Unexpected Success: Tips for navigating through security career, certs, and work-life balance

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Presented at BSidesAustin 2019 by

We share an interest in making the most of our time in the workforce: contributing to the field, supporting ourselves and families, learning new things, and staying motivated. I’ve been in information technology since 1995 and in information security since 2006. I’ve learned a few things that may be helpful. This talk will cover:1. Learning at a discount – How to get trained without paying high dollar prices • Know your learning style. • Reading is cool and works better than boot camps (for some of us). • Choose training videos and webinars thoughtfully. 2. Acing, failing, and just barely passing – Tips for getting through certification exams • You will pass if you prepare correctly. • You may ace it if you understand how exam questions are written. • How I scored in the top 5% on the ISACA CISM exam, after barely passing the ISACA CISA exam – what made the difference. 3. Being different is great • There’s a place in infosec for art majors, moms, gamers, non-gamers, and all abilities. • Don’t feel like you have to fit a stereotype of “hacker.” • Being there for your kids is a priority – and that’s OK. 4. Working with authority figures – I got over myself and you can too • Listening is more important than speaking. • That non-technical manager knows something you don’t. • R-E-S-P-E-C-T 5. Find your motivation • What are your hobbies and habits? • Know your strengths and what motivates you. • Lean into those areas and use them to propel your career.