The cyber and tech industry requires professionals to blend technical expertise with interpersonal capabilities. Key skills include communication, problem-solving, adaptability, teamwork, critical thinking, project management, research abilities, attention to detail, ethical reasoning, and continuous learning. These skills help professionals to work effectively across teams, manage complex challenges, and grow their career within cyber and tech.
How to Develop These Skills
Communication
- Join local events or public speaking events (BSides)
- Practice writing technical blogs or articles
- Volunteer to present at team meetings or tech conferences
Problem-Solving
- Engage in coding challenges on platforms like HackTheBox or TryHackMe
- Participate in Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions
- Create personal projects that solve tech problems
Adaptability
- Regularly explore new tools and technologies
- Take on diverse projects outside your comfort zone
- Stay updated with tech news and trends
Teamwork
- Contribute to open-source projects
- Participate in hackathons or team-based competitions
- Seek out cross-functional projects at work or through tech meetups
Critical Thinking
- Practice scenario-based learning with case studies
- Engage in ethical hacking exercises
- Develop and test incident response plans based on UK cybersecurity standards
Project Management
- Obtain UK-recognised certifications like PRINCE2 or APM
- Use project management tools in personal projects
- Volunteer to lead small team initiatives within your organisation
Research & Analysis
- Conduct and present security research at UK cybersecurity events
- Subscribe to and actively read cybersecurity journals and publications
- Practice writing detailed incident reports
Attention to Detail
- Perform code reviews for peers, focusing on compliance requirements
- Practice penetration testing in controlled environments
- Engage in bug bounty programs for companies
Ethical Reasoning
- Study cybersecurity ethics and data protection laws (e.g., UK GDPR)
- Participate in ethics-focused workshops or seminars offered by institutions
- Engage in discussions about ethical dilemmas in tech
Continuous Learning
- Set aside dedicated time for learning each week
- Attend industry conferences like InfoSecurity Europe or BSides
- Join professional associations like BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT
Measuring Progress
- Keep a skills journal to track improvements
- Seek regular feedback from peers and mentors
- Set specific, measurable goals for each skill
- Take on progressively challenging roles or projects within the tech sector
This article accompanies the ‘People Skills & Transferable Skills Within Cyber Security and Tech’ infographic, providing essential guidance for individuals to understand the different types of skills utilised within cyber security and tech.
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