PSI Consultant Phil McKenzie Shares his Progress Since Joining the Team at PSI

In this special feature, we catch up with Phil McKenzie, a former PSI consultant who has made significant strides in his career. Phil, now a Senior Data Protection Engineer, shares his journey with us, highlighting how his partnership with PSI helped him grow and thrive in the IT industry.

Meet Phil McKenzie

Phil McKenzie is an accomplished IT professional specializing in cybersecurity, data protection, and tokenization. With a passion for safeguarding data and a knack for innovation, Phil’s expertise has been instrumental in his career progression.

Phil first connected with PSI when he was hired for a senior analyst role at NiSource. Reflecting on this initial opportunity, Phil says, “PSI positioned me with a great role at NiSource and it gave me invaluable management skills working in the enterprise.”

Working at PSI gave Phil a comprehensive understanding of IT infrastructure. As a senior analyst, he oversaw various areas, including mainframe, middleware, and backup systems, and helped develop infrastructure monitoring solutions. This role provided him with a broad perspective on how different aspects of the infrastructure integrate to achieve NiSource’s business goals and IT strategy.

Career Journey and Advancement

Phil’s journey since joining PSI has involved continuous growth and new opportunities. The skills and experience he gained at NiSource paved the way for his current role in Internal Security at Huntington Bank. “PSI provided a great opportunity for me to grow in IT,” Phil says.

One of the significant challenges Phil faced at NiSource was developing a tailored monitoring solution for the infrastructure. He spent hours identifying pain points and engaging with multiple vendors to find the right solution. “PSI was very encouraging and available to assist in navigating challenges. If I had any questions, I was always able to reach out to my support team at PSI for clarity,” Phil says.

A standout project for Phil was the closing and relocation of a data center. This experience enhanced his skills in disaster recovery and business continuity practices. “Every aspect of the effort had to be meticulously coordinated to ensure success. It’s experiences like this that allow you to gain valuable skills and control your career trajectory,” Phil shares.

Continuous Learning and Development

PSI’s commitment to continuous learning played a crucial role in Phil’s professional development. He took advantage of educational suites and certificates in various technologies, which helped him stay ahead in the fast-evolving IT landscape.

PSI’s company culture and the support from colleagues, like Account Manager Stephanie Gorhing, were pivotal in Phil’s career. “Stephanie provided endless support and mentorship that helped me suceed in my roles,” Phil notes.

Phil’s experience at PSI has positioned him well for future career opportunities. He highlights,

“PSI’s resources and tools enabled me to excel in my role and advance my career. My peers at Huntington were delighted by my previous experience in infrastructure and found my skillsets obtained at NiSource to be extremely transferable.”

Phil McKenzie’s journey with PSI highlights the company’s commitment to nurturing talent and providing opportunities for growth. His story is an inspiring example of how PSI’s support and resources can help consultants achieve their professional dreams.

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from our consultants, as we continue to highlight the successes and contributions of the PSI community.