Whether you are just entering the cybersecurity field or are an experienced professional, everyone should take time periodically to assess their current career trajectory and how they can “level up” to achieve a new milestone.
So how do you do it? Let’s explore some possible methods. The key is going to be ways that you can make impact.
Whether it’s Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube or a combination, having a social media presence can do a lot of positive things for your cybersecurity “street cred.” Maybe you represent a minority group, a specific career path, or want to lean into sharing your expertise for others who follow a similar path to you. Having a strong social media presence can help you build your brand, meet exciting new people within the cybersecurity field, and learn from other professionals. It could also be monetarily lucrative, although this shouldn’t be a primary motivation.
Teach for cybersecurity organizations / become a professional Subject Matter Expert
Many cybersecurity professionals rely on organizations like SANS Institute, IEEE, or volunteer professional groups such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation Infragard to learn and grow their network. Consider giving back when you feel you have reached a level of expertise or want to better represent your industry within cybersecurity focus groups. You’ll be amazed at how grateful and beneficial it is for everyone involved to have you contribute.
Speak at conferences
There has never been more cybersecurity conferences than today as we continue to embrace both physical and virtual conferences in a post-COVID world. Since cybersecurity affects every industry, it can be easy to find a conference that is applicable to your area of specialization or vertical. Consider the HIMSS for healthcare; blackhat for general cybersecurity and security; or AFCEA for U.S. military focus. The list is enormous – just do a search and you can easily find a conference within your industry or interest.
Become a Bug Bounty Hunter
These days, it is easier than ever to participate in bug bounty programs—whether it is through official tech companies like Google, Apple, or Meta—or independent organizations like HackerOne. Bug bounty hunting is a great way to learn, harness your vulnerability and engineering skills, and of course, make some money.
Create online tutorials and video courses
If you really are an expert within a certain area of cybersecurity, and have the creative content juices flowing, you should consider creating online tutorials and classes. You can stand to make significant money whether it is through selling courses directly on your own website, or post them to popular platforms like YouTube or Udemy. The better and more popular the course is, the more you can financially earn. But it’s also about building your online brand and impact within the cybersecurity community.
Contribute to Git or CVE
Actively participating in vulnerability research, responsible disclosure, or contributing to Git are all excellent ways to flex your cybersecurity skills and give back to the community. Consider publishing whitepapers or highly visible blog posts on platforms such as Medium, Substack, or even Reddit.
Be a mentor
This is probably the most impactful move you can make—become a mentor to someone who, like you earlier in your career, displays a hunger for learning and breaking into the industry. Forming a mentor/mentee partnership should come organically for optimal results. Maybe someone will approach you, or maybe you will just organically approach them as you interact with a colleague or follower online. But give mentorship a serious consideration as it can be extremely rewarding to watch someone develop their skillset and possibly become the next big thing in your company, social group, or the entire field. Remember, everyone starts out somewhere, just like you did. Consider giving back.
