Dominique West: Security found me. [Strategy] [Career Notes]
Jan 4, 2025
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Dominique West, a technical account manager who shifted from engineering to cybersecurity after experiencing credit card fraud, shares her enlightening journey. She recounts her initial encounters in technology, including working at a museum’s help desk. Feeling isolated as a visible minority in tech, she founded Security in Color to promote diversity and provide resources for newcomers. Dominique emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience in cybersecurity and encourages aspiring professionals to explore their interests and engage with the community.
Dominique West's unexpected journey into cybersecurity, triggered by personal credit card fraud, highlights the importance of real-life experiences in shaping career paths.
Her advocacy for diversity in cybersecurity through 'Security in Color' emphasizes the necessity of community support and representation for underrepresented individuals in tech.
Deep dives
Journey into Cybersecurity
A personal journey into the field of cybersecurity highlights how unexpected experiences can shape career paths. The speaker's introduction to cybersecurity stemmed from becoming a victim of credit card fraud, which ultimately guided them into a career focused on security. Initially, they began their journey in a help desk position at the Rubin Museum of Art, where they gained hands-on experience in building networks and troubleshooting technology. This foundational role paved the way for their transition into cloud security, where they now thrive, emphasizing the importance of practical experience and continuous learning in the tech field.
Promoting Diversity in Cybersecurity
The importance of representation in the cybersecurity industry is underscored through the speaker's experiences as one of the few minorities in their academic environment. This awareness has driven them to advocate for greater diversity and inclusivity within tech teams and organizations. In their effort to support others entering the field, they established 'Security in Color,' a podcast and newsletter aimed at simplifying complex cybersecurity topics. Additionally, they encourage individuals to connect with various organizations that support underrepresented groups, emphasizing community as a vital resource for navigating the complexities of cybersecurity.
Technical account manager Dominique West takes us on her career journey from engineering to cybersecurity. Even though her undergraduate degree was in information systems, Dominique did not learn about cybersecurity until she personally experienced credit card fraud. She had a range of positions from working the help desk in an art museum to vulnerability management and cloud security. Dominique mentions remembering feeling isolated as the only black person and one of few women in many situations. These experiences spurred her into action to create Security in Color to help others navigate their way into cybersecurity and share resources are available to them. Dominique recommends those interested in cybersecurity to go ahead and get your hands dirty out there; figure out what you like and what you don't like and do community. We thank Dominique for sharing her story with us.