As we continue to focus on Cybersecurity Awareness Month let’s talk about Explore Experience Share. and what it means for the cybersecurity community. This is a week to talk about the experiences of those in the cybersecurity community and to create interest for those looking to possibly want to join this very rewarding field!
Explore cybersecurity roles
It is important to recognize that there are many opportunities for a wide variety of cybersecurity jobs within this field. I think a lot of times cybersecurity is viewed through a small prism which may keep those who are interested away. Cybersecurity is not just analyst roles or penetration testers. Cybersecurity professionals come in many roles:
- Security Analyst
- Security Architect
- Incident Responder
- Auditor
- Technical Writer
- Sales
- Privacy
- Project Manager
- Consultant
- Identity Access
- Compliance
- Trainer
These are just a handful of roles one can take on while being in a cybersecurity role.
Experience rewarding careers
My personal experiences within the cybersecurity profession have been extremely rewarding, especially in my current role as Cybersecurity Specialist with the Michigan SBDC. I have always enjoyed the training, education, and awareness raising side of cybersecurity the most. I now get to lead webinars and in person events, create training materials, write a blog!, speak at conferences, and meet clients!
For others being in the trenches protecting an organization’s data is what drives them, while for others it is finding vulnerabilities and alerting organizations of these, and for others it may be protecting the privacy of customers and clients and ensuring regulations are being met. My point is, there are many different rewarding fields in cybersecurity and if interested that field can be found!
Share cybersecurity opportunities
Lastly, it is important we share with those who have interest in joining us in cybersecurity and to encourage others of the rewarding professions within cybersecurity! Many colleges and universities offer full programs in cybersecurity and also offer certification prep courses for those less interested in the full time school route. Most also offer flexible schedules or online programs that fit your schedule.
It is also important to start creating an interest in cybersecurity for our kids in K-12. There are organizations that can help mentor, educate, and show the fun side and challenging side of cybersecurity.
For more information on Explore Experience Share and other cybersecurity topics check out Small Business, Big Threat!