Sam
- How did you find your way into the cybersecurity industry?
I originally come from an advertising background and my journey into cybersecurity started with Anna Collard – who was the Head of Popcorn Training which is now KnowB4 – she took a chance and pulled me into cybersecurity awareness training. A powerful women recognised the potential in me in an industry I knew nothing about, I’ve never looked back and is one of the best decisions I have ever made!
- Why have more opportunities presented themselves to women in cybersecurity?
This is why we have things such as Women’s Month, it’s about empowering more women and that has opened more doors for us into industries like cybersecurity. We see a lot more women in powerful positions and them using that power to help other women.
- What advice would you give women looking to be part of cybersecurity?
You have to embrace this industry, there are so many different things you can go into and it’s constantly changing. There is a lot of continuous learning involved and with that constant change comes different days and it’s so very exciting if your open and interested about this industry.
- How does Nclose make you proud?
I absolutely love Nclose’s culture! Takes me back to when I first started in cybersecurity. Regardless of who you are or where you’re from, there is respect for everyone, we all support and help each other, take ownership and responsibility. It’s not just our leaders but everyone at Nclose wants everyone to do well and grow, it’s something you don’t see very often. The beauty of Nclose is you never feel restricted or held back!
- Who is your female role model or inspiration?
Anna Collard, I wouldn’t be where I am today without her, there were days she believed in me when I didn’t in myself, encouraged me, the passion she has is the same passion I carry with me today.
- Your Women’s Month message for all the Ladies out there?
Continue to empower each other, continue to support each other, continue to encourage each other, it’s an absolutely incredible and beautiful thing to see!
Regomoditswe
- How did you find your way into the cybersecurity industry?
It’s an interesting story because I actually studied networking, but the first job I got accepted for was in cybersecurity. I never thought I would end up in this industry, but I grew to love it and realised this is where I wanted my career to be going forward.
- Why have more opportunities presented themselves to women in cybersecurity?
I think over the past few years women have become more interested in IT and realised it’s an industry that they can make a success out of. I feel this change has led to more companies employing women for their skills, abilities and experience and training – which is a good thing having women who can provide value and expertise in cybersecurity.
- What advice would you give women looking to be part of cybersecurity?
I think firstly not feeling inferior that they can’t make it in this industry. If you believe in yourself and have an interest, there is opportunities for women in general to be leaders in cybersecurity, that’s something I truly believe.
- How does Nclose make you proud?
When I joined Nclose I didn’t have the strongest technical skills, but they put the time and effort to improve that. I wasn’t restricted because I didn’t have certain skills but rather educated and trained to obtain those skills. I really enjoy and appreciate that, because that’s not something every company would do.
- Who is your female role model or inspiration?
Christi Maherry, she’s the former Founder and CEO of Law Trust which she has sold now. When she joined the IT industry and founded her own company her aim was to empower women and promote more women in IT.
- Your Women’s Month message for all the Ladies out there?
There’s a term I’ve heard recently describing women called “Imbokodo”, which translates to “being a rock”. I don’t believe we should be seen like that, we need to continue empowering each other, don’t be afraid to show our feelings, encourage each other to succeed and wear our crowns!
Tristan
- How did you find your way into the cybersecurity industry?
I did a learnership in 2017 which was my entry point into cybersecurity initially with my CISCO qualification. I then completed another learnership followed by an internship which then led me to Nclose where I also started as an intern 4 years ago.
- Why have more opportunities presented themselves to women in cybersecurity?
From my perspective IT used to be a male dominated industry and I feel like that barrier is breaking by including more women who are more than capable of competing with men in the industry. We’ve proven we can offer just as much value and there are no longer limits based on your gender, Nclose has been a good example for me with regards to this change.
- What advice would you give women looking to be part of cybersecurity?
Certifications, qualifications and experience, the more you can proactively learn about this industry the greater your success will be. Start somewhere – even if the pay isn’t great or it’s experience – just so you can get your footing and grow from there, figuring out what you want to do and enjoy.
- How does Nclose make you proud?
Nclose doesn’t limit you or restrain you from opportunity. Our team and leaders are always pushing to educate ourselves or one another whether that be certifications, clients, on the job learning – you name it. I’ve been looked after, grown in knowledge and experience, not limited to a singular sphere, and given opportunity.
- Who is your female role model or inspiration?
Mellody Hobson, the way she built her career as not just a woman, but a woman of colour from nothing in difficult times is inspirational. She is a Founder, CEO, Director, Board Member of various companies, it’s amazing that I can relate to someone like that and follow her journey.
- Your Women’s Month message for all the Ladies out there?
Keep persisting, never give up and learn as much as you can!
Andisiwe
- How did you find your way into the cybersecurity industry?
My first Internship job was as a cybersecurity analyst, and I fell in love with it and from there decided I wanted to build a career in cybersecurity.
- Why have more opportunities presented themselves to women in cybersecurity?
This is something I did not notice initially, but there are definitely more women being involved in IT and more women starting to pursue careers within the industry as well.
- What advice would you give women looking to be part of cybersecurity?
Sticking to your interests, because cybersecurity is something you need to be passionate about. Cybersecurity has day-to-day changes of many things that happen in real life, so if you are interested, go through the right routes of certifications, experience and start somewhere. It’s such an interesting but passionate industry!
- How does Nclose make you proud?
Everyone I work with – even though my time here has not been long – has been welcoming and encouraged me to share my ideas. Help is a given at Nclose, I’ve never been in a situation where someone wasn’t willing to help or provide solutions.
- Who is your female role model or inspiration?
Bridgette Daries, the CIO of my previous company, I have no words to describe her, she has an amazing management style and I just aspire to be someone like her.
- Your Women’s Month message for all the Ladies out there?
Grab or be open to all the opportunities that come your way, don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith and risks!
Tamaryn
- How did you find your way into the cybersecurity industry?
I got the opportunity to join the cybersecurity industry through a mutual connection. Even though I had no prior IT experience, they were willing to take a chance on me and taught me so many of the skills that I still use today. From my experience, many companies in the cybersecurity industry are willing to give people with minimal skill opportunities if they feel their personality is the right fit and if they are hungry and eager to learn.
- Why have more opportunities presented themselves to women in cybersecurity?
Originally a male dominated industry I think the IT industry as embraced the concept of inclusion as the years have passed. Also, there are just so many opportunities in cybersecurity with not enough people to fill those positions, so regardless of who you are and your background, if you’re willing to learn and put in the effort, you’ll find opportunities come your way.
- What advice would you give women looking to be part of cybersecurity?
Firstly, have an interest, and from there establish which aspect you are interested in because cybersecurity has a multitude of disciplines and roles. Secondly, your personality type, it’s a dynamic industry, you’ll find certain things gel with certain kinds of people more than others. Combine these two points, and it helps you narrow down your focus a lot because cybersecurity takes a lot of passion and commitment.
- How does Nclose make you proud?
The most unique part of Nclose for me is just the way the leadership is involved with people on various levels of the company. There’s a genuine connection there, they take the time to get to know you and that translates to the entire company culture. They expose you to opportunity, skills, experience and success, and proactively help in paving your path which is inspiring.
- Who is your female role model or inspiration?
I don’t really have one specifically, a lot of my inspiration has come from the colleagues and clients I’ve worked or work with. I draw inspiration from the positive qualities, experiences and interactions of those around me and keep that with me.
- Your Women’s Month message for all the Ladies out there?
You are strong, you are fierce, you are talented, and you are so capable!
Cassandra
- How did you find your way into the cybersecurity industry?
When I decided I wanted to pursue a career in IT I chose cybersecurity as it matched me in terms of not just my interests but my purpose and my personality. Nclose gave me the opportunity to intern when I got my Higher Certificate in Information Systems (Cybersecurity) and I’ve not looked back.
- Why have more opportunities presented themselves to women in cybersecurity?
Inclusion has played a huge factor in more women being involved in cybersecurity and I think there just is a more equal mentality in the workspace in general everywhere now.
- What advice would you give women looking to be part of cybersecurity?
To put a lot of thought in before pursuing a career, it is a career that requires a lot of responsibility, adaptability and change. It comes down to having a genuine interest like any other career path and your focus is to succeed.
- How does Nclose make you proud?
Nclose is equal in every way, everyone is given the same opportunity, the company culture is consistent throughout, the leadership structure is an actual open-door policy. Everyone is approachable, help is offered, you never really have to worry about anything as long as you are putting the work in.
- Who is your female role model or inspiration?
I’ve never really had one, I’ve always been super self-reliant and derived inspiration from myself.
- Your Women’s Month message for all the Ladies out there?
Never give up on your dreams and what you want to do with your life, and don’t let people tell you otherwise!