How a career in tech is within your reach at MRU
Instructor Arlene Worsley on her career transformation and why you don't need a Computer Science degree to work in cyber security
Arlene Worsley started her career as a communications professional and is now an award-winning security risk and resilience expert, guest speaker, mentor, national instructor and author.
No longer solely the realm of engineers and computer scientists, cyber security is an evolving field and one of the most important lines of defence for individuals, households, workplaces and governments.
To address the growing need for cyber security professionals, Mount Royal’s Faculty of Continuing Education has teamed up with York University’s School of Continuing Studies to offer professional training through the Cyber Security Fundamentals and Advanced Cyber Security stackable extension certificates. Taught by experienced industry professionals, the programs help students prepare for a career as a cyber security professional or enhance their current careers.
Q&A: Arlene Worsley on her career 180, job hunting and why you don’t need a Computer Science degree to succeed in cyber security
Arlene Worsley is an instructor in the cyber security programs. At the start of her career, she mastered words rather than codes and networks as a communications professional. After working alongside IT professionals, she discovered a love for cyber security and went all-in on a career in tech. An award-winning security risk and resilience expert, she is also a guest speaker, mentor, national instructor, and co-author of Because You Can: Your Cybersecurity Career.
What sparked your interest in a career in cyber security?
AW: While working at an oil and gas company in IT web operations, some of my projects and incident response involved working with the cyber security team. The more I worked with them, the more interested I became in the field. I was intrigued by cyber crime and protecting organisations from threat adversaries. Soon after attending my first corporate cyber security lunch-and-learn, I was hooked. In 2018, I took a leap of faith and decided to pursue a career transformation in cyber security. Coming from a non-technical background (communications), it was a scary endeavour. Over six years later, I can say it was the best decision I made for my career.
Have you been seeing more women studying and working in this field recently?
AW: Yes, I am seeing more and more women studying and working in cyber security.
In my cohort at the York University Continuing Studies Cyber Security Program (now a partner of the MRU Cyber Security Program) more than six years ago, there were a total of four women out of 40 students.
Once I became an assistant instructor in that program, it was encouraging to see a growing number of women choosing to pursue education in the field of cyber security. Approximately one in four students are women within our classrooms – that's a 15% increase from when I was a student.
Within the workforce, women's representation depends on the industry. At the companies I have been employed at, I have observed between 20-25% of women in the cyber security practice, which aligns with the Women in Cybersecurity Workforce study by (ISC)2, an international cyber security membership organisation. There are organisations like CISA (Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency) that are targeting 50% of women in cyber security within their workforce by 2030 (source: WiCyS article).
What can students expect to learn in the MRU/York cyber security program?
AW: Because I was mid-career and coming from a non-technical background, I was looking for a continuing education cyber security program that provided both foundational and hands-on learning. I also needed a program that allowed me flexibility to study while working full time. After speaking with program advisors at a few institutions, I determined the York University Continuing Studies Cyber Security Program was the right one for me.
The long-form version of this program offers two certificates across six courses. The Cyber Security Fundamentals certificate program focuses on foundational materials such as an overview of the CIA triad, cybersecurity domains, security risk and governance, and data security. The Advanced Cyber Security certificate program provides hands-on experience while learning security engineering, cryptography, security architecture, digital forensics, software development and more. Both certificates in the long-form version are completed over 10 months.
How much experience in computer science or coding does a student need to take this program?
AW: No former computer science education or experience is needed at all! The program is unique because it welcomes students from all backgrounds. Students can then leverage their existing education and work experience to help pave their success within the program, achieving certification and landing their first cyber security job.
I do recommend a general interest and basic knowledge base about Information Technology (IT) coupled with business operations (e.g., audit, legal compliance, risk management).
What are job prospects like locally, or even broader?
AW: There are many articles and reports emphasizing a critical cyber security talent shortage, where demand cannot meet supply in Canada and internationally. As more people enter or transition into the field, job opportunities for all levels (entry level to executive) can be highly competitive in today's job market. A trend I am seeing today is the demand for security risk and AI professionals.
The best advice I received from one of my York University cyber security instructors is to "apply for everything" (at the right experience level of course). The MRU/York University program offers a career panel of cyber security experts who provide honest guidance for building your resume, preparing for interviews, and more. These tips include building your network, volunteering at local cybersecurity association chapters and revamping your LinkedIn profile.
What are employers looking for?
AW: For me, there are three prerequisites for a successful job search.
1. A genuine interest and curiosity in cyber security, cyber crime and information technology goes a long way. If computer systems bore you, this may hinder your success as a student and as a job seeker.
2. Pursue cyber security education through a degree and/or certifications. These are highly regarded by employers. Education builds your credibility by helping you effectively communicate cyber security concepts, cyber threats and methods, and protection mechanisms during interviews and while on the job. As a graduate of the MRU/York University Cyber Security Program, that’s a great place to start your education research.
3. Be prepared to get uncomfortable and network. As an introvert, the thought of networking was daunting for me, but I was dedicated to doing what it takes to succeed. So I got out there, learned about local cybersecurity association chapters, attended events, smiled and introduced myself. I didn’t stop there. I volunteered and continued to build relationships beyond local to a national stage. Building your network and relationships is key because who you know in the field can make the difference in landing a job offer.
Once you have your foot in the door as a cyber security professional, there is job security as all companies need cyber security expertise, competitive salaries, and ongoing development as you grow to become a cyber security expert.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in this field but doesn't have a technical background?
AW: Cyber security is for anyone with a passion about protecting information systems and determination to succeed. You do not need a computer science degree or IT work experience to start. I highly recommend taking the time to research education programs like with MRU and York University and speak with program advisors to find the right program to suit your lifestyle and priorities. Additional helpful resources include the Cyber Security Career Guide by the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security and Cyberseek.org, an interactive map and career pathway created by cybersecurity governing bodies in the United States.
Learn more about Arlene on her website, Cyber and Sapphire.