Significant Career Lesson from a Head of Cybersecurity and Engineering at Commercial Insurance Company
Malia, Head of Cybersecurity & Engineering, credits consistent networking as a pivotal career lesson, emphasizing the importance of building "meaningful connections" rather than transactional ones. A personal anecdote illustrates this, describing how a LinkedIn connection unexpectedly led to a job at Hulu, highlighting the power of networking to bypass traditional job applications and leverage "that trusted person" referral.
Networking, Cybersecurity, Leadership, Career Development, Communication
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Malia Mason
Head of Cybersecurity & Engineering
Commercial Insurance Company
University of Pittsburgh class of 2011
EMBA UCLA class of 2023
International Relations & Affairs
Insurance
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
Disabled, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Veteran, LGBTQ, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Networking is crucial for career advancement, especially in cybersecurity. Leveraging LinkedIn and attending industry events can lead to unadvertised job opportunities and build valuable relationships.
2. Building trust is key in cybersecurity. Internal referrals can significantly accelerate the hiring process, highlighting the importance of establishing strong connections within the industry.
3. Stepping outside your comfort zone, such as speaking at conferences, can open doors to new opportunities and help you support other professionals. Meaningful connections are more effective than transactional requests for jobs.
Transcript
What is one lesson that has proven significant for your career?
Always be networking, 100 percent. You have to network and meet people with the assumption that they might lead to a conversation down the road. You have to network and always think about who could potentially lead to another job or something further along.
You never know who you're going to meet. My dad taught me when I was a kid to always be networking and connect with people. If you're at a function, have your phone out, LinkedIn ready, and follow up.
I actually got the job at Hulu, in charge of all vulnerability management, because a buddy reached out to me on LinkedIn. He asked if I was busy and if I could help. I was between contracts, so I asked what the problem was.
I literally had a job at Hulu the next day. That job was never posted, and there was no job description. My buddy just said he needed help and asked when I could start.
This is how it happens in this industry, especially in cybersecurity and tech. It's who you know. When job postings go up, we get hundreds, sometimes thousands. Getting a referral can fast-track you and allow you to skip the process because there's already trust.
If an internal employee refers someone, they get first dibs. That's a trusted person. You need to get out there, network, and meet people. Get to know them and get into our inner circles.
Especially in cybersecurity, it's all about trust. If you get inside the trust circle, it can open so many doors. Make sure you get out of your comfort zone.
I consider myself an ambivert, so sometimes I'm more introverted, sometimes more extroverted. I go to networking events and participate in conferences, speaking at dozens of them. It's not always comfortable, but it opens doors.
This has led to many opportunities, especially as a woman in this very underrepresented industry. I can then turn around and help others, using those open doors to bring people in.
So, network, get outside your comfort zone, and make meaningful connections. Don't just connect because you think someone is cool. Actually get to know them and talk with them.
Don't be afraid to ask questions like, "What does your role mean? What's your day-to-day?" Please don't reach out saying, "Hey, what's up? I want a job." That's not a meaningful connection; it's transactional.
Reach out, ask questions, do your research. Ask about my UCLA Bruins in the basketball tournament. I'll talk to you all day. Find ways to connect with people on a human level and make those connections.