Breaking Into Cyber: Tips & Strategies from Mackenzie Wartenberger

The Cyber Queens Podcast

**DISCLAIMER: All of our opinions are our own. They do not represent, nor are they affiliated with the interests and beliefs of the companies we work for. **

The Cyber Queens Podcast is back with an exciting episode focused on breaking into the cybersecurity industry. Join the Cyber Queens as they chat with Mackenzie Wartenberger about her journey into the world of cyber and how she was able to make a successful career change. Mack shares her experience as the first recipient of the GRC Accelerator Train-To-Hire Program at Aquia Inc. This 6-month-long program provides paid apprenticeships, training materials, and dedicated mentorship to individuals who may not have the means to access further education or qualify for a cybersecurity job.
The Cyber Queens and Mack break down the common misconception that one needs to be technical to enter the cybersecurity field. You will hear Mack share her inspiring story of how she broke into cyber, along with the reasons why she chose this field. The Cyber Queens also share their own experiences and backstories of how they ended up in this wonderful industry. Finally, they discuss Mack's next steps and offer insights on how you can replicate her success.
Tune in to The Cyber Queens Podcast to learn more about breaking into the cybersecurity industry and how to close the gender/diversity gap that cyber is experiencing.
Key Topics:
Mack’s Before & After Cyber Journey
Why Mack Chose The Cyber Security Field
How Mack Found A Cyber Opportunity & Breaking In
Aquia Inc GRC Accelerator Train-To-Hire Program
Mack’s Pre-technical Interview Processes & Selection
So You’ve Landed Your First Cyber Gig….How Did You Learn?
Soft Skills & How They Apply To A Cyber Career
What’s Next For Mack?
01:52 – Mack’s Before & After Cyber Journey
05:05 – Why Mack Chose The Cyber Security Field
07:14 – Careers Before Cyber
10:25 – Breaking Into Cyber Cold…..The How To’s From Mack
11:45 – GRC Accelerator Train-To-Hire Program at Aquia Inc.
12:55 – Networking Is KEY
14:32 – The Right Mindset Can Set You Up For Success
14:40 – Knowing Your Strengths Can Help You Navigate
17:30 – In Cyber You Will Not Know Everything & That Is OK
20:07 – Entering Cyber Doesn’t Require Stepping Into A Super Technical Role, It Can Be GRC Or Compliance
25:00 – Soft Skills Can Help You In A Cyber Career
25:16 - Aquia Inc. GRC Accelerator Train-To-Hire Program
36:50 – Final Takeaways
Sources:
Aquia Inc.: https://www.aquia.us/
Aquia Inc. GRC Accelerator Train-To-Hire Program: https://tinyurl.com/mr3yzxwv
What Is A Security Analyst?: https://tinyurl.com/yeykz99s
What Is A Compliance Analyst?: https://tinyurl.com/2rzuwjkz
SOC Audit: https://tinyurl.com/2wuuxscc
What Is GRC?: https://tinyurl.com/225j9yyz
What Is Kubernetes?: https://www.ibm.com/topics/kubernetes
What Is NMAP?: https://tinyurl.com/bdfhrjfe
What Is CISA?: https://www.cisa.gov/about
What Is The Red Team?: https://tinyurl.com/2xttz2wm
CompTIA Security+ Certification https://www.comptia.org/certifications/security
What Is Python?: https://tinyurl.com/4d65nprs
Cybrary: https://tinyurl.com/4ames68c
Mackenzie Wartenberger – LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mackenzie-wartenberger/

Get in Touch:

• Maril Vernon LinkedIn
• Stacey Champagne LinkedIn
• Queens Twitter - @TheCyberQueens
• Queens LinkedIn

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1. Introductions (00:00:00)

2. Mack’s Before & After Cyber Journey (00:01:52)

3. Why Mack Chose The Cyber Security Field (00:05:05)

4. Careers Before Cyber (00:07:14)

5. Breaking Into Cyber Cold…..The How To’s From Mack (00:10:25)

6. GRC Accelerator Train-To-Hire Program at Aquia Inc. (00:11:45)

7. Networking Is KEY (00:12:55)

8. The Right Mindset Can Set You Up For Success (00:14:32)

9. Knowing Your Strengths Can Help You Navigate (00:14:40)

10. In Cyber You Will Not Know Everything & That Is OK (00:17:30)

11. Entering Cyber Doesn’t Require Stepping Into A Super Technical Role, It Can Be GRC Or Compliance (00:20:07)

12. Soft Skills Can Help You In A Cyber Career (00:25:00)

13. Aquia Inc. GRC Accelerator Train-To-Hire Program (00:25:16)

14. Final Takeaways (00:36:50)