Shanikqua Burks began her career journey when she joined the Army as a young college student. During her service, she developed a love for solving complex problems and creating solutions under pressure. This passion—coupled with her curiosity for technology—led Burks to a career in sales engineering.
In 2022, Burks joined Palo Alto Networks as a senior solutions architect. With the support of leadership and Palo Alto Networks’ robust combination of cross-product training, mentorship, and hands-on opportunities, Burks transitioned to her current role as a solutions consultant.
“Leadership fostered an environment of transparency and collaboration from the very beginning of my internal mobility process, ensuring my transition to my new team was seamless,” she says. “They recognized my potential, allowed me to explore new challenges, and connected me with resources to further refine my skills.”
Palo Alto Network works to foster an inclusive culture, championing innovation and impactful work. Through open feedback and opportunities for employees to grow their expertise, team members have access to continuous learning initiatives, certification opportunities, and the ability to create immersive learning experiences with entire product suites.
“I had a Palo Alto Networks firewall sent to my house that allowed me to build a home lab and become a subject matter expert in the products I’m responsible for,” she explains. “The culture here is designed to help talent thrive and lead in a fast-paced industry.”
Here, Burks shares how she makes an impact at Palo Alto Networks, what inspires her in her work, and how the company’s team-first mentality fosters growth and continued development.
Tell us about your core responsibilities as a solutions consultant. How does this work inspire you?
As a solutions consultant, I’m considered the “translator” between technical teams and the internal stakeholders within Palo Alto Networks. I architect tailored solutions, conduct technical product demos, and ensure deployments to meet customer requirements.
I’m continuously inspired by the opportunity to connect technical use cases for my customers to real-world problems and bridge the gap between technology and business goals. The ability to help clients navigate challenges while protecting their digital ecosystems is both fulfilling and energizing.
What excites me most about this role is seeing how the right solution can transform an entire organization’s operations, adding value beyond my expectations. It’s rewarding to know my work helps protect federal organizations and empowers them to thrive in a constantly evolving digital landscape.
What are a few of your biggest accomplishments at Palo Alto Networks? How are you making an impact, and what have been the keys to your success?
One of my biggest accomplishments has been leading impactful customer engagements that create huge opportunities within my assigned territory. This strengthens trust and delivers measurable results to the customers I support.
The keys to my success are active listening, continuously learning and improving myself, and staying adaptable in difficult situations. Making an impact here often comes from combining deep technical expertise with empathy for customer challenges.
In what ways does Palo Alto Networks empower employees to take control of their careers and encourage internal mobility?
Palo Alto Networks prioritizes career growth by offering robust development programs to employees of every level, mentorship opportunities, and career pathways with effective processes.
Employees are encouraged to explore their interests and transition across roles, supported by leadership that values internal talent. The company’s focus on individual potential makes every opportunity accessible.
What do you like best about the Palo Alto Networks company culture?
The culture at Palo Alto Networks is built on collaboration and innovation, and I always have a sense of purpose. I appreciate the team-first mentality that starts at the top with leadership and extends to my direct team—where everyone is eager to support and learn from one another. It’s inspiring to work with people who are driven by a shared mission to make a real difference in cybersecurity.
What advice do you have for others trying to start their cybersecurity or information technology careers?
Start by building a strong foundation in your technical skills while staying curious about new ideas. Also, make time to network with other professionals in the field, seek mentors, and never stop learning. Don’t be afraid to take on challenging projects; they’re often our best teachers. Most importantly, focus on being intentional with everything you do.
What are you currently reading, watching, and listening to?
I’m currently reading The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel for personal growth. I’m watching EVERYTHING I can find on Netflix, but I mainly enjoy documentaries and dramas. On my playlist, you’ll find lo-fi study beats for staying grounded and TED Talks for inspiration. It’s a blend that keeps me motivated and balanced.