Transitioning from a career in tourism to cyber security may seem like an unlikely path. Still, for Kade Price, a student at UNSW Canberra, it was a natural progression driven by a desire for continuous learning and making a meaningful impact. Here’s how Kade navigated his journey and landed in doing his honours year in Bachelor of Computing and Cyber Security at UNSW Canberra.
From Alice Springs to UNSW Canberra
Kade’s path to this point was anything but conventional. Growing up in Alice Springs, Kade left school after Year 10 to work and travel. Years later, he completed a pathways program through the University of Newcastle, then successfully applied for an undergraduate sponsorship program at UNSW Canberra, providing financial support and a stipend for his studies.
Kade’s background is in tourism, a field he enjoyed but ultimately found limiting in terms of professional growth and challenge. By December 2019, he began looking for opportunities in the information security domain, eventually identifying cyber security as the sector offering the greatest training and long-term career prospects.
We sat down with Kade to learn more about his story and what he recommends to people wanting to kick-start their career in this field.
What was your biggest inspiration in getting into cyber security?
My inspiration for moving into cyber security stemmed from a combination of personal reflection and a strategic approach to career planning. I travelled a lot through my 20s and held various jobs in tourism, but I felt that I had hit a knowledge ceiling.
Changing careers is daunting and it's easy to feel simultaneously overwhelmed by possibilities and terrified by a lack of direction. I ended up using a Japanese concept called Ikigai to help orient my decision making. Using this exercise, I was able to identify cyber security as a field in which I could have a meaningful and positive impact, learn and challenge myself, and get paid well for it.
What would you say are key transferable skills when transitioning into a career in cyber?
I’d say the self-awareness and communication skills I gained throughout my career in tourism have been tremendously helpful. Computer science and cyber security can get pretty complicated. Recognising when I’m out of my depth and knowing who and how to ask for help has been crucial. While I work hard, accepting that I’ll never have all the answers and embracing being a perpetual learner has been beneficial. Also, like other industries, cyber security is a collaborative field, so communicating and working well in team environments is very important.
Do you have any advice for people considering a career in cyber security?
My advice for those considering a career in cyber security is firstly to recognise the breadth of the field. It’s not limited to technical roles; opportunities exist in marketing, sales, legal, recruitment, and more within cyber companies. Leverage your existing skill set to get a foothold in the industry and then transition to technical roles if desired.
Secondly, if you’re curious about the industry but aren't sure where to start, finding a friend, peer, or mentor in the field is invaluable. Behind all the 1’s and 0’s, cyber is filled with highly supportive people who love helping others get started. Networking is a powerful tool. Participate in industry events even before securing a job in cyber security to build connections and stay informed about emerging trends.
What is one thing you wish you knew about the industry prior to joining it?
Don't wait until you’re in the industry to start networking! I recommend aspiring cyber security professionals start attending industry events, joining information security associations, and connecting with the community as soon as possible. Don't be afraid that you don't know ‘enough’ to attend yet... if you're reading this, you know enough already. I'll see you there!
What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned through your pathway into cyber security?
The biggest lesson has been the value of persistence and unwavering determination. I encountered numerous naysayers, missed deadlines, and direct rejections along the way. Even well-intentioned people will steer you in the wrong direction from time to time. Rather than getting disheartened, ask for detailed feedback and specific advice on further steps or alternative pathways. This persistence, combined with a genuine interest and dedication, has been key to my progress so far.
How do you see your future looking like in a career in cyber?
Upon completing my studies, I envision a future within the Defence sector, leveraging my education and training to contribute to national security.
