The Center for Cyber Safety and Education is connecting students with the industry, enabling them to attend a range of career-focused sessions as part of the wider ISC2 Security Congress program.

ISC2 Security Congress brings together all aspects of the cybersecurity community to share knowledge and to experience new perspectives and ideas around cybersecurity. From entry-level professionals to the most experienced leaders, the attendees of Congress represent all aspects of the cybersecurity career journey.

An important part of that journey is preparing and encouraging students and recent graduates to pursue a career in cybersecurity, which The Center for Cyber Safety and Education is focused on supporting by raising awareness and supporting the development of a diverse pipeline of cybersecurity professionals.

Scholarship recipient Mouni Pendharkar

The Center is the nonprofit arm of ISC2, established in 2011 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It provides volunteer opportunities to educate the public on cyber safety, inspires the next generation to consider a cyber career, provides cybersecurity scholarships and assists small organizations through its Cyber Security Health Check program to better protect themselves against cyber risk.

Scholarship Recipients at Congress

Students Mouni Pendharkar and Eirik Marquez will attend Congress this year as the first recipients of a Center-funded scholarship to enable students to attend the annual event and learn first-hand from ISC2 members and other industry experts about the latest trends, issues, technologies and strategies shaping the current and future cybersecurity landscape.

“Attending the ISC2 Security Congress in Las Vegas will undoubtedly be a transformative experience. I am grateful for the chance to enhance my knowledge and skills in such a dynamic environment,” Pendharkar said.

“I'm honored and thrilled to have been awarded the ISC2 Security Congress Scholarship. Over the years, my passion for cybersecurity only continues to grow, as I have found that this is the only field where curiosity is fostered and with seemingly unlimited learning opportunities,” Marquez added.

The Center is one of the world’s leading providers of cybersecurity scholarships, awarding more than $2 million to students and emerging professionals.

Careers Sessions at ISC2 Security Congress 2024

At Congress, all attendees will have over 100 sessions to choose from across three days, including four keynote sessions, the ISC2 Town Hall, our Bright Ideas peer-to-peer knowledge sharing sessions and numerous networking sessions. The Careers Center will also be on hand to support attendees with their professional growth questions and advice needs.

Scholarship Recipient Eirik Marquez

Within the Congress program, there are a wide range of valuable sessions dedicated to career development and defining a career and qualifications pathway. These include:

  • Cybersecurity Roles Decoded: In-Demand, Steady, or Volatile?

October 14, 2024 – 2:55pm PT

This session offers an in-depth look at the latest trends shaping the cybersecurity job market, including the impact of artificial intelligence (AI). Using two years of U.S. job posting data across 45 cybersecurity roles, the session uncovers the dynamics of the cybersecurity employment landscape. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of which cybersecurity positions are most sought after, providing a clear picture of the current and future state of cybersecurity careers.

  • Workforce Development Collaborations for the Future

October 15, 2024 – 10.55am PT

In this roundtable session, we will discuss the latest workforce development challenges for new as well as experienced cybersecurity workers. The panel, bringing in members from the ISC2 New Jersey Chapter, academics and workforce development experts, will look at how universities can work with credential bodies and their local chapters to advance skills training and career advancement. The discussion will cover areas such as skill alignment, collaboration models and diversity initiatives.

  • Keys to Starting or Building a Cyber Career

October 16, 2024 – 9.20am PT

In this talk, you will look at three critical parts to your cybersecurity career roadmap: your first job, getting promoted to the job you want and your ultimate goal position. The session will enable you to map your skills and temperament to career tracks. It will cover how to develop the skills to navigate your career to your dream position.

  • Breaking into Security: Swiping Right on Your Cyber Career

October 16, 2024 – 10.30am PT

Discover actionable strategies to find your ideal cyber career match, overcome entry barriers and define your professional brand. This session takes principles used by dating services to enhance networking strategies and career navigation, as well as help you to adapt dynamically in the evolving cyber landscape.

Ahead of attending Congress, Marquez shared a valuable insight from his time as a university student. “For anyone hoping to get into the cybersecurity industry, my one piece of advice is that it's never too early or too late to get started. I waited until I got out of high school to really begin trying, fearing that I didn't know enough. But the secret is that there will always be more to learn”.