Editor’s note: During Volunteer Appreciation Week, the ISACA Now blog is spotlighting an ISACA volunteer each day of the week. Today, we spotlight Sunil Bakshi, founder and past president of the ISACA Pune (India) Chapter and a longtime ISACA volunteer. See our Q&A-style profile with Sunil below. Find out more about volunteering at ISACA through the Engage online community.
ISACA Now: For those in the ISACA community who do not know you, please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your career.
Hi, I am Sunil Bakshi from Pune, India. Pune is near Mumbai. I am a humanities graduate who came into the computer field by accident long ago in 1976, when we were still working with punched cards.
I have been associated with a professional membership organization, the Computer Society of India (CSI), since 1985 and used to be an enthusiastic volunteer there. Although I was working, I found that the computer (now IT) field is growing at a faster pace and that made me a perpetual learner. Volunteering with CSI also helped me in learning new things quicker than formal training.
I was introduced to ISACA through the CISA certification in 1998 and was fascinated by the knowledge and learning offered. It was my first certification. My thirst for learning was fueled by my CISA studies. Later, I continued my certification journey with ISACA, (ISC)2 and PMI. All these helped me in my professional career. I have worked with the largest bank in India, a Big 4 firm, Wipro consulting, and was CISO on one of the largest stock exchanges, and later a professor.
Currently, I am freelance trainer and consultant. I conduct trainings for certifications like CISA, CISM, CISSP, etc. I also enjoy mentoring youngsters and organizing learning events for ISACA and CSI.
ISACA Now: How did you learn about ISACA’s volunteer program?
When I registered for CISA, the nearest exam center was Mumbai. I was wondering why Pune did not have an exam center. The ISACA website informed that if there was a local chapter, an exam center can be allotted. Being associated through CSI, my friends and I decided that we should have an ISACA chapter in Pune. We started the process to form a chapter and got it was allotted in January 1999. Being a nascent chapter, we worked as volunteers to ensure that the chapter would grow and remain active. Working as a chapter leader introduced me to international volunteer opportunities, and then there was no looking back.
ISACA Now: Why did you decide to remain involved in ISACA’s volunteer program?
Working with CSI and the ISACA Pune Chapter, I learned the benefits of volunteering, including great networking benefits. ISACA offered a wider range of networking with professionals working in other geographic locations. My passion for learning and networking was the initiator, and ISACA’s resources and professional network was a motivator to volunteer.
ISACA Now: What are you most proud of about your time volunteering with ISACA?
Difficult question. If I have to name one thing, I am proud that I was able to contribute to the ISACA Journal and Tips column for other ISACA publications. I also have enjoyed reviewing articles for ISACA publications.
ISACA Now: What do you gain from volunteering with ISACA?
I gained more than what I gave. I learned new things, and I met many like-minded volunteers and new friends.
ISACA Now: Do you have any especially memorable moments from your time volunteering with ISACA?
Another difficult question. There are many moments when I felt proud to be part of the ISACA family, but one I remember is when my friend and I were on a tour in Masai Mara, Kenya. We were wearing ISACA caps and met a few other tourists who were thrilled to meet other ISACA family members.
ISACA Now: What would you say to somebody who is considering a volunteer role at ISACA but hasn’t yet made up their mind?
It is fun and you will enjoy every moment of volunteering. It is like joining the fun in the pool instead of watching from the shore.
