FastCompany just named Netflix the world’s most innovative company in Hollywood. Their original series’ were nominated for 14 Emmys. And a College of Charleston alumnus is in the middle of it all. Jason Chan ’97 makes sure you don’t miss a minute of your favorite show.
Jason Chan ’97
Q: What is your position title and what do you do at Netflix?
A: I’m a director of engineering and I lead the team responsible for the security of the Netflix streaming video service, including applications, infrastructure, and operations. We work with engineers to help them build and operate secure systems and applications and also work hard to protect all of Netflix’s member data.
Q: “House of Cards” Season 2 just came out and this article details what happens in the Netflix War Room during a launch – were you part of that?
A: Ha! Yes, indeed – I work directly with many of the folks in those photos. We put lots of effort into big launches (such as a new original series, or launching in a new country), and we want to make sure the events go as smoothly as possible. We have actually moved to calling them ‘peace rooms’ instead of ‘war rooms’ since we prefer uneventful launches!
[RELATED: College of Charleston professors explain why we binge watch series like House of Cards.]
Q: You majored in sociology, so how did you get to information security?
A: Well, I wanted to go into law enforcement, so that’s why I majored in sociology. I had used computers most of my life and my dad is an engineer, but I didn’t think I was interested in it from a career perspective. Right after graduating from the College, I worked at Blackbaud (a Charleston-based technology company) doing software support and that reinvigorated my interest in computing. I think I was drawn to security because of my long-term desire to go into law enforcement.
Q: What was your path to Netflix?
A: I spent most of my earlier career in security consulting for private boutique consultancies. For the last six or seven years I have been more focused on the ‘corporate’ side where I’m actually responsible for keeping things secure (instead of just providing advice). Geography-wise, I moved to the West coast in 2004 to follow my wife as she pursued graduate studies.
Q: What was the process for getting the job at Netflix?
A: I was introduced to my current manager through a mutual acquaintance, and things went from there. We had lunch and I was really interested in the cutting-edge technology that Netflix was working on. I then met with a few of the key folks in the engineering organization, and I was pretty much sold. I wasn’t actively looking to move jobs at the time, but as often happens, the best jobs come up when you’re not looking!
Q: What is the coolest thing about working at Netflix?
A: Well, we talk about the movies and shows we’ve been watching at all of our team meetings so that is pretty cool! I also live close to work so like being able to walk or bike to work, and the free lunch/drinks/snacks help, too. On a more serious note, it is awesome to work on such a popular service that many millions across the world love to use.
Q: What is your favorite Netflix series?
A: Hmm . . . that is a trick question – I love them all! Seriously though, I would probably say Derek. I love Ricky Gervais. That said, House of Cards and Orange is the New Black are way up on my list as well.
Q: Is a liberal arts degree a disadvantage in information security?
A: Not at all. Some of the best security people I know have either no degree or a liberal arts degree. Although, that said, you don’t see a lot of tech opportunities for liberal arts grads right out of school. Now, there are less opportunities in general than when I graduated. In 1997, I had a number of opportunities to choose from, and I had several job offers before I even graduated.
