CyberVoices

CyberPaths is a new initiative designed to support aspiring and established cybersecurity professionals as they navigate their careers. Initially launched in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), it addresses the lack of local support for job seekers, ranging from new immigrants to Canadians relocating within the country.

What is CyberPaths?

CyberPaths offers a structured career roadmap that focuses on six key areas to support individuals at every stage of their professional journey. The first area, Settlement - Arrival & Integration, helps new arrivals navigate local processes, understand the job market, and settle into the community. The Find a Job segment provides guidance on accessing job portals and assistance with applications, resume building, and interview preparation. To help build professional relationships and support systems, Grow Your Tribe facilitates connections through networking events and communities. The Learn - Grow & Adapt area encourages ongoing education through programs, courses, and certifications, ensuring participants stay current in the rapidly evolving cyber landscape. Additionally, Stay on Top - Government & Legislation keeps professionals informed about relevant policies, cybersecurity regulations, and compliance requirements. Finally, the Volunteer component offers opportunities to gain valuable experience and expand networks through community initiatives, building a foundation for career growth and collaboration.

The program was developed to address gaps in local services and create a streamlined path for professionals to grow their careers and integrate into tech communities. CyberPaths emerged from the findings of CyberTowns 2024, where feedback highlighted the lack of effective career pathways for technology workers in major Canadian cities.

Empowering the Cybersecurity Community

“CyberPaths GTA represents a pivotal moment in Canada’s cybersecurity landscape,” says Shazeen Ahmed, co-project lead. “Our initiative empowers professionals, bridges resource gaps, and supports development, creating a more resilient national ecosystem.”

Gathering Feedback and Expanding

As a pilot project, CyberPaths is actively seeking feedback to refine and improve its offerings before expanding to other regions across Canada. This feedback will ensure the initiative meets the unique needs of its users and adapts to regional differences.

Why It Matters

By focusing on these six key areas, CyberPaths aims to provide clear career paths and robust resources, making it easier for individuals to thrive in the cybersecurity field. This approach fosters talent development, local network growth, and increased collaboration, all of which are critical to the future of Canada’s cybersecurity landscape.

“The cyber industry is rapidly evolving and fragmented,” adds Stefan Lesaru, co-project lead. “CyberPaths offers a platform for newcomers, career changers, and professionals to connect, collaborate, and stay updated on industry trends.”

Next Steps

The program hopes to establish long-term local support to keep resources up to date. Explore more about CyberPaths at our Github wiki site.