As the current Strategic Program Manager at the Canberra Cyber Hub, I have spent a lot of time designing events and activities to help people find their role in cyber, and the advanced technology ecosystem. Recently I made the decision to move back to Victoria and make the transition into a cyber role.
Here are the three key tips I have learned on my long and fulfilling journey between Questacon, Canberra Cyber Hub and more.
1 – Identify what area of cyber you’d like to work in.
There are many opportunities in cyber, in both technical and non-technical roles. When making the move into cyber, it’s important to identify which area you’d like to move into and why.
I was lucky to have exposure to many different areas of cyber through events and activities I delivered with the Canberra Cyber Hub. I quickly learned that I wasn’t set out to be a penetration tester, to do identity and access management, or work in a security operations centre. Not because these roles weren’t interesting, but just because I didn’t think I had the attitude or aptitude for these careers.
However, roles in governance, risk and compliance, cyber strategy, and cyber education and awareness, matched my areas of interest perfectly – and I had the right attitude for them. I saw that they would allow me to have an impact on securing Australia and our communities.
2 - What skills do you have and match them to the cyber roles you want
After identifying which cyber roles I was interested in, I committed to learning all I could about these roles, and what skills I already had which would allow me to succeed.
For me, some skills I identified that matched these roles included:
- Strategic thinking
- Science Communication
- Stakeholder engagement
- Project management and coordination
It was also important I had a way to demonstrate these skills. For me this was easy to showcase through the outcome of events and activities I had delivered at the hub.
However, not everyone has such a depth of organisational experience, and that’s ok. If you’re looking to move into a technical role, things such as certifications can demonstrate your interest and capabilities. Similarly, completing projects such as setting up a home lab, competing in capture the flags, completing bug bounties, or writing open-source code, can all help demonstrate your ability to do a role. Make sure you’re able to discuss the outcomes for these projects (even if you didn’t win), what you learned through completing them, and how this knowledge applies to the role you’re applying for.
3. Where do you look to find entry level cyber roles?
Not all businesses have the capacity or capability to employ entry level cyber roles. When searching for roles in cyber, I targeted my search to businesses I knew would be supportive of my diverse skills. You can find this information by looking at others who work for the business, and what background they come from. Additionally, networking and attending events that directly connect to cyber businesses, such as those delivered by the Canberra Cyber Hub is a great way to start your journey.
If you’re a graduate, you also have the option of internships and graduate programs, which can start you on your journey.
Bonus point: Get your foot in the door.
Not all cyber roles are going to directly be doing cyber. In my previous two roles I have found myself working alongside the cyber community to develop cyber resources for kids, then to promote cyber in the ACT. For both roles, I didn’t require cyber knowledge, but I picked it up along the way through networking, short courses and learning all I can, wherever I can.
Quite often cyber businesses will look for marketing managers, business support and project coordinators. These can be great roles to learn more about the field of cyber and identify the areas you want to find yourself in.
Speaking of which, we think now is the time for you to apply for my role; the strategic program manager. You know you want to.
