To pursue a career in cyber security, one does not need to come from a technical background, with problem solving and leadership skills just some of the in-demand attributes companies are seeking in employees responsible for people management within the thriving Northern Ireland technology sector.
This was one of many impactful takeaway messages from the first event held by Danske Bank and NI Cyber, the Northern Ireland Cyber Security Cluster, as part of the recently formed partnership focused upon supporting women working in cyber security.
As part of Danske Bank’s corporate sponsorship of NI Cyber, over the next 12 months the two organisations will work together on a number of activities aimed at showcasing inspiring role models and creating opportunities for professionals to connect and network.
The first event took place at Danske Bank UK HQ in Belfast recently and featured a keynote address from Danske Bank’s Head of Cyber Operations, Giedre Tijusaite, and also featured a panel of leading industry experts from NI’s local ecosystem.
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The first successful event comes as recent reports have estimated that under 18 per cent of the UK wide cyber workforce is female. In a time when the world is increasingly dependent upon digital products and services, the partnership seeks to ensure that women are encouraged and supported to build their careers in this critical industry.
Speaking on behalf of NI Cyber, Cluster Manager Joanne English said: “We’re delighted that Danske Bank has thrown their support behind our community’s efforts to build an inclusive cyber security workforce across NI and beyond; and we’re thankful that they have chosen NI Cyber as a partner to help work towards making this a reality.”
Whilst many roles within the industry are technical, there are lots of opportunities in leadership roles as well as the likes of HR, communications and finance, which do not require advanced technical knowledge.
Giedre Tijusaite explained her own career trajectory during her inspiring keynote address, emphasising that whilst she does not hail from a cyber security background, possessing leadership skills and the ability to lead a team effectively has led to her successful career. Giedre also highlighted the importance of mentorship as a means of support and guidance, adding it is vital to never be afraid to ask for help.
In the conclusion of Giedre’s inspiring keynote address, she said: “My takeaway message based on my own journey so far is to never be afraid to say that you don’t know something – ask for help – and speak up when you do not understand something. Also be clear when identifying your specific strengths and outline clearly what makes you the ideal candidate when applying for a new role.
“Women have a tendency to diminish ourselves more than we should in terms of our skills and experience. When we see a job opportunity we tend to go through every criteria and perhaps do not take that leap. My advice would be to say ‘yes’ to more opportunities and believe in yourself.”
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The panel discussion of industry experts included: Emma Proctor, Head of Technology Risk, Danske Bank UK; Gierdre Tijusaite, Head of Cyber Operations, Danske Bank; Fionnula Kelly, Engineering Manager, Rapid7; Michelle Simpson, Head of Pen Testing, Vertical Structure; and Jill Shaw, Deputy Director of Teaching, Computing and Communications at the Open University.
Amongst the many highlights was the vital message of ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’ which is why education from a grassroots level in primary school age up to university is vital, the panel agreed.
Further significant topics of discussion included the power of networking, with events such as NI Cyber Breakfasts and Women in Business events highlighted as important aspects of career building and gaining trusted connections. Added to this is the importance of finding other female leaders within the tech community in NI who take pride in seeing others succeed, and the importance of paying it forward.
Jill Shaw also highlighted two things which have had a hugely positive impact on her career. The first piece of advice was to join a professional body, which Jill reports was recommended by her mentor and opened up countless opportunities.
In addition to this, the second piece of advice Jill has for women was to pursue a sporting interest. Jill, who took up rugby 10 years with no previous experience of the game, explains: “This has been an enormous game-changer for me. I have learnt lots of resilience from being able to bounce back in the field. It has also taught me new skills in terms of leadership because I know how to cope when things don’t go the way we planned.”
Fionnula Kelly of Rapid7 spoke about the importance of finding a team that works for you. She comments: “Do not be afraid if you are working in a team and it isn’t the right fit for you to step away. There are lots of exciting opportunities in cyber security so do not be afraid to make the change and find your herd.”
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Michelle Simpson, who is also involved with BSides Belfast and Cyber First, is passionate about encouraging more women to join cyber security. Michelle herself was motivated after studying Computer Applications Software Engineering at Dublin City University when they had a talk from a woman who had studied a Master’s degree in Security and was working in cyber security. “I thought, if she can do it, I can do it and I was successful in my application for the Master’s degree which I studied.”
She adds: “It is important to motivate more women into the field and the younger the better in terms of reaching out to get that message across. Cyber First is a fantastic organisation for its work in reaching out to girls at a younger age to teach them all about the opportunities in cyber security.”
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