From Combat to Cybersecurity: How Military Veterans Can Secure a Career in Tech

 

   In Feb 2015 I was stationed in Srinagar and it was snowing heavily.  Being restricted to our rooms due to inclement weather it gave me time to introspect and plan my transition from the Army. Though I had formal training in technology and computer science I was unaware of industry requirements and expectations.  My only source was the internet and most of the information was targeted for US military veterans. It has now been 5 years since late 2017 when I transitioned as a security leader in Cyber Security. I have realised that there is a great demand for professionals in this field and veterans are ideally suited for this field. In this short blog post I will share some ideas on how military veterans can prepare themselves for a career in cyber security.

Military veterans bring unique skills and experiences to the field of cyber security. With their training in critical thinking, problem-solving, and attention to detail, veterans are well-suited for careers in this fast-growing industry. However, transitioning from military life to civilian life can be challenging, especially when it comes to finding a new career.  Veterans may not have adequate understanding of business, or lack the understanding of budgeting/finance from a P&L perspective or lack the hands-on skills required to function effectively. All these challenges can be surmounted by proper planning and effective preparation. 

 

Here are some steps I feel military veterans can take to prepare themselves for a career in cyber security:

1. Get educated: Veterans who want to enter the cyber security field should consider obtaining a degree or certification in a related field. There are a variety of industry certifications, such as the CompTIA Security+ or the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), that can help veterans gain the foundational skills and knowledge they need to succeed in this field. Further certifications such as CISSP and CISM can be leveraged to understand Cyber Security Risk Management concepts. One can also consider longer duration courses online such as 

• Stanford's Advance Cyber Security Program  

• MITxPro’s Post graduate certificate program in Cyber Security is useful to prepare effectively with an in-depth exposure to all areas of Cyber Security.

• IIT Kanpur's 6 month's course on Cyber Security is also a good option for a deeper technical insight into cyber security

2. Leverage military experience: Military veterans have a wealth of experience in areas such as intelligence analysis, risk assessment, and threat mitigation, which are all valuable skills in the cyber security field. Veterans can highlight their relevant military experience on their resumes and during interviews to show how their skills can transfer to the civilian workforce. Transferable skills such as communication, leadership, discipline when coupled with practical skills can be a force multiplier. It is essential to use simple and understandable words and avoid military terminology and jargon while highlighting these skills in your resume. 

3. Network: Networking is critical for any job seeker, but it can be especially important for veterans who are transitioning to a new career. 

• Professional Forums - Veterans can join professional associations such as ISC2, ISACA and connect with other professionals in the cyber security industry to learn about job opportunities and make valuable connections. 

• Conferences - This can be done by attending conferences such as Gartner and forum meets of ISC2, ISACA and Null where veterans can interact and learn  with industry professionals. 

• Data Security Council of India hosts an annual conference, AISS in the month of December every year in Gurgaon which hosts multiple security leaders, solution providers and workshops which can serve as an excellent platform to understand the cyber security industry.

• LinkedIn is the choice of platform for professional networking. All veterans should leverage it to showcase their profile as well as follow industry thought leaders to learn more about the industry. It can also be utilised effectively for job search and demonstrate knowledge and communication skills

4. Gain practical experience: In addition to education and certification, practical experience is essential for veterans looking to enter the cyber security field. Veterans can gain hands-on experience by participating in capture the flag (CTF) events, building their own virtual labs, or volunteering for cybersecurity-related projects in various industry forums. Certain platforms like Coursera, Udacity also include capstone projects in their courses which can help in gaining relevant experience. Volunteering for NGOs and nonprofits is also an avenue to gain practical experience. 

5. Consider government jobs: Many veterans find success in the cyber security field by working for the government, either at the central government or state level. Government agencies often have a need for cyber security professionals, and veterans may be able to leverage their security clearances and military experience to land these positions. Various Public Sector units and government bodies prefer military veterans owing to their leadership skills and this can serve as a stepping stone to a corporate career. In India various organisations such as Aadhaar, EPFO and others have sourced army veterans on deputation for cyber security roles. This is a good platform to learn and transition to a corporate role in cyber security

6. Stay up-to-date: The cyber security field is constantly evolving, with new threats and technologies emerging all the time. It's important for veterans to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in the industry. This can be done through attending conferences, reading industry publications, and participating in online communities. Subscribing to various newsletters and following thought leaders on various social media platforms like Linkedin and Twitter is way to remain updated in this field

In conclusion, military veterans have many valuable skills and experiences that make them well-suited for careers in cyber security. By obtaining education and certifications, leveraging military experience, networking, gaining practical experience, considering government jobs, and staying up-to-date on industry trends, veterans can successfully transition to a new career in this exciting and growing field. I hope my ideas can inspire more veterans to join this exciting field and also encourage Industry to recruit more veterans.