No matter if you are new to the field or have been in the field for 20 years, having a mentor in cybersecurity is so important. A mentor has experience in the field, can offer you guidance as you explore a new area or move to a management position, and can motivate you to become a better cybersecurity professional.
When I first started my journey into cybersecurity I had a mentor who was there by my side encouraging me and providing me guidance. She helped me with mock interviews and resume advice leading me to land my first job, pushed me to get my Security+ certification, and provided me with advice when I ran into tough situations. If it wasn’t for her, I can’t say I would be lost, but having her by my side truly helped me overcome some of the challenges I faced when I first entered the professional working world. She had over 10+ years of experience in the field and understands exactly where I was at.
A mentor is important no matter where your career is at, and this article will go into detail on how to find a mentor, what a mentor should provide, and how to make the most of your mentorship.
Finding a Mentor
A mentor does not only help you, but you help them in return. They should be willing to share experiences, advice, and skills, and be available to answer any questions you may have. They should be available to meet with you on a recurring basis as needed, as well as be available whenever you need to talk to them. In return, your mentor will gain valuable communication and leadership skills, benefit from a sense of fulfillment from helping others, and even motivate themselves as they work towards motivating you.
Finding a mentor is not always the tricky part, but finding who you want to be your mentor can be. If you want to get an entry level position as a SOC analyst, try to find someone who has or is currently in that area of cybersecurity. LinkedIn has an option where people can specify if they are open to mentorships, so you could always try reaching out to someone working for a company you are interested in or are in a similar position you want to be in and simply ask them to mentor you. The worst they can say is no, but in my experience if someone is actively looking to mentor others there will be no hesitation as long as they can provide what you are looking for.
You can also look at the schools or organizations you are part of and find a mentor that way. Maybe it is a teacher who has experience in your field, a professional in an organization you are part of, or a colleague who holds a higher up position that started out where you are.
When it comes to finding someone willing to mentor you, you need to let them know what you are looking for. Are you looking for someone to keep you motivated, someone to help you advance your career, someone to help you navigate your first job, or all of the above? A mentor can provide all of those things, but they need to see that you have an interest in what they do or have done, are hardworking and determined, and are ready and willing to learn. If your goals match up with what the mentor is willing and able to provide, then it will be a great match.
What a Mentor Should Provide
A mentor can provide guidance and help in a lot of areas, but there are some main areas that should be a part of every mentee and mentor relationship. First of all, they should help you with career growth. They can offer insight on certifications you can get and even provide training resources they may have. They can inform you on events and conferences that are taking place allowing you to learn. They can also give you advice on how to level up your career by giving you guidance on how to showcase your leadership potential and helping you find a job that fits your needs.
A mentor should also help you expand your network. People who are mentors often have held more than one job and have connections within different companies and cities. If you can show your mentor you are a hardworking individual and have the right skills, they could connect you with former and present colleagues to help you find the position you are looking for. Most mentors are more than willing to put their name out there for you once a good relationship has been established.
Lastly, mentors can help you bridge the gap that is present if most of your work experience was not in the cybersecurity field. Being in the field for a while now, I do not know everything but I see everyday how experience in other career fields could be beneficial. If you were a financial analyst who focused mainly on analyzing data, you would be surprised to see just how much of those skills could be used in the cybersecurity field. A mentor can help you make the transition from a non-cybersecurity field to the cybersecurity field and guide you on how to showcase your experience and find the right position.
How to Make the Most of Your Mentorship
The best way to make the most out of your internship is to establish a good relationship. If your mentoring period only lasts a year or under, that does not mean the connection has to go away. If you establish a solid relationship you can reach out to that person down the road and they would be more than happy to help you. If your mentor goes to work for a company you want to work for, you could reach out to them for a reference and insight on the company. If you find yourself with a challenge you remembered them talking about going through themselves, then you can reach out to them and ask for advice. Once a mentor has taken the time to help you better yourself and your career, they will continue to be willing to help.
Always listen. Listening to someone talk about their experience is one of the most beneficial things you can do. Understanding how they overcame obstacles and advanced their own career can give you insight on how to handle these things yourself. Ask the right questions while you can too because that is how you learn.
The last thing you should do is focus on your goals. Your mentor is there to help you reach your goals, so you need to focus on them and do your best to reach them. They take so much time to help you which is why taking that help is beneficial.