Constructing A Career In Cybersecurity

Katie Boudreau, Director of Cybersecurity Talent at Mastercard knows a thing or two about Constructing a Career in Cybersecurity…It’s her job after all. “The dream job doesn’t exist, and that’s because you’re going to have many dream jobs.”.

For her Keynote speech at the Women In Cybersecurity, Katie decided to draw on her background in the construction industry. Building a technical foundation allows us to support our teammates, and understand what they are talking about, and how we can help them solve problems.

Foundation

Coursework and certifications, along with learning about some adjacent areas, like networks, operating systems and cloud platforms, will help you understand what you are securing and defending, along with how to do that.

Sometimes, you find something in one of those other areas, and and when you do, you dive deep, and you learn as much as you can. Then do that again, and again and again. As a subject matter expert in multiple areas, you become a force to be reconned with.

Walls and Roof

Your support system starts with networking…and making connections. Networking isn’t just about finding a mentor, (don’t worry, you will find a mentor), but also about finding people who intrigue you. You will build your table with people who support you, and with people who challenge you.

Maintaining Our House

Maintaining your house, is all about hands on experience. Hack the box competitions, cyber defense exercises, and capture the flag competitions not only help us flex our technical muscles, you’re learning from the people around you. We always need to be learning, because guess who else is always learning…the adversaries!

Furnishings and Decor

What do we want to fill our “career houses” with? For Katie, it’s passion and optimism. When you bring optimism, you have the opportunity to bring the true you to the table. “When you are optimistic, you don’t stifle your voice, you project it. And that projection, and that optimism, you bring big and bold ideas to the table, ideas that may change the world, and that…is priceless!

Mentors vs. Champions

Mentors show you where the door is, how to get to the door, and how to open. A champion knows you already have the skills you need, and they open the door, and shove you through it. Find a champion, it will change your life!

Katie also recently posted a list of tips and tricks to display your passion for technology and for cybersecurity.