Over the last 28 years or so of my professional life, I’ve donned several hats—that of being a banker, business manager, and tech/finance writer. Now nearing the (literal) golden age of my life, I’ve decided to take on an entirely new challenge in my career path: becoming a cybersecurity analyst.
This space isn’t entirely new to me. Producing content on technology subjects such as cloud computing, data privacy, finance apps, etc. compels one to look at the security aspect of it all. So writing about social engineering schemes, malware, data breach attacks, and other related topics is par for the course as a tech writer. Still, writing about it is an entirely different matter as compared to taking an active role in anticipating and preventing cybercrime. And that’s where I want to position myself in the next few years.
My first step is to acquire a Google Cybersecurity Professional Certification. I started this sometime late last year and 8 months in, I’m still on Course 5 of an 8-course certification. Not as fast as I would have wanted; but I opted to set a pace where I don’t rush in getting to the end, but absorb as much as I can while working towards that goal. Also, life happened.
Now, moving forward, I’ve decided to share in this blog some of the valuable lessons I’m learning in each of the courses, and look back at those I’ve passed through. This approach is two-pronged: it should help me better retain the learnings I’ve gained, and hopefully, it will also give those who are looking at cybersecurity as a career option an idea of what to expect.
Mind you, the odds are kind of stacked against me—I am an Asian woman in my late 40’s. On the one hand, I’m no spring chicken. But then again, I carry with me years of working experience from various fields as well as studying in the school of hard knocks. If there’s anything that’s been hammered over and over in the last 5 cybersecurity courses, it’s that coming from diverse backgrounds and diverse experiences is a plus in a security team. That should count for something, right?
At any rate, I’m curious to see what awaits in the end. Is there room for someone of my background in the field of cybersecurity? Am I simply going to take my tech writing to a whole new level? Or is becoming a security analyst still in the cards for me? I’m fine either way, but for sure, the journey’s going to be chock full of lessons. Right now, I’m just gonna enjoy the ride.
I hope you guys come along.