Considerations for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals and Students

As a first-time dad, I find myself inspired by the profound joy of my venture into fatherhood. Blessed with a daughter I shall affectionately name Miss Mango; I am awe-struck at her brilliant mind and calm demeanor. Life has an intriguing way of presenting us with unique moments to cherish, moments that serve as stepping-stones on our life journey. The importance of pausing to reflect on these recent experiences should not be overlooked - they arm us with life-enhancing lessons, enabling us to navigate life's hurricanes and peaceful harbors alike. As Miss Mango continues her speedy development, I noticed navigating the world of cybersecurity continues to mirror aspects of fatherhood, particularly the shared values of commitment, perseverance, determination, communication, and versatility. Aspiring cybersecurity professionals and students seeking to enter into the cybersecurity field often associate the transition solely with technical expertise. While technical know-how is undoubtedly important, non-technical skills are equally, sometimes even more, critical. ## Key Skills for Cybersecurity Success **Commitment** - an all-in attitude and a willingness to continually learn are pivotally important. Cybersecurity is dynamic with rapidly evolving threats and technologies, and a keen, committed learner (technical skills or not) can make significant contributions. Channeling an image reminiscent of Miss Mango's unwavering dedication to her feeding and her nap time, professionals and students alike can embrace a similar degree of commitment. **Perseverance** is a trait rewarded in both technical and non-technical roles. When things don't go as planned, which they often don't, it is your resilience that can make the difference - very much like comforting a restless Miss Mango at any given hour of the day or night. **Determination** is crucial, irrespective of the skill set you bring to the table. In every corner of the cybersecurity world, your resolve to see things through and solve complex problems is vital. This echoes Miss Mango's determined efforts to stretch her little arms skyward, a precursor to her future celebrations in boardrooms, sporting events, and Dave Matthews Band concerts. **Communication** - in this context, non-technical contributions truly shine. Translating complicated cybersecurity issues into terms that everyone from tech novices to board members can understand is vitally crucial. This resonates with my recent experiences with Miss Mango. In the past few weeks, I have learned to decode her unique "language" - from eye movements to tongue gestures, from peculiar lip whistles and furrowed brows to her delightful smiles. **Versatility** - the ability to wear many hats, is invaluable and is not restricted to technical roles alone. Those who excel in this field, regardless of the technical/non-technical divide, are those who can adapt swiftly to new situations and challenges. Miss Mango, with her impressive adaptability, embodies this versatility wonderfully. ## Beyond Technical Expertise There is a broader need for roles that involve policy creation, incident response coordination, training and awareness, and many others that necessitate an understanding of the cyber landscape but not necessarily deep technical expertise. Data privacy lawyers, cyber policy makers, cyber insurance specialists are just a few examples where law, policy, and business management can intersect with cybersecurity. A cybersecurity career is not confined within the bounds of technical expertise. Similar to fatherhood where every necessary skill is not inherent but developed over time, in cybersecurity, it is the right mix of technical and non-technical skills, underpinned by the core values of commitment, perseverance, determination, communication, and versatility, that can truly make a difference. *Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.*