A mentoring program can provide guidance and support to women in their career journey, helping them navigate the complexities of the industry and identify opportunities for growth. Mentors can share their experiences, offer advice, and help mentees set and achieve career goals.
Women in male-dominated fields like cybersecurity and tech often face unique challenges that can impact their confidence. A mentoring program can provide a safe space for women to discuss their concerns, receive feedback, and develop the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their roles. Mentors can provide reassurance and empower mentees to take on leadership positions and overcome imposter syndrome.
Mentoring programs facilitate the expansion of professional networks for women in cybersecurity and tech. Mentors can introduce mentees to key contacts, industry events, and professional communities, opening doors to new opportunities and fostering meaningful connections. Building a strong network can enhance career prospects, increase visibility, and provide access to valuable resources.
Balancing personal and professional responsibilities is often a challenge for women in any industry. A mentoring program can provide insights and strategies for managing work-life balance effectively. Mentors can share their experiences and help mentees navigate the demands of their careers while maintaining personal well-being.
Mentoring programs can provide targeted guidance and training to develop both technical and soft skills. Mentors can offer advice on mastering specific technical areas, staying updated on industry trends, and improving problem-solving abilities. Additionally, mentors can help mentees refine communication, leadership, and teamwork skills, which are crucial for success in cybersecurity and tech roles.
Women in cybersecurity and tech often face higher attrition rates compared to their male counterparts. A mentoring program can contribute to higher retention rates by providing support, guidance, and a sense of belonging. By actively promoting diversity and inclusion, mentoring programs can help organizations create a more inclusive environment and improve gender representation within their workforce.
Mentoring programs facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise between experienced professionals and aspiring women in cybersecurity and tech. Mentors can pass on industry-specific knowledge, best practices, and lessons learned from their own experiences. This knowledge sharing can accelerate mentees' learning curves, expose them to different perspectives, and help them make informed decisions in their careers.
Women in these fields may not always be aware of the full range of career opportunities available to them. A mentoring program can expose mentees to various career paths, roles, and specializations within cybersecurity and tech. Mentors can provide insights into different areas of the industry, share their own career trajectories, and help mentees explore and evaluate potential career options. This awareness can expand mentees' horizons and empower them to pursue their desired career paths.
Gender diversity in leadership roles is crucial for creating a balanced and inclusive work environment. A mentoring program can actively support and promote women's advancement into leadership positions in cybersecurity and tech. Mentors can offer guidance on leadership development, help mentees navigate the complexities of climbing the corporate ladder, and provide strategies for overcoming barriers and biases. By increasing the representation of women in leadership, mentoring programs contribute to a more equitable industry landscape and serve as role models for future generations.
1) The satisfaction of helping advance other young women in cybersecurity.
2) Facilitating change within the cybersecurity industry.
3) Making the industry more supportive & inclusive.
4) Tipping the scale by raising the percentage of women.
5) Develop life long relationships.
6) Expand your network.
7) Enhance your resume.
8) Increase retention through multiple generations and more!
1) Receive ten hours of complimentary 1:1 advice from an industry expert.
2) Customized program to maximize impact of mentoring sessions.
3) Vetted & industry trained leader to guide you.
4) Two program check-ins to review progress and program commitment.
5) Job posting board.
6) Local chapter access.
7) Mentees generally make more money throughout their careers.
8) Increasaed job satisfaction.
9) Gaining a role model to aspire to and receive guidance to get there.
10) Expand your network at Mentorship events and more!
The Women CyberSecurity Society has been working hard designing a comprehensive and flexible mentorship program that will support and elevate the careers of women and minorities working in cybersecurity. We've worked hard with thoughtful planning and a sustained commitment to guide our participants through the mentoring process while continually improving the program in 2024.
Mentoring is just-in-time help, insight into issues, and the sharing of expertise, values, skills, and perspectives. Mentors function as a catalyst—an agent that provokes a reaction that might not otherwise have taken place or speeds up a reaction that might have taken place in the future.
WCS2 PRO Members can apply for the 2024 cohort
Click on the link below to submit your application.
Our Cybersecurity Mentorship Cohort launches in 2024. We will sponsor 50 members who will take part in the 6-month program ending in October 2024.
Eligibility
The cohort invites all to apply. However, preference will be given to women and minorities pursuing a career in cybersecurity.
Mentors
1) Minimum of 5 year experience in the industry.
2) No criminal record.
3) Review & sign a Confidentiality Agreement.
4) Review & sign the Mentorship Pledge.
5) Dedicate 15 hours throughout the program to maximize outcomes and results.
6) Respect others time.
7) Abide by Code of Conduct.
8) Be an active enrolled WCS2 Member (Basic Membership)
Mentees
1) Maximum of 1 year or less experience in the industry.
2) No criminal background.
3) Review & sign a Confidentiality Agreement.
4) Review & sign the Mentorship Pledge.
5) Dedicate 15 hours throughout the program to maximize outcomes and results.
6) Respect others time.
7) Abide by Code of Conduct.
8) Be an active enrolled WCS2 Member. (Paid Membership)
Selection Timelines
Cohorts will be selected and notified in mid March.
Matching
Participants will be matched based on a number of factors including domains of interest, age, region, experience levels and mentoring style.
" Lisa makes it very clear she is incredibly passionate about assisting women excel in or enter into the cyber security industry.
The one-on-one mentoring I've had with her has been like a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
She will point you in the right direction wherever you are on your journey.
The advice and guidance she is able to offer is beyond exceptional.
I highly recommend joining WCS2."
"Lisa came to me like an angel.
It is not easy to make the decision to start a career in cybersecurity being journalist.
No one told me that I cannot do it, but they said it was not going to be easy.
I am so glad that out there in the world, there are many women involved in this subject because the challenges are so big and we both, men and women need to watch out for our rights, privacy and security.
I really thank Lisa to contact me and mentor me about the baby steps I can start making and see a clear path in what I am do."
"I am grateful to have Lisa as my mentor. Before I met Lisa, I was just out of college feeling lost and didn’t know where to start. I wouldn’t apply for the jobs feeling like I’m not qualified.
Lisa provides so much value to the mentoring sessions. She helped me remake my resume, she provided me scholarship for attending Cyber Security conference, gave me a chance to co-host a meeting, opportunity to participate in panel discussion and meet some incredible people. She pushes me to be better and gives me confidence.
Thank you Lisa and WCSS for what you do and what you did for me."
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