Thinking about a career in cyber? Read this recipe for success.
This weekend hundreds of Australians will compete in the Qualifying Round of Cyber Battle Australia 2024, proudly supported by the Future Skills Organisation. We asked Ben Riles, Australia’s Cyber Chef, who went from kitchens to keyboards, to reveal his red-hot recipe for career success.
As someone who transitioned from a 15-year career as a chef to becoming a cyber security professional, I deeply understand the excitement and challenges of venturing into a new field. Cyber Battle Australia 2024 provides an incredible platform for those with little to no prior experience in cyber security to not only showcase and hone their skills but also to demonstrate their passion and commitment to continuous learning and growth.
My journey began in the kitchen, where I honed my skills in managing stress, working with diverse teams, and solving problems creatively. During lockdown, I decided to pivot to cyber security after a personal experience with online fraud sparked my interest.
I completed a Certificate IV in Cyber Security in 2022 and subsequently earned a diploma. I am now pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in cyber security while working in governance, risk, and compliance at a large supermarket chain in Australia. In my role, I focus on policy and standards uplift and collaborating with various teams to ensure compliance and best practices.
To the competitors of Cyber Battle Australia 2024, here are three pieces of advice:
1. Embrace learning: cyber security is a constantly evolving field. Stay curious and keep learning. Take advantage of every opportunity to expand your knowledge, whether through formal education, online courses, or hands-on practice.
2. Leverage your unique skills: whatever your background, you have valuable skills that can be applied in cyber security. For me, the ability to work with diverse teams and support individuals in different ways was a key asset. Identify your strengths and find ways to incorporate them into your cyber security journey.
3. Build your network: networking is crucial in cyber security. Engage with the community, attend events, and connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to new opportunities and provide valuable support and guidance.
Good luck to all the participants! Embrace the challenges, learn from every experience, and remember that the skills you develop now may just serve you well in the cyber careers that lay ahead.
Create your recipe. Get started here.
Follow the Cyber Chef on LinkedIn here.
Learn more about Cyber Battle Australia 2024, proudly supported by the Future Skills Organisation here.