Cybersecurity, Information Security, Ethical Hacking Careers Panel: What the Experts Want You to Know

By Tanyel G. Kazim, Employer Engagement Consultant, University of London Careers Service

On Thursday 8th May 2025, the University of London Careers Service hosted a panel discussion exploring careers in cybersecurity, information security, and ethical hacking. The discussion proved timely, with global demand for cyber talent outpacing the current supply of trained professionals. 

The session was led by Liz Wilkinson SFHEA, Senior Careers Consultant, and brought together an expert line-up of speakers to share their personal journeys, industry insights, and their take on the evolution of this sector. 

Here are five key takeaways from the discussion

1️⃣ The Privacy Ampersand: Where Cybersecurity Meets Everything Else 

“If I were restarting my career, I’d focus on the intersection of privacy, cybersecurity, AI and digital law - that’s where the future is.” – Panellist 

Our panellists set the scene for the future of cybersecurity and privacy as the ‘ampersand profession’, where the true value lies in the intersections, whether that is privacy and national security, or AI governance, and data protection. 

This matters because digital law, data, AI, and privacy are increasingly interdisciplinary fields, and the future will belong to professionals who can bridge these disciplines and navigate their complexity. 

2️⃣ You Don’t Need a Tech Background to Work in Cybersecurity 

“It doesn’t matter what you’re studying - there’s probably a role for you in cybersecurity.” – Panellist 

Employers are hungry for professionals who can blend technical, business and human skills. Our panel agreed that cybersecurity is far from a purely technical domain and that the sector has a great need for lawyers, governance specialists, educators and policy experts, as much as it needs technical know-how and ethical hackers. 

Employers are looking for diverse skill sets and non-technical routes such as Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) and training are key growth areas. 

✅Pro Tip: Analyse job descriptions and apply for roles in cybersecurity on our Vacancies Board (Access to UoL students and recent graduates).

3️⃣ A Lifelong Approach to Learning Will Keep You Employable 

“In my experience, nobody will ask for your grades or GPA. Rather, employers will ask ‘do you have this skill?’” - Panellist 

Employers are focused on what you can do, not what you’ve studied. While certifications are certainly helpful, our panel emphasised that skills, not grades or qualifications, open doors in this industry. AI literacy and cross-disciplinary collaboration are becoming non-negotiable skills for future cybersecurity professionals.  

Our Career Starters were advised to focus on building practical skills and gain hands-on experience through projects and by embracing lifelong learning.  

✅Pro Tip: Complete our Global Employability Skills Micro-Module to reflect on, develop, and learn how to showcase these skills effectively to employers in this field (University of London students)

4️⃣ AI is Reshaping Cybersecurity - but Humans Are Still Needed 

“AI is making our jobs easier - but it’s not replacing us. You still need humans to run the query.” - Panellist 

An ethical hacking expert shared their experience of using AI to streamline aspects of penetration testing. While tools like ChatGPT help to accelerate routine tasks, AI was emphasised as an enabler, not a replacement with critical thinking, problem-solving and creativity remaining essential human skills. 

As automation becomes more prevalent in cybersecurity, our attendees were reminded that technology still relies on skilled professionals to ask the right questions, interpret findings and make strategic decisions. 

✅Pro Tip: Attend our Future of Work: Working with AI to Build on Our Human Strengths session (11 July 2025, 10am & 3pm UK time) to learn how to leverage AI to emphasise your strengths, weaknesses and learned behaviours to futureproof your career.

5️⃣Passion is a Subset of Awareness 

“Your passion is a subset of your awareness. If you don’t know cybersecurity exists, you’ll never choose it.” - Panellist 

Speaking to all career stages - particularly those just starting out or changing direction - our panel highlighted the importance of exposing people to diverse career pathways, especially young people and those from underrepresented backgrounds.  

As the cyber landscape continues its rapid evolution, the panel foresaw the important role of educators and industry leaders working in collaboration to broaden awareness and challenge outdated stereotypes about who belongs in cybersecurity. 

💻 Want to unlock all insights from the session?

Watch its recording now (UoL students; alumni access via Careers Connect)

⭐Thank You, Panellists: 

Joe Jones – Director of Research & Insights at IAPP

Kevin Streater – Chief Operating Officer at Chartered Institute of Information Security  

Obaidullah . – Co-Founder & Director of Nano-Cyber & TechEva 

Roopali Mehra – Director & Member of the Governing Council at the Global Cybersecurity Association (GCA)