The (ISC)² Scholarship Program is part of an effort to bridge the cybersecurity workforce gap—which stands at 2.72 million  needed professionals—by providing future cybersecurity professionals across the globe with scholarships to prepare them for a rewarding career in this important field.

At the same time, the industry urgently needs more diverse perspectives and fresh talent to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow. With the scholarships, (ISC)² wants to create more opportunities for historically underrepresented individuals and inspire more young people to pursue a career in cybersecurity.

In 2021, Weijia Yan was awarded an (ISC)² Undergraduate Scholarship which supported her as she finished her senior year at Texas A&M University. Weijia graduated Magna Cum Laude in December 2021, earning a bachelor’s degree in management information systems with a minor in cybersecurity. She is currently working on her master’s in information technology-information security at Carnegie Mellon University.

Why Cybersecurity

While at Texas A&M, a professor suggested she check out the cybersecurity club. Weijia immediately connected with the club, soaking up every opportunity she could to learn as much as she could, meeting industry professionals and setting a path for herself to pursue a career in cybersecurity—picking up a minor in cybersecurity along the way.

Weijia is so passionate about cybersecurity that she wanted to bring more women into the profession. A common observation for the industry, Weijia noticed there weren’t enough women in the club and set forth to bring more women to meetings and make them feel welcomed. Weijia founded the Texas A&M collegiate chapter of Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) and served as its president. In under a year, the club grew from three members to 30 members.

Cybersecurity has always been an interest for Weijia, developing into a passion while studying at Texas A&M. As a child, she experimented with cybersecurity capture the flag (CTF) games and tinkered with ethical hacking—a common entry point for cybersecurity professionals. Now she dreams of becoming a Chief Information Security Office one day.

Weijia’s advice to collegiate cybersecurity newcomers

Weijia recommends that any college student interested in cybersecurity check out their university cybersecurity club. Even those mildly interested in the subject will be surprised by the value they get out of the opportunity, even if they don’t have technical cybersecurity skills yet. A recent (ISC)² study confirms that the profession is actively looking for other valuable, non-technical talents new entrants can bring to the table. Technical skills can always be taught on the job. According to cybersecurity professionals, the traits that are equally or more important than certifications and relevant cybersecurity experience include strong problem-solving abilities, curiosity and eagerness to learn, strong communication skills, and strategic thinking.

Weijia emphasizes the importance of relationship building and community. Many of her cybersecurity relationships she made through the Texas A&M Cybersecurity Club, which have opened doors for her to develop her skills and advance her career. She also recommends applying for internships as soon as possible or working at an IT help desk to get hands-on exposure to security.

(ISC)² and its charitable foundation, Center for Cyber Safety and Education, congratulate Weijia on her achievements and wish her the best of luck in her career ahead!

Ready to kick start your career in cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is a rewarding career, and many people with interests in pursuing cybersecurity already have transferable skills even if they lack direct experience.

Students and cybersecurity career changers are encouraged to register for the (ISC)² entry-level cybersecurity certification pilot exam. The pilot program is now underway, and interested candidates can register for the exam today . Designed to be challenging while remaining attainable for newcomers, this foundational certification will help professionals interested in building a career in cyber achieve the education and information they need on their way to a rewarding career.

To find out more about the (ISC)² entry-level cybersecurity pilot program and to see the exam outline, please visit: https://www.isc2.org/Notice/New-Cert

Scholarship deadlines are coming up!

The deadline to apply for the 2022 (ISC)² Undergraduate Cybersecurity Scholarships and Graduate Cybersecurity Scholarships is coming up on March 7. Submit your application today!