Title: From Astrophysics to Cyber-Security: How Professionals are Making the Transition
Dr. Leila Powell, a former astrophysicist, made a career shift to cyber-security in 2015, bringing her scientific method to help organizations understand their cyber-security controls. Like many others in the industry, she was attracted by the opportunity to make a more direct impact on people’s daily lives and better pay and conditions.
With the cyber-security sector facing a shortage of professionals, individuals from various backgrounds are finding their way into the field. Calum Baird, who previously worked at Police Scotland, now serves as a digital forensics and incident response consultant, utilizing skills acquired during his time in law enforcement to help clients recover from cyber-incidents.
Rebecca Taylor, a threat intelligence knowledge manager at Secureworks, transitioned from a personal assistant role within the company to a key position in cyber-security. Her humanities background in English and creative writing has proven valuable in processing information and communicating cyber-security threats effectively.
As the demand for cyber-security professionals continues to rise, organizations are encouraged to look beyond traditional IT backgrounds and consider the transferable skills that career changers can bring to the industry. With a diverse range of roles and opportunities available, individuals from various fields are finding success and fulfillment in the dynamic world of cyber-security.
