Agata Crowley discusses the skills and support needed to empower professionals in the cybersecurity space.
Having previously worked as a data security coordinator at Smarttech247, before moving into an executive assistant position, Agata Crowley is also an associate project manager for IT PMO at Stryker and the secretary of Women in Technology and Science Ireland (WITS).
With that in mind, she, perhaps more than most, has a strong understanding of how crucial a robust and eclectic skillset is for anyone looking to achieve success in the competitive data security coordination and larger cybersecurity space.
“A data security coordinator role requires agility, flexibility and an open-minded approach. Very often, I find myself performing tasks that sit at the intersection of various roles and departments, which makes this role unique, fascinating, and sometimes unexpected,” she told SiliconRepublic.com.
“The skillset needed combines traits from several areas, such as project management, marketing, partner and vendor management, sale and pre-sales. It’s also beneficial to have some knowledge of SOC, encryption, DLP and other data-related technologies.”
She noted, in addition to having significant technical expertise, to truly excel in a data security coordination role soft skills, for example communication, relationship-building, problem-solving and decision making, are absolutely vital. Particularly because much of the role involves collaborating with different teams and stakeholders, ensuring that any issues are identified and proactively addressed.
“I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t have all the answers, but that’s the beauty of this field, you’re always learning,” said Crowley. “Cybersecurity is constantly evolving and staying up to date means reading industry research, keeping up with trends, and attending webinars and conferences.
“My mentor once told me that cybersecurity is an amazing industry because you can become an expert very quickly. Technology is always changing and new trends emerge so fast that it’s not about having decades of experience, it’s about continuously learning. That said, the best learning comes from real, hands-on experience.”
Opening the door
Like every career, there are barriers that often prevent people from easily accessing career opportunities. In the data security coordination industry, Crowley explained that women in particular often face unfair challenges based on gender that prevent them from getting their foot in the door.
“I got involved with WITS Ireland because I believe in the power of advocacy, community and real change,” she said. “As a mum of two girls, I’m keenly aware of how early gender stereotypes take hold, often as young as five or six. That’s why it’s so important to challenge these biases early and make sure every girl grows up knowing that STEM is a place where she belongs.
“Joining the WITS board as secretary is an opportunity to play my part in an organisation that has been championing women in STEM for over 30 years. Inspired by the legacy of Mary Mulvihill, WITS continues to push for greater visibility, inclusion and opportunities for women in science, technology and engineering.
“We’re making an impact by breaking down barriers, fostering mentorship, and ensuring that women’s voices are heard at every level.”
She further explained that the inclusion of more women and other marginalised groups in STEM spaces, is not only of benefit to the person themselves, but to wider society as a whole. As different perspectives come together, it tends to create smarter technology and ultimately a better, brighter future.
“Albert Einstein famously said: ‘We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.’ His theory of relativity transformed physics by offering a completely new way of understanding space, time and energy, solving problems that classical mechanics simply couldn’t.
“The same applies to tackling the gender imbalance and skills gap in STEM,” explained Crowley. “If we keep approaching these challenges in the same way, how can we expect different results? We need to rethink outdated perceptions, embrace fresh perspectives and take bold, innovative steps towards real change.
“It’s not just about getting more women into STEM, it’s about making sure they have the support, opportunities and recognition to thrive. At WITS Ireland, we’re committed to driving this change, amplifying women’s voices, breaking down barriers and ensuring STEM is a place where everyone, regardless of gender, can belong and succeed.”
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