Career development is typically seen as a progression of education, certification and job moves. However, to progress in our careers it is helpful to build both technical and non-technical skills in different environments to challenge us and give us the opportunity to learn. Community involvement strengthens not only the overall community but provides opportunities to stretch and learn new skills that support personal growth. We will review presenting, con management and competitions as ways to strengthen your career. We will hear from a recruiter involved in the community how they evaluate these experiences and recommendations on presenting this information in your job search. Finally, we will address burnout, exhaustion and how not to burn bridges.
Kathleen Smith (moderator) in her capacity as CMO and Outreach Lead for CyberSecJobs.Com and ClearedJobs.Net has coached thousands of job seekers and employers on how to better connect and work together to achieve the mutual goal of employment. Kathleen presents at several security conferences each year on recruiting and job search. Some of the conferences she has presented at as a sole presenter or a moderator include BSidesLV, BSidesTampa, BSidesDE, FedCyber, Cyber912 and CyberSecureGov. Kathleen firmly believes that giving back is the best way to move forward and volunteers in many capacities; she is the Director, HireGround, BSidesLV’s two day career track; Women in Cybersecurity, National Conference Planning Committee, Cyber912 and Women in Cybersecurity Celebration Planning Committee. Finally, Kathleen is well respected within the recruiting community; is the co-founder and current President of recruitDC, the largest community of recruiters in the Washington DC area.
Magen Wu is a Senior Associate with Urbane Security with almost 10 years of experience in the technology industry. Wu is currently pursuing her master’s in Organizational Psychology with the intent to apply its principles to security practices and training. She also currently co-organizes BSides Seattle, the mentor track at BSides Las Vegas and DEFCON US and China Workshops.
Cindy Jones brings over 17 years of specialized IT and security experience to her role of Senior Security Consultant with Rapid7. Cindy maintains a CISSP and MCP certifications. She has worked in several arenas including Federal government, with the Department of Defense, education, technology and healthcare, with a focus on the development, maintenance and management of information security programs. Cindy is actively involved within the information security community and volunteers her time leading the registration team for BSides Las Vegas, volunteers for DerbyCon, is a Def Con Goon and holds a position on the board for BSides Texas and is an active volunteer for these local events. Cindy’s favorite color is purple.
Kat Seymour is a Red Team Penetration tester at Bank of America with 16 years of experience in the fields of IT and information security. Kat started playing her company’s internal CTF in 2013 as a way to sharpen her hunting skills. She was invited to join the Red Team 18 months later due to her demonstrated skill and dedication. Kat continues to participate in CTFs whenever she can to help practice and sharpen her skills.
Kirsten is the Director of Recruiting at Novetta, an advanced analytics and cyber security company. She studied HR Management at University of Maryland. After a short while working as a software developer, then help desk manager, she combined her love for technology and HR by becoming a Technical Recruiter and has been doing so for over 20 years. For the last decade, Kirsten has been primarily supporting the Information Security field, and is best known in the community for her involvement in the Car Hacking Village!