Breaking into the Cybersecurity Industry

AJ Yawn, Co-Founder and CEO at ByteChek, and a Founding Board Member of the National Association of Black Compliance and Risk Management Professionals, joins Ann this week on Afternoon Cyber Tea to unpack this issue. With more than 700,000 open cybersecurity jobs in the US alone, the cyber industry faces a critical talent shortage. Yet, with this opportunity, many still find it challenging to break into the industry. Ann and AJ discuss the importance of sourcing from broader pools of talent, what skills business leaders should really be looking for, programs and communities that people looking to get into cyber security should be aware of, and how AJ thinks we can drive awareness of the wide variety of roles available in the industry.   In This Episode You Will Learn:       Specific qualities and mindsets that lead to a successful career in cyber  Why it's essential to attract more diverse talent  How someone early in their career can market themselves to potential employers     Some Questions We Ask:      What specific courses or certifications are essential for people to be thinking about?  How can the education system prepare people for careers in cyber?  Why have employers had such a high bar of entry into their cyber programs?     Resources:     View AJ Yawn on LinkedIn  View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn       Related Microsoft Podcasts:                   Listen to: Uncovering Hidden Risks    Listen to: Security Unlocked     Listen to: Security Unlocked: CISO Series with Bret Arsenault           Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts      Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of The CyberWire Network.