I get a lot of requests lately asking for career advice. I’m not sure why, as I don’t feel like I’m a paragon of success or wisdom, but I have tried to help with things like a guide for getting into information security.
Yesterday, I was spending quality time as my dog’s favorite chew toy reflecting on this more and something really obvious hit me. Painfully obvious. The most direct way to establish a place in the industry is by creating and contributing.
Think about it: who are the people you respect in this industry? Even outside this industry? Why do you respect them? How do you even know about them?
I will bet it’s because they are creators.
So, my advice for those wanting to get into, or advance in information security is to create something:
- Conference presentations
- Open source software
- Informative blog posts
- Podcasts
The point is to participate. It will focus you on getting better and learning. It will help you meet people. It will establish you as someone who can add value.