Page 24 - Cybersecurity Career Guide, 4th Edition

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Both learning and fun can be had at cybersecurity competitions and camps. And when you’re done, the technical skills and
teamwork experience you gain from participating will have community colleges, universities, the military, and employers taking
a serious interest in your good time. Major government agencies and private-sector companies collaborate to sponsor competi-
tions and financially support student participation, so playing games can lead to finding scholarships, internships, and mentors.
In fact, says Kammy Sanghera, Executive Director of STEM Outreach at George Mason University, that is just what the sponsors
intend. P.S. In addition to the programs below, check out the National Cyber League (NCL) as a great beginning competition.
Ways to Get Involved
join a camp or competition
GenCyber Camps
Offered at over 150 locations in 44 states (plus D.C.
and Puerto Rico) in 2023, these FREE camps are open
to middle and high school students and teachers,
regardless of experience, and are hosted by public
and private schools as well as colleges and universi-
ties. Each is a unique, week-long residential program.
Camps can have different kinds of specific objectives,
but all are designed to grow and spread campers’
knowledge of cybersecurity and careers and build
up skills and awareness of safe online practices. For
instance, UT-Austin’s GenCyber camp has incorpo-
rated an Escape Room challenge, as seen in the photo
above. In addition to having a great time, participants
can develop their networks of friends and mentors.
Find those near you using the GenCyber website
(gencyber.com) and check out the video. With
GenCyber, you can’t beat the scope or the price —
thank you, NSA and National Science Foundation.
Security Advisor Alliance
Converge Tour
This program connects middle school, high school,
and college students with working cybersecurity
professionals to inspire and engage the next genera-
tion of cyber talent. Their interactive workshop
allows students to test-drive careers in cybersecurity
in a real-world-applicable way. Local mentors work
through challenges with students that teach analyti-
cal thinking skills, teamwork, and creativity. The Alli-
ance’s gamified Capture the Flag experience teaches
students the skills and tools being used to defend
the largest companies in the world. The day is capped
with a discussion on career pathways and available
resources to help guide students to a fulfilling future
in the industry. For more info on the Converge Tour
and the Security Advisor Alliance, visit https://www
.securityadvisoralliance.org.