7 The power of networking and mentorship

 

This chapter covers

  • Leveraging tools to build a professional network of security professionals
  • Finding a mentor by identifying the right characteristics and traits
  • Setting up a mentoring relationship based on the right expectations
  • Gracefully ending a mentoring relationship

In chapter 6, we spent a great deal of time talking about preparing for your job hunt, maximizing your chances of getting a job interview, and negotiating effectively once you get the job offer. These strategies should help you find and land a rewarding position, but sometimes you could use additional help. This is where the power of your network and professional development via mentorship come into play.

To better illustrate the importance of having a strong network, let me share a little from my own journey. I recently moved into a new role that saw me achieve some of my highest goals as a security professional, but I didn’t get the job simply by searching job postings online and applying. The role wasn’t even posted online at all. Instead, I found out about it through a CISO whom I had interacted with on multiple occasions through LinkedIn, Twitter, and even a virtual roundtable event. It was in talking with her about her role, and also my experience and goals, that the opportunity came to light. She connected me with the hiring manager, and as soon as the job was posted officially, I was entered into the interview process.

7.1 Building a professional network

7.1.1 Social media

7.1.2 Industry groups and networking events

7.1.3 Other meetups, conferences, and events

7.1.4 Making your network productive

7.2 Exploring the role of mentorship

7.2.1 Qualities of a good mentor

7.2.2 What to expect from a mentor

7.2.3 What your mentor expects

7.2.4 How many mentors should a person have

7.3 Managing the mentor relationship

7.3.1 Forms of mentoring relationships

7.3.2 Structure of a mentoring relationship

7.3.3 Ending a mentor relationship