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Edition #32 – The Career Compass

Welcome to another edition of The Career Compass—your trusted resource for breaking into and advancing within the world of cybersecurity. This week, we’re unlocking the secrets to getting hired, exploring emerging trends, and helping you move forward if you’re feeling stuck. Let’s dive in!

Video of the Week: How to Get Hired in Cybersecurity (Recruiter Secrets)

Wondering how to stand out to recruiters as a cybersecurity candidate? In this video, I’m sharing insider tips from over 14 years in recruitment.

You’ll discover exactly what recruiters are looking for beyond technical certifications, including critical soft skills, how to showcase practical experience, and the importance of continuous learning.

Whether you’re starting your cybersecurity career or looking to level up, these recruiter secrets will help you get noticed and land the job you want.

🔑 Key topics covered: • Top certifications recruiters value (CompTIA Security+, CISSP, OSCP, and more)
• Essential problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
• The importance of clear communication in cybersecurity roles
• How to demonstrate passion, continuous learning, and cultural fit
• Tips to optimise your professional online presence and stand out from the competition

👉 Watch the video now and elevate your job search strategy!

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News & Trends in Cybersecurity

Data Breach Fines Are Getting Bigger

Governments around the world are increasing fines for companies that suffer data breaches, especially when it’s revealed that poor security practices or lack of compliance were the cause. In the EU, GDPR penalties continue to rise, with fines exceeding hundreds of millions for violations of data protection rules. In the US, new state-level data privacy laws are adding pressure for businesses to maintain better security controls.

🔎 Why it matters:

• Cybersecurity is now a board-level concern.

• Risk and compliance professionals are more in demand than ever.

• Understanding legal obligations (GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, etc.) is critical for both technical and non-technical cybersecurity professionals.

Rise of Cloud-Native Security Tools

With more organisations adopting cloud-first or hybrid strategies, demand for cloud-native security solutions is surging. Tools like AWS GuardDuty, Azure Defender, and Google Chronicle allow security teams to detect, investigate, and respond to cloud-specific threats with real-time context.

Why it matters:

• Cyber roles that involve cloud security, DevSecOps, or SaaS application monitoring are growing.

• Understanding shared responsibility models in cloud environments is crucial.

• Professionals with multi-cloud experience and certifications like AWS Security Specialty or Azure Security Engineer Associate are in high demand.

Generative AI and Cyber Risk

The widespread adoption of generative AI tools such as Chatgpt, GitHub Copilot, and deepfake generators has introduced new risks to both individuals and organisations. Cybercriminals are leveraging these technologies to craft convincing phishing emails, impersonate executives via audio/video deepfakes, and even write malicious code.

Why it matters:

• AI governance and policy will become a core responsibility for CISOs and legal teams.

• Organisations must invest in tools to detect and counteract AI-powered attacks.

• Security professionals need to stay updated on how AI is being weaponised—and how to defend against it.

What To Do If You’re Feeling Stuck in Your Career

If you feel like your career has stalled, you’re not alone. It’s a common challenge—but the good news is, it’s also a signal that you’re ready for growth and change.

Here’s how to navigate that stuck feeling and turn it into your next breakthrough:

🔍 1. Reflect Deeply

Take a moment to honestly assess what’s causing your frustration. Is it the work environment, the lack of challenge, misaligned values, or something else? Write it down. Understanding the root cause helps you avoid jumping into a different job with the same underlying problems.

Ask yourself:

• What parts of my job energise me? What drains me?

• When did I last feel excited about work—and why?

• Have my interests or goals shifted recently?

Self-reflection isn’t just about clarity—it’s about regaining control.

2. Get Perspective

Talk it out with someone you trust—a mentor, career coach, or even a former colleague. You’d be surprised how often an outside perspective can reframe your mindset and help uncover blind spots. Join industry communities, attend events, or explore online groups where others share their challenges and solutions.

Sometimes, hearing someone else's story is the breakthrough you need.

3. Take Just One Step

You don’t have to figure everything out today. Progress starts with one small action:

• Update your LinkedIn or resume

• Sign up for a short course that excites you

• Reach out to someone in a role you admire

• Explore volunteering or side projects that align with your passions

Momentum builds from action, not from waiting for motivation.

Pro tip: Treat your career like a project. Set short-term goals and track your progress just like you would with a team task.

Remember, you’re not stuck—you’re pausing before your next move. And with the right mindset and action, your next chapter can be even more fulfilling than the last.

Cyber Career Spotlight: Identity and Access Management (IAM) Specialist

An IAM Specialist ensures that only the right people have access to the right systems at the right times, for the right reasons. It’s a critical role in modern cybersecurity frameworks.

🔹 What They Do:

• Manage and configure identity management tools (Okta, Azure AD, etc.)

• Enforce access controls and authentication policies

• Monitor privileged access and detect anomalies

• Work closely with compliance teams to meet regulatory requirements

🔹 Key Skills:

• Familiarity with SSO, MFA, and RBAC concepts

• Knowledge of IAM protocols (SAML, OAuth, LDAP)

• Attention to detail and risk assessment

🔹 Career Path:

• Entry-level: IAM Analyst

• Mid-level: IAM Engineer / Specialist

• Senior-level: IAM Architect / Identity Governance Lead

🔹 Salary Range:

$90,000 to $150,000+, depending on experience and industry

If you’re interested in the intersection of security, compliance, and user access, IAM is a fantastic and growing niche.

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For just $5/month, you can access our Career Starter Tier:

• Meta Dynamics Mini Profile to understand your strengths

• A 45-minute personalised coaching session to unpack your results

• Monthly Q&A Career Digest with practical job search insights

• Monthly deep dive articles on career advice/interview tips + more

👉 Join here and take control of your professional growth today.

Challenge of the Week

This week, take time to document one thing you've achieved—big or small—and share it on LinkedIn.

Whether it's completing a course, helping a teammate, fixing a tricky bug, or learning something new—your growth deserves to be seen.

Bonus: Tag a fellow cybersecurity professional who inspires you!

Thank you for being part of The Career Compass community. Stay inspired, proactive, and committed to your professional journey—and as always, keep levelling up your career. I’ll see you in the next edition!

Best Wishes,
Luke Gough
Career Coach / Founder of The Career Compass

P.S. Remember to share The Career Compass with your network, and let’s work together to empower more careers!