TechVets, a unique not-for-profit initiative and RFEA programme dedicated to building a bridge for veterans into cyber security and the technology sector, has launched a new podcast series to help raise awareness of key issues such as diversity in industry.
The podcasts feature 30 minute interviews with a series of inspiring thoughts leaders and industry stalwarts, who can share their valuable insight into the tech and cyber security industries and, in some cases, share their own personal experiences of having transitioned from a military to civilian career.
As well as covering issues such as diversity and the benefits it brings to teams and wider industry success, the podcasts will also help demonstrate, to both businesses and veterans alike, the valuable skillset that ex-Servicemen and women bring to the tech and cyber security industries.
The global cyber security market is projected to reach £210 billion by 2026,[1] opening up huge swathes of vacancies. TechVets Director and Army veteran, James Murphy, feels passionately that ex-Military are some of the best candidates to fulfil these roles.
He says:
“All Military roles involve dealing with sensitive information, in some way or another, plus you must possess a strong ability to learn new skills and solve problems. This makes ex-Forces perfectly suited to many of these emerging tech and cyber security roles.
“Evidence shows that hiring a diverse team contributes to business success. By launching these podcasts, we will discuss the merits of operating a diverse and inclusive team, specifically in the tech and cyber security industries, whilst also looking at some of the key barriers that might be holding this back.”
Podcast guest Rhianna King, served for 12 years in the Army, starting out as a vehicle mechanic before transferring to the Intelligence Corps. Since leaving the Army she has pursued a successful career as a Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst.
She comments,
“There is a lot of crossover between cyber security and the Military. The enemy and their weapons may be different, but the need to understand their threats, motives, and capabilities, to ultimately outmanoeuvre them, is very much the same.
“The team I work in is highly diverse. This puts us at an advantage when problem solving because, by coming at things as a group with different perspectives, you are more likely to remove any biases in your thinking.
“While the cyber security workforce may be largely made up of men, it’s important that we shout about the successes of the women and other underrepresented groups in the industry, who are achieving great things, so as to inspire others to follow their lead.”
James Murphy adds,
“By having these discussions, we hope to not only encourage ‘tech curious’ service leavers and veterans to understand what a route into the industry could look like for them, but also motivate business leaders to consider ex-Servicemen and women as an exciting talent pool to draw from.”
TechVets, which recently joined forces with RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity, offers free upskilling and job opportunities for service leavers and veterans, through its unique offering of networking, mentoring, signposting, and training services, via its new TechVets Academy platform.
To listen visit Podbean: https://techvets.podbean.com
[1] https://www.forbes.com/sites/louiscolumbus/2020/04/05/2020-roundup-of-cybersecurity-forecasts-and-market-estimates/?sh=48424fb9381d
