Security industry experts met with future leaders on March 23rd at the second annual CISE Security Program career day.
Students, industry professionals, and even politicians came together for a day of mentorship, job opportunities, and inspiration.
“The career day provided an excellent opportunity to connect with professionals in the cyber security industry and learn about what they find valuable when hiring new people.” — Jesse McManus, Infosec student and Bangnull VP & Server System Administrator
Attendees were treated to a keynote address by Congressman Ro Khanna who discussed the importance of cybersecurity education for protecting the future of our increasingly digital community, as well as the staffing challenges the industry is currently facing.
Mark Egan, co-founder and instructor in the CISE Security Program, president of the CISE Education Fund, and partner at StrataFusion, explains the importance of industry involvement through events like this year’s career day:
“We are looking for progressive and innovative companies to address our cybersecurity staffing crisis, as traditional 4 year degree programs are not keeping up with the demand for students.”
Merritt faculty and students held panels to discuss key skills needed in future cybersecurity staff as well as the successes of the CISE Security Program at Merritt College. Stephani D., an Infosec student and panelist at the career day, describes the most exciting aspect of the event for her:
“Overcoming my fear of public speaking to share my experience to hopefully help other women of color get involved in cybersecurity.”
The day concluded with an opportunity for industry leaders and students to meet and share opportunities for Merritt College graduates to help fill the cybersecurity staffing needs of Silicon Valley.