Spotlight on Preston King: A pillar of support, innovation, and leadership in the “What’s Next” program
In the face of a growing cybersecurity skills gap, Okta’s What’s Next program creates opportunities for individuals to upskill, reskill, and make a meaningful impact in the field of Identity and Access Management (IAM).
One of the program’s most exceptional participants is Preston King, a dedicated, highly technical, and collaborative individual whose journey embodies the spirit of the “What’s Next” initiative.
King's journey in the “What's Next” program is a testament to his leadership and technical expertise. He’s rapidly earned multiple Okta certifications and is well on his way to achieving his third and fourth. King’s commitment to mastering the intricacies of IAM is evident in his personal achievements. But beyond this, he’s emerged as a true leader and collaborator within the program.
King has become the go-to resource for dozens of fellow participants, regularly offering support and guidance in the LinkedIn group dedicated to What’s Next. Mentorship has played an important role in his professional growth, and he wants to pay it forward so others can enjoy the same benefits.
In King’s own words, "I was lucky enough to have an old-school hacker mentor me when I was learning penetration testing. When I was stuck, he’d get me through it in minutes versus however long it would have taken me. He helped me immensely, and I’m trying to continue that cycle."
King’s technical prowess shines through in his certifications and the invaluable resources he’s created for others. Known for his practical how-to videos, King has helped many people overcome challenges with Okta labs, empowering them to complete their training and advance in their certifications.
His willingness to share knowledge, troubleshoot, and collaborate with others reflects his commitment to elevating the entire community. As the recipient of the program’s inaugural “Hero of the Week” honor — and multiple awards since — King has been recognized as a true rockstar in the program.
"The 'What’s Next' grant is incredibly generous. It gives you everything you need to level up. It's a complete IAM starter pack," King explains, emphasizing the comprehensive support the program offers to participants. "When you’re given this much, it’s easy to give back."
When we honored King in May 2024 with our inaugural Hero of the Week award, we thanked him for stepping in and helping other members of the “What’s Next” LinkedIn group and for the major impact his support made on the lives of fellow participants. His leadership and selflessness have made a difference in the lives of others and strengthened the overall mission of the program: to help bridge the cybersecurity skills gap by empowering individuals to gain vital knowledge and certifications.
King’s story also highlights why Okta certifications are so highly sought after. "Okta can eliminate or mitigate so many different attacks. Phishing, credential stuffing, brute forcing, privilege escalation, and more can all be mitigated using Okta. Being the person who knows how to do that is valuable," he emphasizes, underlining the importance of these skills in today’s landscape. "And that's just the security. The amount of time you can save using the other features is impressive also."
With the increasing demand for IAM professionals, those with Okta certifications are positioned for strong career growth. According to CIO Magazine, Okta-certified professionals are in high demand, earning competitive salaries, with Okta certifications consistently ranking among the top-paying certifications globally, as noted by Certification Magazine.
King’s journey in the “What’s Next” program is an inspiring example of how one person’s commitment to learning, leadership, and collaboration can elevate an entire community. His technical acumen and collaborative spirit have set him apart as a true leader in the program and beyond. If you’re looking to strengthen your IAM team or take on complex IAM projects, King is still seeking employment opportunities. Please don’t hesitate to contact him.
Are you ready to follow in Preston King’s footsteps and start a new chapter in your career? Apply for What’s Next by Okta Learning, where your journey toward becoming an in-demand cybersecurity professional can begin today.
“What's Next” by Okta Learning is a learning grant program that offers individuals in the United States a chance to improve their skills and pursue technical careers. It provides access to Okta’s on-demand course catalog, a certification exam voucher, and a premier practice exam voucher. The program specifically targets individuals who lost their jobs as a result of layoffs in the United States, including veterans and military spouses, and are actively seeking employment in a technical role within the Identity and Access Management space.
