issues were logged, prioritized, and resolved in a timely manner.
- Conducted thorough regression testing of previous builds to verify bug fixes and maintain application stability.
- Provided timely feedback to developers on identified issues, enabling the rapid resolution of bugs before launch deadlines.
- Participated in agile development processes, contributing effectively to sprint planning and daily stand-up meetings.
Technical Support Engineer
IBM
03.2014 - 07.2014
- Provided technical support for over 40,000 clients, troubleshooting software, hardware, and network issues.
- Conducted Win7 rollout and infrastructure support for banking and healthcare clients.
- Responded to support requests from end-users and patiently walked individuals through basic troubleshooting tasks.
- Conducted root cause analysis of technical issues, implementing preventive measures for future occurrences.
- Provided remote assistance to clients, ensuring timely resolution of software and hardware concerns.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving complex technical issues promptly and effectively.
IT Infrastructure Operations Manager
Lonestar Cell MTN
08.2004 - 02.2014
- Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
- Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
- Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
- Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
- Led hiring, onboarding and training of new hires to fulfill business requirements.
- Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
- Established positive and effective communication among unit staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications and missed deadlines.
- Led IT Infrastructure Operations, managing network security, systems, and help desk teams.
- Oversaw customer escalations, ensuring timely resolution of technical issues.
- Developed and implemented IT policies, reducing downtime and improving system performance.
- Managed budgets effectively, consistently delivering projects on-time and within financial constraints.
- Facilitated smooth collaboration between departments through clear communication channels.
- Developed and implemented strategies to maximize customer satisfaction.
Education
Bachelor of Electrical Engineering - Electrical Engineering
07-1999
Skills
- IT Network Systems Analysis
- Roadmap Development & Implementation
- Cybersecurity Tools (IDS/IPS, Cyrebro, FortiNDR)
- Data & Security Policy Management
- Azure Active Directory Management
- Operations Research & Decision Making
- LAN & WAN Management
- IT Policies & Procedures
- Disaster Recovery Planning
- Team Leadership and Mentorship
- IP Routing Protocols
- IT asset management
- Reporting skills
Employment Objective
I am a qualified and experienced IT Network and Data Security Professional with over 20 years of proven work experience in the Telecommunication & ICT industry. As an innovative and results-oriented leader focused on achieving exceptional results in environments that demand continuous improvement and out-of-the-box thinking, I excel in developing and motivating a highly focused team that successfully meets and exceeds company objectives. To leverage my expertise in IT network and data security to contribute effectively to a dynamic organization. Seeking a role that allows me to apply my skills in securing and optimizing networks, implementing robust data protection measures, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
Languages
English
Full Professional
Hindi
Native or Bilingual
Punjabi
Professional Working
Certification
- CompTIA A+ Technician - Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA).
- ITIL Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management - AXELOS Global Best Practice.
- CompTIA Network+ - Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA).
- Fortinet Certified Associate - Cybersecurity
- Fortinet FortiGate 7.4 Operator
- Qualys Certified Specialist - VMDR
- CCNA & CCNP (expired)
Interests
- I enjoy helping others and giving back to the community
- Volunteer Travel
- Sharing travel tips, recommendations, and insights with fellow enthusiasts
- Participating in local clean-up initiatives
- Backpacking and Hiking
- Food Tourism
- I like working with my hands and fixing things
- Playing Sports
- Road Trips
Timeline
IT Systems Analyst - Calgary Public Library
04.2015 - Current
Deskside Support Engineer - MicroAge
09.2014 - 05.2015
Network QA Tester - Telus Mobility
06.2014 - 09.2014
Technical Support Engineer - IBM
03.2014 - 07.2014
IT Infrastructure Operations Manager - Lonestar Cell MTN
08.2004 - 02.2014
Chandigarh Engineering College - Bachelor of Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering
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