Over 40, identify as female and want to begin or advance your career in cyber security? Then here are 5 things that you need to stop wearing...
1. The weight of other people's opinions
You are the only one that has to be happy with the decisions that you make - others may be somewhere in the equation (partners, children, colleagues) but you are the only person who will live with these decisions forever.
Basing your choices on other's opinions will lead to disappointment, people-pleasing and deterioration of self esteem.
You know when something is right and when something is wrong because you know yourself.
Trust your own judgement.
2. The idea that you are too old for career adventures
Julia Child published 'Mastering the Art of French Cooking' at 49.
Kimberly Bryant founded Black Girls Code at 44.
Cathie Wood left her C-suite role to start Ark Invest at 57. She's now one of the world’s richest self-made women.
Some say 'You can't teach an old dog new tricks!' That might be true, but you're not a dog, you're a fox and you've got this.
3. Criticisms or failures of the past
When you are driving, do you spend your journey looking in the rear view mirror, or do look toward your destination?
Any time spent wallowing in past failures is a waste of time - instead, process the failure, why it happened and what you learned from it. Create a workable plan so that you avoid repeating the failure, then execute that plan. Don't fear failure - fear not trying.
As for criticism - put it into context. Who was criticising you? Do they matter to you now? Probably not - so go back to point No.1.
4. The assumption that employers will not be interested in you
If an organisation is not interested in hiring talented, skilled and qualified technologists simply because of age or gender in this competitive market, then they are not the company for you. Or indeed for anyone.
Find a company that does not just pay lip service to diversity and who values your experience and/or enthusiasm, and knowledge.
Be patient - ask for advice - hone your job search skills.
5. The belief that you have to tick every box
Think of job description like a wish list - things that an employer would ideally like candidates to have. They are not set in stone. And keep in mind that sometimes the job spec will have been written by someone who has never actually been in the role themselves, hence, wish list.
There are of course some aspects that will be a non-negotiable (particular technical skills for example) but cultural fit will be important to companies too - as is your willingness to learn.
Not applying because you miss a couple of 'wishes' would be a shame.
Craft that CV - accentuate what you can do and the great results that happened when you did it.
Women belong in cyber security.
Looking for your next challenge in this industry? Email michelle@edmondsonscott.com
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