Karin Hanselaer can look back on a long career in the banking sector. As her children grew up, she took Italian lessons, learnt to make jewellery, and always kept herself busy with something creative. “I got a lot of satisfaction from those hobbies, from my family, and from my job, but professionally I no longer felt challenged. Until Patrick Wheeler suggested I take a course in cyber security.”
Patrick Wheeler founded CyberWayFinder together with Rosanna Kurrer in 2017, with the aim of employing more women in the cyber security world. “Initially, I was very hesitant. I was over the age of 50 and knew nothing about cyber security,” Karin says. After consulting her family, she began CyberWayFinder's pilot year, together with 23 other women.
During the three-year course, the students attended six hours of classes a week, over two teaching days. “During the ‘bootcamp’ (the course kick-off), I learnt about cryptography for the first time. Clarence Pinto explained how the Nazis' Enigma machine worked. I have a degree in mathematics, so I was immediately sold. I knew then that cryptography would become my speciality.”
All-in-one package
Each year, CyberWayFinder students take one exam, covering SSCP, CCSK and CISSP in turn. “We not only acquired theoretical knowledge about cyber security, we also brushed up our soft skills,” Karin Hanselaer says. During the programme, a mentor follows up the student’s career. Karin, for instance, was supported by Philippe Fransolet, cryptography architect at BNP Paribas Fortis. He helped her get a position in the Key & Certificate management team in October 2018. “I had the theoretical knowledge, but no practical experience. Thanks to my history at the bank, though, I was productive within three months. In fact, I obtained my last certifications while I was already in my new position.”
Without a nudge in the right direction, Karin would never have started down this track. “I didn't know it existed. Now, fortunately, there is more communication around CyberWayFinder. I would really recommend it. It takes a lot of energy to step out of your comfort zone and start something you know nothing about, but it is immensely enriching,” Karin testifies. “My family is proud that I graduated, and so am I!"
Safety net
Everyone in the industry is helping to promote the initiative. The result is an incredibly large network and safety net. “CyberWayFinder organises events that I still try to attend as much as possible. I reconnect with both lecturers and former colleagues who studied with me. I am very grateful to Patrick and Rosanna for the opportunities they have given me,” Karin concludes. “Partly because of her role in this programme, Rosanna has become Cyber Security Personality of the Year 2021. This recognition is well deserved, in my opinion!”
Meanwhile, the programme has been adapted into six-month modules, and has been expanded to include male students. You can find more info at www.cyberwayfinder.com.