SIA RISE Profile: Saad Ahsan of UL

Read our interview with Saad Ahsan, Project Engineer, UL Building & Life Safety Technologies, as the Security Industry Association (SIA) spotlights a young professional on the RISE!

 

Are you a young security professional under 40? We want your story! Contact Bryan Miller at bmiller@securityindustry.org to be featured in a monthly profile!

What first got you interested in security and safety as a career choice?

The convergence of electronic security and physical security was something that caught my interest. Being a technology enthusiast, the innovations were fascinating. To add to the fun and suspense, criminals are working equally hard at innovating new ways to compromise security. It’s a race to stay ahead of the game. I find satisfaction in this industry because I know that my work will make an immediate and direct difference for people—be it protecting their valuables, their peace of mind or most importantly their lives.

What has your career path been?

I obtained my degree in Biomedical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology. My passion for technology and desire to help others made it an apt choice. I spent a couple summers interning with IBM. I was involved in numerous technical activities and there was a lot of client contact. I knew I wanted a career that was purposeful, related to technology and with customer interaction.

I started at UL (formerly Underwriters Laboratories) after undergrad, joining the Life Safety and Security group. I was able to work with a variety of new products. UL’s mission for a safer world aligned with my desire to help others and make a positive difference. The frequent client interaction was a plus.

So far, I have tested and certified numerous security products such as high security electronic locks used in banks, burglary alarm systems and access control systems. I was also involved in cryptographic validations for the FIPS 140-2 standard. That was a real eye opener to the significance of IT security to today’s evolving threat landscape.

Who has influenced you or mentored you—either within the security field or outside?

Everyone! There is always something to learn from every individual. Some will teach you what to do; others will teach you what not to do. It might not be readily obvious, but spend sufficient time with people and you’ll be surprised with what they have to offer.

My best mentors not only teach me about work but also share valuable life lessons. There is a lot of wisdom with more experienced colleagues, and you cannot acquire that in a library or with Google. Their challenges might have been different, but their approach to problems will help you formulate your own solutions. Mentors are here to add tools to your toolbox. In the end, you’ll be the one deciding which tools are appropriate for the unique situations that come your way.

Reflecting on all the people who influenced and shaped me—the list is long. I am indebted to their contributions and the only thing I can do is take that kindness and “pass it on” to someone else.

What do you think you need to enhance your career?

Curiosity and a positive attitude. Curiosity drives that willingness to learn. The world is changing faster than ever, and it is necessary to keep learning and stay abreast. A positive attitude ensures a smooth journey. As long as these two fundamentals are present, everything else will fall into place.

I highly recommend Martin Seligman’s book “Learned Optimism.” Keeping a positive attitude benefits yourself foremost, and also has a subtle influence on the people around you. That dynamic helps a team thrive in ways that cannot be measured or quantified.

Any advice to young professionals just starting out in the industry?

You are your own brand. And that brand has value to your own self first, but it also adds value to your peers, clients and managers. That brand also brings value to your family, friends and relatives. Aspire to excellence, make that your brand, and you will find success.

At the beginning of your journey, things might look a little confusing. There are so many permutations of choices, and one decision will impact the next. Some choices are entirely our own, others are a product of circumstance. Whatever you choose, strive to give it your absolute best. That will open doors and make the next steps easy.

Dr. James C. Lalley, my principal at Northside College Prep High school, would often end his speeches with a quote from Robert Frost:

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”

The views and opinions expressed in guest posts and/or profiles are those of the authors or sources and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Security Industry Association (SIA).