Cyber Ireland’s South Chapter, in partnership with CorkSec and Women4Cyber Ireland, recently hosted a well-attended cybersecurity careers event in Cork, bringing together students, professionals, and industry leaders.
The evening focused on career pathways into cybersecurity, offering practical advice, real-world insights, and valuable networking opportunities.
With a full house in attendance, the event highlighted the continued demand for career guidance and community engagement within Ireland’s cybersecurity sector. From the outset, there was a strong sense of energy, with attendees connecting over shared interests and career ambitions.
Panel Discussion: Real Stories, Real Insights
A key highlight of the evening was the panel discussion featuring experienced cybersecurity professionals who shared their personal career journeys, challenges, and advice. Moderated by Ciaran Luttrell, VP Global SOC Operations at eSentire, the panellists included Louis Coleman, SOC Operations Team Lead at eSentire, Vanda Badura, Senior Information Security Analyst at McKesson, and Sharon Hanafin, Senior Cloud Cybersecurity Engineer at Dell Technologies. There were several key takeaways from this insightful panel, including:
- Multiple entry pathways: There is no single route into cybersecurity
- Skills matter: Employers value practical skills, curiosity, and continuous learning
- Career progression: Growth often comes from hands-on experience and adaptability
- Community is key: Networking and mentorship can significantly accelerate career development
Attendees also heard from guest speaker Rob Fuller, VP at McKesson, who spoke about the importance of empathy, transparency, and ownership. Rob left everyone thinking about a Neil Strauss quote he shared: ‘Expectations are premediated resentments’, a mindset he has built into his career and his life.
Women4Cyber Ireland: Supporting Inclusion and Growth
Women4Cyber Ireland delivered an insightful session on its mission to promote and support women’s participation in cybersecurity. Attendees learned about opportunities to engage with the community, build visibility, and access support networks within the industry. The evening concluded with interactive speed networking sessions, allowing attendees to connect directly with speakers and peers, explore career opportunities, and build meaningful relationships.
Events like this highlight the importance of collaboration across Ireland’s cybersecurity ecosystem. By bringing together organisations such as Cyber Ireland, CorkSec, and Women4Cyber Ireland, the event reinforced a shared commitment to building a strong, inclusive, and future-ready cybersecurity workforce.
Following the success of this event, Cyber Ireland and its partners look forward to continuing to support cybersecurity talent through future events and initiatives.
