Professor Adewale Obadare, Nigeria’s first Professor of Practice in Cybersecurity, recently shared practical guidance on breaking into the cybersecurity field during a webinar hosted by FirstBank. With over 58 certifications and accolades, including the Outstanding Digital Trust Leader Award, Prof. Obadare offered a roadmap for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.
Highlighting the field’s vast opportunities—such as job security, competitive pay, and global recognition—Obadare addressed why many struggle to enter the industry: a lack of alignment with their strengths and skills. He advised individuals to identify their cognitive strengths and select between two major career paths in cybersecurity: Technical Roles and Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC).
Contrary to some myths, Prof. Obadare emphasized the necessity of certifications as a structured way to acquire cognitive competence—mastery of concepts and theoretical knowledge. He shared a personal experience where his certification-backed knowledge prevented a critical system failure, underscoring the value of theoretical understanding.
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For beginners, certifications like CompTIA Security+ were recommended as starting points to build foundational knowledge.
Obadare stressed that while cognitive competence equips individuals with knowledge, functional competence—the ability to apply that knowledge practically—is equally vital. Success in cybersecurity, he noted, lies in maintaining a balance between these two skill sets.
Prof. Obadare encouraged humility, open-mindedness, and a willingness to learn. He reminded attendees that cybersecurity is a continuous journey of education and self-improvement.
“My advice to individuals seeking to break into cybersecurity is to acquire certifications, cultivate behavioral competence by being humble and open to learning, and continuously self-improve. Cybersecurity is a journey, not a destination,” he stated.
By focusing on certifications, practical skills, and personal growth, Prof. Obadare’s insights provide a clear guide for those aiming to excel in this dynamic field.
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