The IT Dilemma: Navigating the Challenges of a Shared Network in a Multi-Company Setting

In today’s fast-paced corporate landscape, shifting office spaces can lead to a whirlwind of challenges—especially when it comes to technology infrastructure. Recently, my company found itself relocating to a new building, where we’re sharing space with several other firms owned by our parent investment company. While the move was necessary, it has uncovered some significant gaps in our IT support that are now becoming my responsibility to manage.

The Move and Immediate Challenges

A couple of months ago, our startup—consisting of less than a dozen employees—moved into a partially renovated space designated for our parent firm and a few other businesses. As the smallest team on the block, we got settled in first, while larger companies will join us in the coming months.

During the move, I mistakenly asked about the network setup. Eager to contribute, I volunteered to assist a fellow engineer in setting up four routers to provide basic Wi-Fi during the transition. Unfortunately, this quickly spiraled into a shared network scenario where my team and employees from the investment firm are relying on a single consumer-grade Wi-Fi system, lacking proper configuration and security.

A Lack of Professional Expertise

To my dismay, it has become clear that there are no plans to hire dedicated IT staff. This realization dawned on me after overhearing management discussing potential changes to the network I established. As a mechanical engineer with only limited IT knowledge—mostly rooted in personal interest and college experiences—this situation is deeply concerning.

The current setup leaves us vulnerable: it’s inadequately secured, ineffectively managed, and likely insufficient for the demands of multiple companies sharing one network. With workload expectations already high, the last thing I want is to delve into IT matters that lie far outside my expertise.

Making the Case for Professional IT Support

Soon, I will need to advocate for the hiring of experienced IT professionals—a task I find daunting. Without a firm grasp of the intricacies involved, how can I effectively convey the critical need for IT investment to the decision-makers?

1. Potential Consequences: Emphasize the risks associated with a shared, poorly managed network. Highlight vulnerabilities in security, such as data breaches or unauthorized access. Illustrate how these instances could have catastrophic effects on multiple companies sharing the same infrastructure.

2. Operational Efficiency: Argue that professional IT staff would enable each company to operate more efficiently. With