Award-winning rap artist to HPE Global Security – Stephen Smiths story.

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Stephen Smith, from Boston, Massachusetts, joined the first cohort of the HPE Global Security Career Reboot Program last year. A father of four with a previous career in the music industry, he shares his journey of becoming a part of the HPE Global Security team.

Please tell us about yourself and your career before joining the HPE Career Reboot Program:

I am a proud father of four, 2 boys and 2 girls. I love being near water while listening to music. Summertime is the season of the year for me as I enjoy the outdoors, walks on trails through the woods, and enjoying time with my kids. In my early career, I started as a self-taught music producer.

In 1988, I put out my first record with an independent record label which won me my first Boston Music Award for Best Rap Act. My second song led to me winning my second Boston Music Award in 1989. I have produced music for major artists with several major labels, soundtracks, radio, and television spots as well as Infomercials for a mental health awareness organization. I was also awarded an opportunity to work at MTV/VH1 in NYC as a production assistant.

During the pandemic, I wanted to design t-shirts with a purpose, so I came up with my brand ‘TEITR Couture’ which is a clothing line that I hand design. It introduces ‘The Elephant in the Room’ (TEITR) collection with the mission to inspire social empathy.

What inspired you to change careers and choose HPE?

I wanted to build a better life for myself, seek new challenges, learn new skills, and experience more personal growth.

I knew that taking on a new career opportunity would help me to grow in many ways. During the interview process, I looked up HPE's mission and read all about the HPE culture, and knew it was the right fit for me.

Please tell us about your experience in the Program so far:

My experience has been such an amazing journey that, without the Career Reboot Program, I couldn't imagine this career/life-changing opportunity as my reality. I have gotten to learn and become proficient in so many different systems.

What have the highlights been of your time at HPE so far?

So far, my highlights during my time at HPE have been taking part in the first-ever HPE Global Security Summer Talent Showcase where I got to host the 2022 Global Security Talent Awards.

It was inspiring to see the unique skills of each employee as they contributed collectively as a team in the HPE workplace. In addition, there was a panel session with HPE’s SVP & CSO Bobby Ford and the Career Reboot team, of which I am blessed to be a member of.

What advice would you give to others looking to change careers?

I understand that embarking on a career change can be an uncomfortable feeling. To that, I would say, utilize the many tools that are available to educate yourself on the career path of your choice and take a leap of faith. Nothing feels better than moving the ‘mountains’ we put in front of ourselves when faced with adversity.

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Find out more about the Career Reboot Program or explore HPE Careers.