Reanna Schultz: Tips on Breaking into Cybersecurity and Public Speaking

About The Guest:Reanna Shultz is a cybersecurity professional who currently works in a security operations center. She has a diverse background, having initially pursued a career in criminal justice before discovering her passion for cybersecurity. Reanna is an experienced public speaker and is actively involved in the cybersecurity community. Summary:Reanna Shultz shares her journey into cybersecurity, starting from her small-town upbringing in Kansas City, Missouri. She discusses how she stumbled into the field and found her passion for social engineering and network security. Reanna emphasizes the importance of getting involved in the cybersecurity community and building a strong network. She provides practical advice for breaking into the field, including participating in capture the flag challenges, contributing to open-source projects on GitHub, and gaining real-world experience through volunteering. Reanna also discusses the role of certifications and degrees in the cybersecurity industry and highlights the value of continuous learning. She shares tips for job hunting, including tailoring resumes to match job descriptions and leveraging personal connections. Finally, Reanna offers insights into public speaking and encourages aspiring speakers to find their passion, start locally, and build their brand in the cybersecurity community. Key Takeaways: Get involved in the cybersecurity community to learn, network, and discover your interests within the field. Build a strong resume by showcasing your skills through open-source projects on GitHub and participating in capture the flag challenges. Tailor your resume to match job descriptions and highlight measurable achievements. Leverage personal connections and network within the cybersecurity community to increase your chances of landing a job. Find your passion and start speaking locally to build your brand as a cybersecurity speaker. Quotes: "Get involved in the community because your community is going to teach you what's happening locally around you." - Reanna Shultz "Your time is very valuable because you can't get that back. It's one of our most renewable resources that we could never get back at all." - Reanna Shultz "Read the job description. If it does not speak to you, do not even apply for it." - Reanna Shultz "Think about what you enjoy about cybersecurity because if you feel inspired and passionate with what you're talking about, this is how you're going to motivate people in the audience." - Reanna Shultz "Public speaking is one of the most amazing things about cybersecurity because we learn and grow from one another." - Reanna Shultz Socials and Resources:https://www.linkedin.com/in/reanna-schultz/