Story from Renee – How she got in the cyber industry
My Journey into the Cybersecurity Industry
My name is Renee, and I want to share my unique journey into the cybersecurity industry. It’s a story of unexpected turns, challenges, and ultimately, finding my passion in a field I never initially considered.
The Unexpected Start
In high school, thanks to Mr. Gaunce, I was deeply interested in computer science and had my heart set on becoming an application developer. I enrolled in the Application Developer program, excited to dive deeper into coding and software development. But, life had other plans. The program was cancelled last minute due to insufficient enrollment, leaving me at a crossroads. Something I will always remember is my dad walking up to my bedroom when I got the call that the program was cancelled, seeing me crying and watching his head immediately drop seeing how upset I was. It felt like everything was all of a sudden going wrong!
A New Path: Digital Marketing
With my original plan derailed, I was advised to consider digital marketing. At the time, I knew very little about marketing, but I felt like I needed to enroll. It was a significant shift from my initial interests, and I approached it with a mix of curiosity and also worry with no prior knowledge of what I was about to walk into.
The Internship That Changed Everything
After college, I needed to complete an internship to graduate. I landed a marketing internship with Cyber Security Canada, a decision that would change the course of my career. Initially, I was focused on marketing tasks, but being in a cybersecurity environment piqued my interest in the field.
Overcoming Anxiety and Embracing Sales
Upon completing my internship, I was offered a full-time role in sales and marketing. The offer was both thrilling and terrifying. I had severe anxiety about stepping into a sales role, a field I had no experience in. The moment I accepted the job offer, I was overwhelmed with emotion and actually cried as soon as I hung up the phone. Looking back now I really can’t believe how scared I was!
Finding Comfort in the Cyber World
Despite my initial fears, I threw myself into the deep end and had to quickly adapt. Over time, I became more comfortable in the cybersecurity world and in my sales role. I started working closely with the audit team on CAN/CIOSC 104 audits, which deepened my understanding of cybersecurity standards and practices.
A Newfound Passion
Being forced out of my comfort zone turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I discovered a love for cybersecurity, a field I had known nothing about initially. The challenges I faced helped me grow both personally and professionally. I learned to navigate the complexities of cybersecurity and developed a passion for helping organizations protect their digital assets.
Leading Cyber Security Canada
Today, I am proud to serve as the president of Cyber Security Canada. My journey from a high school student interested in computer science to leading a cybersecurity organization has been filled with unexpected twists and invaluable lessons. I am forever thankful for the way things worked out and for the opportunities that pushed me beyond my comfort zone.
My story is a testament to the power of embracing the unknown and stepping outside of your comfort zone. Sometimes, the path you least expect can lead to the most rewarding destinations. I hope my journey inspires others to remain open to new opportunities and to find their passion, even in the most unexpected places.