This blog is an English translation of an article published in IT Watch on September 7, 2023.
Danish Version: Klumme: Morgendagens talenter skal vรฆlge med hjertet
IT security is a lifestyle driven by a deep curiosity. That must be the motivation of the young people if they want to follow that path career-wise.
Many young people are starting new courses these days, and fortunately for the IT security industry there is great demand for technical IT courses or regular IT security courses such as data scientist, computer scientist, developer and professional bachelor in cyber security.
Over the past few years, the selection of educations has become ever larger. That is why it is not rare that I am contacted by candidates who ask which field of study they should choose if they want to make themselves interesting for, for example, an IT security house such as Improsec.
My answer is always clear and unambiguous: They should choose what they are passionate about! There is no point in going for a technical education or a specific direction in relation to what employers are focusing on and demanding in autumn 2023. Because by spring the focus may have changed. So what?
Many have taken an educational direction based on assumptions about job security, lucrative salaries or similar basic needs, which are found in the lower part of Maslow's pyramid of needs. But I have also met just as many who have dropped out of the education along the way because the upper parts of the pyramid were not fulfilled - especially self-realization. In other words, where education and subsequent jobs become something and more than putting food on the table.
ABOUT MARTIN KOFOED
Martin Kofoed, 42 years old. Has a background as an IT technologist and subsequently police commissioner. Employed in the police for 10 years, most recently at the National Cybercrime Center (NC3). Then transitioned to a role as Deputy Director at JN Data with responsibility for operational cyber security, crisis management and incident response. Moved in January 2022 to Improsec, where he took over the director role in October 2022. Lives in Lejre in Midtsjรฆlland with his family.
Looking for geek gene
IT security is a way of life, and if you don't have a deep curiosity and are driven by motivation, you will never be very good.
If you can't be bothered to spend several evenings (and maybe even nights) training your skills on online platforms like HackTheBox or TryHackMe, then this might not be the direction you should go. If you don't have the patience for the most complex puzzles, find something else. Something you are drawn to, motivated by and can see yourself in for the next several years.
When we interview potential employees, we look for curiosity, motivation and the deeply felt geek gene. In far fewer cases, we look at educational or certification certificates. If the candidate is the right talent, we will probably have to fill in the relevant skills and certifications.
But it requires that the employee is motivated for a constant learning process throughout the entire employment period. And therefore you must have entered the educational institution through the right door.
We scout for exactly those candidates who are real talents, because they are highly motivated for development and continuous improvement. The curious, who can't stop geeking out and becoming the best - and continuing to be the best. Not only because their skills are in demand, but because they are passionate, motivated and passionate about their field โ and want to be the very best in their field. We hire those talents!