Competitions & Competencies: or “How to Hack your way into the Cyber Workforce!” - Chip Thornsburg
2024-06-08, 09:00-09:45, Track 3 (Moody Rm 102)
Despite more than 3 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs worldwide, recent college and university graduates are struggling to enter the workforce. Experienced IT workers struggle to make the jump to cybersecurity roles. What does it really take to make a successful transition to the cyber workforce? Chip shares the results of surveying 150 IT hiring managers and supervisors on attitudes about hiring. Including the role of participation in cyber competitions and “hacking challenges."
Despite more than 3 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs worldwide, recent college and university graduates are struggling to enter the workforce. Experienced IT workers struggle to make the jump to cybersecurity roles. What does it really take to make a successful transition to the cyber workforce? This talk explores the results of surveying 150 IT hiring managers and supervisors on attitudes about hiring. Including the role of participation in cyber competitions and “hacking challenges” as a means for candidates to demonstrate technical competency. This talk will share research on existing skill gaps identified by IT employers in new hires and how competition can set your resume apart from the thousands of other applicants.
Chip has 15+ years of experience in teaching adult learners in continuing education classes and college-level coursework. Chip offers insights and practical steps to successfully change careers to work in cybersecurity and begin your journey without spending years back in school or thousands of dollars on boot camps and certifications.