2024-06-08, 09:00–09:45, Track 3 (Moody Rm 102)
Despite more than 3 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs worldwide, recent college and university graduates are struggling to enter the workforce. Experienced IT workers struggle to make the jump to cybersecurity roles. What does it really take to make a successful transition to the cyber workforce? Chip shares the results of surveying 150 IT hiring managers and supervisors on attitudes about hiring. Including the role of participation in cyber competitions and “hacking challenges."
Despite more than 3 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs worldwide, recent college and university graduates are struggling to enter the workforce. Experienced IT workers struggle to make the jump to cybersecurity roles. What does it really take to make a successful transition to the cyber workforce? This talk explores the results of surveying 150 IT hiring managers and supervisors on attitudes about hiring. Including the role of participation in cyber competitions and “hacking challenges” as a means for candidates to demonstrate technical competency. This talk will share research on existing skill gaps identified by IT employers in new hires and how competition can set your resume apart from the thousands of other applicants.
Chip has 15+ years of experience in teaching adult learners in continuing education classes and college-level coursework. Chip offers insights and practical steps to successfully change careers to work in cybersecurity and begin your journey without spending years back in school or thousands of dollars on boot camps and certifications.
Chip Thornsburg is a Professor of Cyber Defense for Northeast Lakeview College in San Antonio. Chip taught and lectured on Technology and Criminal Justice subjects at River City College, Southern Careers, and North Texas State. He is also a previous speaker at NolaCon, Texas Cyber Summit, and B-Sides San Antonio.
Chip retains his status as a Master Peace Officer in Texas, Special Deputy U.S. Marshall, and Electronic Crimes Investigator for the City of Helotes. He has conducted cyber investigations for more than 13 years and is a member of the High Technology Crime Investigation Association and the US Secret Service: Electronic Crime Task Force.