Alumni Highlight: Robb Tanner

The CCI periodically has students sit down with Cal Poly alumni working in or alongside the cybersecurity industry. Parker McKenzie (COMS) recently conducted this interview with Robb Tanner.

Robb Tanner | POLS 1992
Deputy Assistant for ICT Services and Digital Trade
United States Trade Representative (USTR)

Robb Tanner graduated from Cal Poly in 1992 with a degree in Political Science (POLS). Robb currently works for the United States Trade Representative (USTR) as the Deputy Assistant for ICT Services and Digital Trade. Robb works in negotiating trade agreements and enforcement. His work does intersect at the point of policy and cybersecurity—oftentimes requiring him to work closely with NIST.

Robb credits the Cal Poly “Learn by Doing” philosophy with his professional development. Robb appreciated the opportunities Cal Poly offered to him as a student and was grateful for the encouragement by faculty for students to pursue internships. All of this helped him lay a strong foundation for his career.  

Robb’s advice to Cal Poly students is to not shy away from learning the technical aspects of whatever field you go into. In the case of cybersecurity, not being able to implement a technical solution does not preclude you from engaging with people in the field so long as you have foundational knowledge of concepts like encryption and cyber best practices.

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