How Do You Attract The Best Young Talent into Careers With an Image Problem? - ERP Spain.com - España y América Latina

While most parents would be delighted if their offspring wanted to become an accountant, lawyer or even an actuary, they may be less encouraging if their son or daughter said they wanted to be a hacker. This is the negative manifestation of working in the cyber security industry that is often portrayed in the media. The reality is very different, with careers in cyber security providing fantastic opportunities that are hugely varied, really challenging and help to do good for society.

Structured career paths provide an opportunity to progress quickly with jobs in large audit and accountancy firms through to small specialist boutique start-ups, as well as the chance for international work and creating new businesses. In addition, the whole industry is very diverse and is looking for people with a very wide range of talents.

The problem is how do we communicate this to people who may be interested in the industry? Just as important for young people, how do we get to the influencers; their parents and their careers advisors to understand what an exciting place the cyber security industry is to work in and what they can expect in terms of the types of company they could work for and their salary expectations.

The problem can be partially solved through education, information and support from businesses working together with a consistent message designed to encourage the very best people into the industry.

In this presentation, Ian Glover from CREST will look at the challenges of attracting the brightest young people into careers that traditionally have an image problem and providing a strong career path once they are in. In particular, he will focus on the importance of properly-run internships and Government funded initiatives to educate and inform.