Helen Zachariassen: My advice to help more females get into cyber
11 Oct 24
Cyber SecuritySTEMYouth Engagement
Helen Zachariassen (pictured above with some of the cyber team) is a Junior Cyber Exercise Planner here at Inzpire. In honour of Women in Tech Week, she offers her best advice and guidance to any women or girls who may be considering a career in cyber security - either now or in the future - but may not know quite where to start...
Tip 1: When applying for a job, do not think you need to fulfil all the requirements on a job specification.
When a role states that skills or experience are ‘desirable’, it is just that. My advice would be to always apply and show the company what you have to offer to the role – you may just be what they are looking for.
In more and more instances, companies are looking for someone who will be a ‘good fit’ for a team; the skills and technical side of the role can be taught to the right person. If you’re looking for a career change (just as I was!), the skills you have are very much transferable.
Tip 2: Roles in cyber and many STEM subjects have a predominately male work force – do not let this phase you when applying for roles!
The best thing that you can possibly do is to see this as more of a challenge, to show that you have a different and valuable perspective to bring to the role and the company.
For me personally, I have a very varied career background. I moved into cyber because I wanted job security. I feel as though, as technology is constantly changing and developing, there will always be a need for cyber security.
Make sure to ignore all the stereotypes that cyber is all about sitting in a dark room in a hoodie coding – it’s not that at all! There are SO many jobs now that have cyber elements to them.
Tip 3: Don’t be afraid to go for a role that isn’t necessarily your ‘final role’.
This is especially true if you aren’t completely sure of the area that you want to work in within the cyber or tech industry. There is no problem with trying new and different things – you may just stumble across your dream role without realising it!
These initial roles can also be used as stepping stones or as ‘a foot in the door’ as some people may say. Trying new things and gaining more experience will only make you stronger, more knowledgeable, more confident and more employable.
Tip 4: Finally, make sure to network with other women in the industry – it’s a huge support.
Especially to someone who is just starting out in cyber, this is so important – and the support doesn’t stop when you’re several years in either!
Attending specific events run by non-government organisations such as Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) UK & Ireland can provide you with the perfect opportunity to chat with like-minded individuals who can help and support you throughout your career.
My own example of this is my recent attendance at the Women in Cyber: Lancashire event on 9th October at The University of Central Lancashire, organised by Northwest Cyber Security Cluster. I was asked to be part of a panel who will be sharing advice and encouraging women into cyber!
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