Thinking In The Long Term
When it comes to working to get into tech and Cybersecurity, you are faced with a plethora of new subjects.
When just starting out on the journey to learn you might feel like Alice in Wonderland.
When learning something new, we can find ourselves jumping around the subject matter or going down rabbit holes. The curiosity is good, however we want to stay focused.
A lot of people are constantly trying to keep up with the new thing, the “cutting edge”. This all can be a bit overwhelming as things in technology change constantly.
After being in the field of Cybersecurity for over 6 years I have learned that “the only thing that is constant is change”.
What I would recommend people do is develop a long term approach to their goals.
This is something I have worked on recently. As I look back at every milestone I have been able to achieve, I realize this has happened only when I step back and have a longer term goal I set out, getting into this field included.
When you think in the long term, your framing of how you approach challenges changes.
You have your larger goal you set out to accomplish. From here, milestones are reached that serve as stepping stones for that longer term goal.
For example, for this year you could have a 1 year plan on getting into tech as a career, from here the milestones leading up to it might be
1 month - Narrow down your interests
3 months - Have a self-study plan or enroll in a program that matches with job roles of interest
6 months - Have built meaningful relationships with 10 people in the field you’re aiming for'
9 months - Have checked off X % of skills do job roles of interest
12 months - Internship and interviews in the pipeline
In this approach, you have a larger goal you’re aiming for, getting a certain job role. You outline a plan tailored to it, and you then work backwards towards it.
Not to get confused here, I believe the idea of "5-year" plans are gone (Maybe a 5 year outline). Too much can change in that time frame. Instead, focus on creating goals a couple years out or less and then milestones from within these goals.
For example, work on creating a 6 month plan. Be flexible on the timeline should your circumstances change, but be tough on yourself. Brutally prioritizing, is how you can look at it. Tracking your progress is crucial, as the time will go fast.
Reflecting is something I try to be intentional about, as life can get in the way sometimes of taking state of things and planning your next move. Taking this time to see your progress will be very beneficial.
If you’re attempting to pivot into Cybersecurity as your career path (you’re in the right place), here’s another post that can help you in your journey
It goes over the ins and outs of Detection and Response as a career path.
Remember, think in the long term and your framing will change
“Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in ten years.” - Bill Gates
See you in the next one.