How to start a career in Cyber Security without Technical Skills

“Everyone should always hire an ex-tennis player… tennis players are very determined, disciplined, resilient, and flexible. Having to learn technique, agility, power, mental fortitude, and flexibility gave Grace the basis to be a lifelong learner and pick up concepts quickly.”

Prior to her career in cyber security, Grace originally trained as a professional tennis player, before a brief role at a Data Systems business introduced her to the world of tech.

An advocate of diversity and transferable skills, Grace’s experience on the court means she is unfazed by public speaking, whether it be while training employees or when appearing at conferences and summits.

For fear of having imposter syndrome, Grace didn’t speak of her background as she was worried it would discount her credibility in technology and cyber security. It was her mentor who encouraged her to be open about her background as it highlights how coming from a non-traditional background works. By thinking more creatively, asking different questions, and generally thinking different from those coming from traditional tech backgrounds.

From Grace’s experience, a lot of women are not as motivated or courageous to come into a tech career because of the need to feel like they have to check every single box and have every certification.

Grace is now Chief Security Officer of a ￡250m Altnet business.