Build Your Brand in Cybersecurity

Jumping into the cybersecurity world can feel like trying to solve a complex puzzle. But guess what? There's a secret weapon that can help you stand out and grab those opportunities you're after —networking and personal branding. Surprising to some, a staggering 85% of jobs are secured through networking, with 70% of positions never even making it to the public job boards. Furthermore, with 77% of recruiters leveraging LinkedIn, the importance of building a solid professional brand cannot be overstated.

The common advice given out to aspiring cyber professionals is clear - start networking and building your brand now. It’s this very advice that inspired me to create my first LinkedIn Learning course on precisely WHY and HOW to Build Your Brand in Cybersecurity to elevate your career to new heights.

Here's a truth many don't realize—the best time to start was yesterday, but the next best time is right now. It’s never too early or too late to begin this journey. And guess what? Access to resources that can aid in this endeavor might just be within your reach for free, thanks to your employer or your public library card. Many organizations and libraries offer free access to LinkedIn Learning, opening doors to a wealth of knowledge across various domains, including cybersecurity.

The course, has a 4.9 rating from +2,350 learners within just five weeks of its release, is designed to guide you through the ins and outs of building a meaningful and impactful personal brand in cybersecurity.

But let’s address the elephants in the room—common myths that might be holding you back from starting this crucial journey.

• Myth 1 "I need to be an expert first."

• Truth - Every step of your journey holds value. Sharing your growth and insights not only enriches the community but also enhances your own expertise.

• Myth 2  "I’m too late to start building my brand."

• Truth - The cybersecurity world is always eager for fresh perspectives. Your unique voice is needed now more than ever.

• Myth 3 - "I need thousands of followers to make an impact."

• Truth Meaningful engagement begins with just one follower and one post. Authenticity is what draws the right crowd, not sheer numbers.

• Myth 4 "Personal branding won’t really benefit my career."

• Truth - A well-crafted personal brand dramatically increases your visibility and opens up a universe of opportunities and connections that can turbocharge your career.

• Myth 5 "Brand is for celebrities or products."

• Truth - Everyone has a story to tell. Building your personal brand is about sharing your unique story and perspective, setting you apart in the cybersecurity field.

It’s high time we shift the narrative. Whether you’re an aspiring cybersecurity professional, a seasoned expert, or somewhere in between, embracing the power of personal branding is a game-changer.

To all the cyber training programs, boot camps, and nonprofits nurturing the next wave of cybersecurity talent—this course should be part of your essential skill building. It's a valuable tool that should be a staple in your curriculum.

Start building your personal brand in cybersecurity today and watch as doors to endless opportunities swing wide open.

Thank you for reading!

Check out my children's books on cybersecurity careers and online safety. As well as my first TEDx talk on Hack-Proofing Childhood: Ensuring our children's online safety.

Learn more about me & my career and connect with me on Linkedin.