Job Descriptions, Conclusion, and Resources
We couldn’t end this eBook without confronting the topic of job descriptions.
In order to attract and support more people in the cybersecurity industry, they need to visualize themselves in the roles. But do current job descriptions enable that, or does the amount of experience and certifications requested up front lead to a certain amount of soul crushing?
Certifications and accreditations certainly have their importance, but for the majority of people in this industry, they are here because they have a passion for helping others. The passion of the contributors in this eBook alone clearly leaps off the page.
People in cybersecurity want to make the world a better place, and they want to ensure the safety of as many people as possible online. Are the majority of job descriptions appealing to that nature? We would cautiously suggest that many of them don’t.
Don’t just build a website asking for applications and assume they will come. Go out into the marketplace, and go to disadvantaged schools. Talk to them about the industry. Creating a job spec on your website and sending it out on social media isn’t good enough.
There is no singular footpath into cybersecurity. And that’s not a bad thing. Our adversaries are diverse and strategic, so we must ensure our defenders are also diverse, and are made up of people who also approach solutions from different angles.
Giving people opportunities, even if they don’t tick every box of a job description’s “Essential Skills” list is one of the best things you can do to help. This will ensure the future of cybersecurity is in the hands of those who are passionate learners.
Also, when finding our path in cybersecurity, having a mentor, or an ally, can help light the way forwards. Allies can open doors that previously seemed closed.
In short, we must ask ourselves what we want the future of cybersecurity to be, and support people to be with us on that journey.
A discussion on non traditional paths into cybersecurity
A monthlong roster of events, activities and educational content
Put your talent to work
Empowering all people with career possibilities
