Cybersecurity Career Mentoring Programme

Calling all cybersecurity superheros!

Join the Cybersecurity Mentorship Programme 2024 Cohort for a unique opportunity to gain mentorship, collaboration, and hands-on experience, guided by seasoned professionals in the industry.

Learn | Connect | Grow

What to look forward to:

Participate in a 5-month mentorship program tailored for graduates, undergraduates, and cybersecurity enthusiasts, regardless of your geographical location. Our mentors, who are experienced professionals in the field, will guide you in planning your future and setting professional goals. No specific experience or background is required- this is your chance to join our inclusive culture dedicated to nurturing cybersecurity talent in the fight against cybercrime. Find out here if you are eligible for our Mentoring Scholarship Programme.

Evaluate your career experience and align it with the program that fits your personal career goals.

Pass your exams and obtain official, recognized security certifications—a testament to your dedication and expertise.

Aug - Sept

Discovery

Oct - Dec

Learn and Grow

Jan - Feb

Get Certified

Mar 2025

Connect

Immerse yourself in hands-on and practical cybersecurity experiences, earning industry-recognized certifications that propel your career forward.

Receive guidance in connecting with the right role and employer to advance your career.

Assess the depths of your career experience, aligning it with the program that perfectly fits your personal career goals.

Step 1

Discovery

Step 2

Learn and Grow

Immerse yourself in hands-on and practical cybersecurity experiences, and earn industry-recognised certifications that propel your career forward.

Conquer your exams and walk away with official, recognised security certifications – a testament of your dedication to your career.

Step 3

Get Certified

Step 4

Connect

Let us guide you in connecting with the right role and the perfect employer to help advance your career.

Programme FAQ

Do not fill here - Use the Accordion below

Is the programme in-person or fully online?

The programme is fully online. This allows participants worldwide to join the sessions, interact with mentors and peers, and complete all activities remotely.

What nationalities can participate

The programme is open to individuals of any nationality. Our goal is to bring together mentees who are passionate about cybersecurity, irrespective of their location.

Will Lateral Connect help me find employment after the programme?

Yes, whilst we do not guarantee employment, we have a network of industry contacts within the cybersecurity field that we can leverage to assist our Mentees in finding the right role for them, as well as a Job Board on our website (coming soon) where organisations can advertise available positions.

Do not fill here - Use the Accordion below

If I don’t have any cybersecurity experience, can I still join and gain a recognised cybersecurity certification?

Absolutely! All our cohort programmes are open to cybersecurity graduates or undergraduate students, as well as those looking to kick-start or advance their career in cyber. You’ll enjoy recognised security accreditation inclusive of exams, hands-on technical and non-technical cybersecurity training, activities, and even resume review sessions. Keep in mind that because it’s a training course, there are applicable fees – but trust us, the investment is well worth it!

What is the time commitment required? Can I participate alongside my employment?

Yes, you can participate alongside your employment, the time commitment needed is around 3 hours per week.

What's the timeline and key milestones for the 5-month duration?

Timeline & Key Milestones:

5th August to 2nd September 2024: Selection, orientation and foundational training
October to December 2024: Training, mentoring and exam certification preparation
January 2025 to February 2025: Certification exams, graduation, Mentee & Mentor of The Year Awards.

What certifications can I gain through this programme?

Participants in the programme will prepare for and have the opportunity to obtain ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) and CompTIA Security+ certifications, which are recognised globally and can significantly enhance a cybersecurity professional’s credentials and value in the job market.

What other skills will I gain in this programme?

Apart from the official certifications and technical skills, we also aim to equip participants with a range of soft skills that are essential for success in a professional environment, such as communication, interview skills, and personal branding, etc. Skills like these create a well-rounded professional and can give you the edge in recruitment processes for competitive roles, as well as help you to navigate advancements in your career effectively.

What languages is the programme available in?

At the moment the programme is only available in English.

How does the group Mentorship Structure work, and why is it effective?

In this programme, we employ a group mentorship approach where mentees work together in small groups up to 5 mentees under the guidance of a mentor. This structure fosters collaborative learning and accountability, as participants share strategies, learn from one another, and tackle challenges collectively. Peer teaching and problem-solving in a supportive environment helps mentees stay on track with their goals while benefiting from personalised guidance. This approach allows mentors to effectively support more mentees while maintaining high-quality engagement through interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and practical applications.

Are mentors required to have specific cybersecurity skills or experiences?

Selection Criteria:
– Professional Credentials: Must hold at least one recognised certification in cybersecurity (e.g., CISSP, CISM, ISO27001, CompTIA Security+).
– Experience: A minimum of five years in the cybersecurity industry with a solid track record of professional achievements and contributions.
– Volunteerism: A history of mentoring, teaching, or volunteer work, indicating a genuine interest in giving back to the community.
– Communication Skills: Good verbal and written communication skills, crucial for mentoring and teaching.
– Interview: An interview to understand their motivation for joining the program as pro bono mentors and their approach to mentorship.

Will mentors receive training, and are monthly meetings focused on a specific agenda?

You bet! Mentors receive a toolkit of resources and discussion points to facilitate smooth cohort guidance. Plus, monthly meetings come prepared with agendas, ensuring mentors can focus on providing cybersecurity career development support without a hitch. Register now for more info!

What happens after completing the programme?

Upon successful completion of the programme, participants receive their certifications and are recognised in a closing ceremony. Graduates become part of our alumni network, which provides ongoing access to resources and networking opportunities. Additionally, the programme aims to support graduates in finding employment within the cybersecurity field through our network of industry contacts.

Not a member yet? Join today!

Hear about what the Programme Has to Offer!

Mentee Benefits

Networking & Industry Guidance
Career Coaching
Earn CPD Points Upon Completion of the Programme
Become an Effective New School Governor
Win The Mentee of the Year Award

Discover more here

Mentee Sign Up

Mentor Benefits

Expand your Network
Professional Growth
Earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Points
Cyber Governors Training
Win The Mentor of the Year Award

Discover more here

Mentor Sign Up

The guidance and support I received from the program, not only boosted my confidence in my skills but also provided invaluable workplace insights that were crucial in my job search. The mentorship helped me navigate challenges and equipped me with the knowledge I needed to secure my first job as a Network Operations Center Engineer. From helping me polish my CV to assisting me with possible interview questions. I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and for the encouragement that made all the difference in my career journey.

Namatende ZainabMentee

This mentorship was incredibly valuable, providing insights into real-world cybersecurity through hands-on labs and practical exercises. The guidance I received helped me understand how theoretical concepts apply to actual scenarios, making complex topics more accessible. I’ve gained confidence in my skills and a clearer view of what to expect in the industry

Abdulhaleem LukmonMentee

The Lateral Connect program has been a valuable part of my journey in cybersecurity and beyond. The program made me realize my strengths which I can use to my advantage. I also became aware of my weaknesses which I was able to work and improve on with their guidance. More importantly, the program equipped me with various practical skills that I can surely use as I progress in my journey and become a well-rounded cybersecurity professional.

Jeremy RossMentee

This program has been instrumental in my cybersecurity journey! The sessions with Lateral Connect have been incredibly enriching, helping me gain valuable knowledge and insights. I've had the privilege of being mentored by amazing professionals who patiently guided me through my questions and challenges. Thanks to their support and the insightful workshops, I successfully passed my ISC2 CC exam! The structured curriculum and hands-on exercises provided a deep understanding of key cybersecurity concepts, which were crucial for my exam preparation. The community of learners and experts fostered a collaborative learning environment, where sharing knowledge and experiences enhanced my overall learning. It's been an exciting and rewarding experience, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to grow and learn in this field. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to advance their career in cybersecurity!

Summetha ParimalamMentee

After 5 months of the programme, I can gladly and surely say that joining Lateral Connect's training programme is an excellent decision.

During this period, I attended various workshops and sharing sessions by industry professionals with topics ranging from ISO standards, auditing, to risks.

This allowed me to not only gain insights from experienced individuals, but also industry best practices and firsthand knowledge of current challenges and trends in information security.

Besides, we were also required to craft and maintain our own information security policies, remediation plans, and management action log so that we can get a taste of being an actual information security analyst. Overall, Lateral Connect has equipped me with not just knowledge, but the practical skills and industry insights that will position me well for immediate success in the field of cyber security.

Lik Ken Chen Mentee

As a fresh graduate looking to kick-start my career in cybersecurity, the Lateral Connect ambassador mentoring program has brought valuable insights and guidance which provided me with a clear understanding of the industry and what paths or certifications to pursue.

My mentor was expert in the field and has wholesomely supported and answered any questions I had along the program. What I liked about the security trainings is its reflection of real world examples.

The Lateral Connect website is a game-changer as it provides an all-in-one platform for the cybersecurity community.

Osama Ramzy ElmasryMentee

My cybersecurity mentorship with Lateral Connect has proven invaluable to me. I gained insights into current practices, emerging trends, and future expectations in the field.

The programme even offered opportunities to pursue relevant certifications, further solidifying my cybersecurity foundation.

Hafiz ShaharudinMentee

My experience as a mentor with Lateral Connect was incredibly rewarding. Working with passionate and eager mentees was a beautiful experience. It marked my first global contribution to the cybersecurity industry, empowering the future generation of professionals within it.

Michael TchuindjangMentor

When I found out about Lateral Connect and what they can offer me and others, I had no hesitation in coming onboard.

Since I have been with Lateral Connect, I have realized this is the way forward in my learning and my career. This is a big game changer for me, and I am on the right path to get my first role in Cyber Security.

My career Mentor has and gives me good advice and is very supportive. The Lateral Connect's new website has been well designed and is very easy to use. Lateral Connect also gives prominence in the world of cybersecurity and other sectors within it. This is great news for Lateral Connect. I look forward to using the website for future reference.

Michael DrainMentee

For more information get in touch

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