The cybersecurity community is comparatively small but tightly knit, which makes it essential that we establish and nurture a network. Your chances of acquiring an internship, securing your ideal career, or seeking an incredibly interesting volunteer opportunity might be determined by the people you make connections with.
A survey by CyberSN, a cybersecurity staffing firm, found that:
- 90% of cybersecurity professionals believe that networking is important for career growth and success.
- 79% of cybersecurity professionals said that their professional network has helped them find a job or career opportunity.
These statistics demonstrate the significant role that security networking plays in career development for cybersecurity professionals. It’s clear that building a strong network of peers and industry connections is critical for advancing in this field. Attending events, joining professional organizations, and using social media are all effective ways to expand your network and increase your career opportunities in cybersecurity.
Are you willing to join the ranks of elite cybersecurity professionals and defend against the ever-evolving threats of the digital world? Let’s team up and play the field together to ensure a secure and protected network for all. Regardless of where you are in your calling, it is never too early or late to start networking. Here are some tips for boosting your network:
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- Pitch Your introductory statement: Create your own “elevator pitch,” a 30-second summation of who you are and what you aim for. Never apologize for anything. Avoid mentioning something like “I’m just trying to start or initiate a career in cybersecurity” or “I don’t have any experience.” It should be intriguing. Specify two things, one that you are extremely passionate about and something you want to learn more about. Be prepared to respond to follow-up inquiries.
- Business Cards: There is no excuse for not having a business card. Approach a dealer and purchase some low-cost cards. Consider them “calling” or “visiting” cards if you are uncomfortable not having a job in cybersecurity or if your company doesn’t offer them. The only information that must be incorporated on business cards is the name, phone number, email address, and certificates. Avoid business cards that cannot be written on, such as laminated, transparent, delicate, and other novelties, since people like to write messages on the backs.
Social Media:
- Twitter is prominent in this domain; consider making it a part of your routine. It is recommended to tweet sparingly, focusing solely on pertinent topics. Maintain a professional tone and refrain from sharing the mundane details of your daily life with the community. Turning off geolocation is a must, but you should not make your account “private” as it would go against the platform’s philosophy of free sharing. Don’t be a spoilsport! Be yourself and demonstrate a passion for the subject. Moreover, avoid becoming the person that follows two million people while only having ten followers. You’ll be considered a robot, and it will be challenging to gain followers.
- LinkedIn: The LinkedIn recommendations are comparable to the Twitter suggestions. Include a profile picture, preferably one that looks semi-professional. Use relevant experience, volunteer work, educational accomplishments, and certifications to give your summary more credibility. Don’t list every aspect of your employment on LinkedIn; your CV may also provide additional information. If you don’t want to make things simple for social engineers, you must also review your security settings and make absolutely sure that not all of your information is visible to the public. You should refrain from sending “blind” requests to anyone on LinkedIn. If you are not familiar with someone, explain why you wish to communicate with them.
How to spot a trendy security networking event? Well, the invite might read something like this!
Attention cybersecurity enthusiasts! Ready to level up your career and connect with like-minded professionals? Networking is the name of the game, and we’ve got the playbook to help you score big. Join us for exclusive access to industry leaders, cutting-edge technology demos, and networking opportunities that can help bring your career to the successive ranks. Let’s make cybersecurity moves together!
- Organizations & Associations: It is particularly favorable to join one or more of the various membership-based groups in the information security domain. Organizations typically host networking and training events, which may be a wonderful way to expand your contact list. Also, they provide volunteer activities that you may take advantage of to enhance both your résumé and your ability to make connections. Consider volunteering for tasks like conducting courses on specific topics or monitoring registration counters.
- Meetups: Meeting new people and learning new things are two things that make us adore meetings. Usually, multiple organizations publicize their activities on various websites. Just type “cybersecurity” into their search bar to see what results are generated for your location. Consider setting up a meetup if there aren’t any in your neighborhood. You may conduct your gatherings in public spaces for a very low cost.
- Conferences: Get in there! If at all possible, travel alone or with a friend. Start with more inexpensive, scaled-back conferences. It takes place all throughout the world, and you’ll probably discover one close to where you live. Spend some time networking and sometimes listening to talks when you go. A phenomenon known as “lobbycon” occurs when individuals simply hang out in the lobby of a conference location and converse with one another. This is not always simple because people tend to be introverted group in this profession. Understanding that other people also struggle can be comforting. Visit the exhibitors as well since you can play games, participate in contests, and pick up swag while getting a sense of who is recruiting and for what positions.
Why is following up an essential part of this process?
Following up after networking events, meetings, or introductions is vital to maintaining relationships and showing that you value the connection. It builds trust and reliability by following up on promises made. Regular follow-up strengthens the bond and creates new opportunities by staying in touch and showing interest in the other person’s activities. Follow-up is crucial for cyber security networking to maintain relationships, build trust, strengthen connections, and create new opportunities.
Are you interested in kickstarting your career in cybersecurity? Don’t miss out on the opportunity to network with industry professionals, learn from their experiences, and build valuable relationships that can help you launch your career. You can also Join us at EC-Council University and get ready to make the connections that can unlock your future in cybersecurity!
EC Council University offers two cutting-edge cybersecurity master’s degree programs designed to prepare students for the most sought-after cybersecurity career paths of the 21st century. The Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Master of Science in Computer Science both offered exclusively online with embedded industry certifications. Both programs provide rigorous academic training that focuses on modern cybersecurity mitigation strategies and emphasizes the development of lifelong learning skills, critical for staying ahead in the constantly evolving landscape of cybercrime and security. At EC Council University, we are committed to producing highly skilled cybersecurity experts who are equipped to tackle the challenges of the digital age.
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