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(1 of 7) Earlier this week, I talked with someone at one of the @DEFCON villages. He'd recently switched careers to IT after many years in a completely different field. We discussed issues like how your coworkers are often much younger, have more energy, and can do amazing things
@defcon (2 of 7) He felt a bit overwhelmed and had a touch of imposter syndrome. He enjoys his new career, but this sort of transition is often tough. I shared my thoughts, shared my particular journey, and we discussed similar experiences. Most importantly, I emphasized our advantages.
@defcon (3 of 7) As an older, non-IT person coming into the IT and infosec field, we have different perspectives we can share with our coworkers. Variety is the spice of life, and we all have something to contribute, even if we don't immediately feel that way.
@defcon (4 of 7) If you have the drive and desire to learn, you're awesome! Keep that fire alive! Share your passion for this line of work with others. Maintain faith in yourself, especially in the face of others who make assumptions based on your experience, background, race, or gender.
@defcon (5 of 7) After we finished talking, I went about my day and almost forgot about the conversation. The next day I ran my workshop for @BlueTeamVillage. Afterwards, I talked with some of the participants, and one of them told me he knew this guy I had talked with the day before.
@defcon @BlueTeamVillage (6 of 7) That earlier conversation lifted the spirit of someone in the same situation I went through 10 years ago. Someone I had just met. Based on some casual, but passionate words on my part. The simple fact that I had lifted someone's spirit, well that lifted -my- spirit!
@defcon @BlueTeamVillage (7 of 7) When you attend conferences like @SecurityBSides or @DEFCON, talk with others. Share your security-related passion. Your opinions and experiences matter. They matter even more when shared in a community of like-minded people who treat each other with respect & compassion
