Speaker: Russell Eubanks
Event: Wild West Hackin’ Fest
Date: May 24, 2021
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLM4pzNE7mc
Introduction: In a rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape, standing out as a professional requires more than just technical expertise—it demands strategic career planning and continuous growth. Russell Eubanks, a seasoned cybersecurity leader, a Cyverity Managing Partner and SANS instructor, shared his top ten career insights during the webcast Hacking Your Career: Top 10 Ways to Stand Out in Your Cyber Career. This session offers actionable advice, drawn from Russell’s personal journey and years of industry experience, to help cybersecurity professionals navigate their career paths with clarity and purpose.
Key Takeaways:
1. Always Come Prepared with an Agenda
Approach every meeting—whether with your boss or peers—with a well-organized agenda. Prioritize topics of discussion, ensuring the most critical issues are addressed first. This simple yet effective practice demonstrates respect for others’ time and positions you as a thoughtful professional.
2. Define Your “Hill to Die On”
Identify a single, overarching principle or priority that you’re passionate about, such as visibility or incident response. Be known for advocating consistently for this cause, showing leadership and dedication to improving your organization’s cybersecurity posture.
3. Be a Mentor and Find a Mentor
Mentorship is a two-way street. Help others by sharing your expertise, while also seeking guidance from seasoned professionals. Be specific about what you want to learn and approach mentors with a clear purpose, such as improving technical skills or communication strategies.
4. Share What You Learn
Actively share insights and tools you’ve discovered—whether it’s about automation, new technologies, or better workflows. Cultivating a reputation as someone who shares knowledge fosters collaboration and helps you build meaningful professional relationships.
5. Conduct a Calendar Audit
Audit your schedule to identify inefficiencies, such as unnecessary meetings. Decline invitations without clear agendas or objectives and focus on tasks that truly matter. Time blocking—dedicating specific hours to high-priority activities—can maximize productivity and balance work-life commitments.
6. Create an Individual Development Plan (IDP)
Develop a personalized roadmap for skills and career growth. Regularly revisit your goals, such as mastering automation tools or understanding your organization’s business priorities. Use these plans to align your efforts with broader organizational objectives.
7. Embrace Vulnerability
Acknowledging gaps in your knowledge can open doors to learning opportunities. Whether it’s admitting a lack of expertise in a specific area or seeking guidance, vulnerability fosters growth and demonstrates a willingness to improve.
8. Cultivate Curiosity
Stay curious by asking “why” and “how” questions. Use a neutral tone to explore processes, understand challenges, and uncover opportunities for improvement. This approach fosters innovation without causing friction.
9. Simplify Policies
Evaluate your organization’s security policies regularly and eliminate those that are outdated, redundant, or overly complex. Consider adding expiration dates to policies, forcing periodic reviews to ensure they remain relevant and effective.
10. Be Intentional About Your Plan
Set recurring reminders to review your goals and progress. Document achievements and lessons learned throughout the year to streamline annual reviews and demonstrate value to leadership. Building consistent habits leads to sustained career success.
Closing Thoughts:
Russell Eubanks’ practical tips emphasize the importance of strategic thinking, collaboration, and continuous learning in building a standout cybersecurity career. Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned professional, adopting even one of these strategies can significantly impact your career trajectory.
To explore these insights in greater depth, watch the full webcast Hacking Your Career: Top 10 Ways to Stand Out in Your Cyber Career on YouTube. For more resources and guidance, visit the Cybersecurity Risk Foundation’s website—your trusted partner in professional growth and industry leadership.