Happy new year!  We're excited to feature Tatyana Sanchez, Content and Programming Coordinator at RSA Conference (RSAC) this month. RSAC is the largest cybersecurity conference in the world, where cybersecurity experts come together to share ideas and solutions to keep our digital world safe. It offers talks, workshops, and activities to help people understand and solve today’s cybersecurity challenges. While RSAC happens once a year, the organization behind it provides cybersecurity content and resources all year round.

At RSAC, Tatyana manages content, performs communication outreach, and hosts podcasts and webcasts twice a month. She is a writer for RSAC and publishes blogs about the latest trends in cybersecurity. Some of Tatyana’s recent work includes features on Reducing Data Exposure, Protecting Patient Data: A Guide to HIPAA Compliance, and Securing Organizational Data: Cybersecurity in the Age of Social Media. Tatyana is passionate about bringing together a community of cybersecurity professionals to network, share ideas, and learn from one another.

Thank you, Tatyana, for sharing your experience and for connecting the community through your organization's cybersecurity content!

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1. Can you share your journey into cybersecurity? Was this a field you always planned to work in, or did you take an unexpected path to get here?

After finishing my degree in Marketing from Bentley University, I kept working at my internship while I searched for a job that felt like the right fit. It wasn’t easy, and it took some time, but eventually, I found my current job through LinkedIn!

Entering the cybersecurity field was an unexpected but rewarding path. As I researched RSAC, I was drawn to their mission to unite the cybersecurity community through learning, networking, and knowledge-sharing. I’m passionate about being part of the cyber community and engaging in meaningful conversations about cybersecurity concerns and solutions with individuals dedicated to protecting our digital world.

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2. Can you walk us through what a day in the life of your job entails?

A typical day as a Content and Programming Coordinator involves managing various types of content like podcasts, webcasts, seminars, and blogs. Through our platform, I review submissions and connect with cybersecurity experts, inviting them to share their knowledge on relevant cybersecurity topics on keeping the internet safe. I also write blog posts about the latest cyber news and host our RSAC 365 podcast and webcast twice a month. My main goal is to make sure everything we share remains neutral, offers free resources, and delivers valuable insights to our audience.

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3. With cybersecurity evolving so quickly, how do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies? Any resources or routines you find essential?

Since I read many blog submissions and host podcasts and webcasts, I learn a lot from the cybersecurity experts on our platform. Their knowledge, expertise, and willingness to share with our audience has helped me stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies. I also set aside time each week to review the latest cybersecurity news on various credible websites and always check the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Security Agency (NSA) websites for the latest cyber updates and alerts.

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4. Looking ahead, where do you see your career going in the next few years? Are there specific areas in cybersecurity or even other fields you’re interested in exploring?

I see myself staying in this career for the next few years as I aim to continue evolving and growing within my company. I plan to take a class to earn a cybersecurity certification and may even return to school to pursue a master's degree in Marketing with a minor in Cybersecurity.

While I’m committed to remaining in the cybersecurity field, I’m still exploring which specific area I want to focus on in the future. For now, my primary goal is to keep reading and learning about cybersecurity while building connections with industry professionals. From there, I’m excited to see where my career path leads.

For now, I truly enjoy what I do - bringing together a community to share ideas and passions while contributing to a field that is actively making the world a better and safer place.

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5. What advice would you give to someone considering a career in cybersecurity, and what skills do you think are most valuable?

My advice is to take your time and find a company that feels right for you - don’t rush into just any job. Finding the right company and team can help you do your best and be happy at work.

If you’re looking for a job in cybersecurity, don’t worry if you don’t match every qualification on the job description. People in this field know that this is a growing profession and there aren’t enough skilled workers in cybersecurity. That’s why many companies are happy to teach you what you need to know, whether you’re a beginner or already have experience.

The most important things are being willing to learn, being adaptable, and working well with others. Collaboration is essential in cybersecurity. Cybersecurity is always changing, so you need to be open to learning new things and trying new ways of doing your job. Teamwork is also really important because solving problems in this field often takes a group effort.

Lastly, never be afraid to ask questions. No question is too small or silly. If you’re not sure about something, it’s totally okay - just ask! That’s how you learn and get better.