EP86 Solving the Cybersecurity Talent Gap: Why Juniors Hold the Key

Описание: • Nick Mullen shares his unconventional path into cybersecurity, starting in physical security before transitioning into cybersecurity and earning 20+ certifications.
• Mentorship played a pivotal role in his career, with a senior colleague bridging concepts between physical and cyber security.
• The biggest talent gap exists at the entry level, with companies chasing mid/senior professionals instead of developing new talent.
• Many entry-level opportunities have been automated, offshored, or eliminated, creating long-term risks for the industry.
• Nick argues for building “coaching trees” in cybersecurity—similar to NFL coaching legacies—by investing in junior staff and developing long-term pipelines.
• Short-term corporate focus on quarterly profits prevents companies from preparing for future talent shortages.
• Fake candidates and AI-generated resumes are increasingly overwhelming recruiters, causing inefficiencies and new hiring risks.
• Nick highlights the importance of hiring managers investing time upfront—writing strong job descriptions and being active in the recruiting process.
• Retention requires ongoing training, fair compensation, reasonable workloads, and genuine investment in employee growth.
• For job seekers, storytelling is critical: candidates must show the immediate value they can bring from day one.

You can find Nick on LinkedIn here:  / rnmullen