From Snowboarding Slopes to Securing OT Networks

From Snowboarding Slopes to Securing OT Networks

From OT After Hours by Rockwell Automation

August 15, 2025 · 16 min · Season 2 · Episode 8

About this episode

Natalie Kalinowski shares her unique career journey from teaching snowboarding to becoming a Network & Cybersecurity Specialist.

In this episode, we follow the unique career journey of Natalie Kalinowski , Network & Cybersecurity Specialist at Verve Industrial, from teaching snowboard lessons to managing complex industrial network security. Join host Ken Kully , Systems Support Lead at Verve Industrial, as Natalie shares how international internships, early career programs, and continuous learning shaped her expertise—and her advice for anyone looking to break into OT security. Key Takeaways Career pivots can start anywhere—Natalie's path began on the slopes and in hands-on engineering internships across the Dominican Republic and Germany. Rockwell Automation's EDGE program provided foundational OT automation skills, bridging the gap from theory to real-world application. Continuous upskilling through certifications (CISSP, CCNA, FEMA courses) and self-directed study is key to keeping pace in a fast-evolving field. Strong communication skills—especially with global teams—are as critical as technical knowledge in OT security. For newcomers: pursue foundational certifications, gain experience in IT or OT support roles, and immerse yourself in industry news and terminology. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction &…

People in this episode

Host: Ken Kully

Guest: Natalie Kalinowski

Topics covered

  • career journey
  • OT security
  • network security
  • continuous learning
  • engineering internships

Keywords

  • OT security
  • network security
  • career pivots
  • engineering internships
  • Rockwell Automation EDGE program

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Verve Industrial, Rockwell Automation, Marquette University

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