My research for the panel tells me that, while women are exceeding men in advanced technical degrees<\/a>, more women are leaving the technical field<\/a> (1). There are myriad reasons for this that we discussed during the panel. But the key takeaways were to encourage all potential cybersecurity professionals \u2013 regardless of where they are in the world, their gender or their degrees. Specifically:<\/p>\n When I finished the preparations, I reflected upon the many blessings of my own career and called my father. I thanked him for his encouragement of me to follow my own professional interests and do whatever I desired in my career. Serving in law enforcement for 31 years, he had hoped I would consider the national law enforcement agencies he suggested as prospective employers, and saw no limitation preventing me as a woman from entering that field. But ultimately for him, it was important to help me find whatever I would enjoy. We can all encourage the next generation of cybersecurity practitioners \u2013 and not be limited by where we think<\/strong> we may find them or by what their resumes may say.<\/p>\n Speaking of career encouragement, if you are a veteran, you may have a calling to continue to \u201cserve\u201d in cyber.<\/a> We\u2019d love to have you as a member of the team. Cyber is an honorable calling \u2013 and regardless of how any of us got here, I wish you profound success in your careers and the hope that, regardless of where you are or go in your career, that you lift and encourage others as you rise.<\/p>\n To learn more about our other activities at CDANS 2017 this year, please visit:<\/p>\n\n
(1) OECD Education at a glance, 2015<\/a>, Study from CSU: Women 1.5 Times More Likely to Leave STEM Pipeline after Calculus Compared to Men: Lack of Mathematical Confidence a Potential Culprit 2016<\/a>, Source<\/a>.<\/h6>\n
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