My name is Shorefunmi Bola-Saliu, and I’m a lawyer turned cybersecurity professional. In the course of my law practice, I ventured into the domain of Data Privacy and Protection, assuming the role of a legal data retention consultant. I loved the idea of laws being in place and subjects having rights to if and how their data is being used, so I dove deeper, wanting to be a full part of security in cyberspace while leveraging my legal skills. This wasn’t a hard decision, as I was already bored with the usual litigation practice. I saw a post on a friend’s status about a tech fellowship, and I went on Google for further research. During the research, I found the Cybergirls Fellowship, and I knew immediately that I wanted to be a part of it. I knew I wanted a structured learning environment to learn in and a place with a track record, both of which Cybergirls aptly offered.
My biggest challenge was time management. At the time, I was working a full-time job and also running a business. However, as the saying goes, “Where there is a will, there is a way.” I did most of my readings, assignments, and class catchups in the middle of the night. This wasn’t too difficult because, as a night owl, I took advantage of my peak hours. Despite the demanding schedule, aligning my tasks with my chronotype made the process bearable.
Cybergirls really did “take me by the hand” in preparation for my first job. From mock interviews to guidance on what to prepare with, encouragement, and even reimbursing our (myself and the other cybergirls who sat for the exams and interview) tee-fares to the interview venue both times when they didn’t have to. This, for me, goes to show a heart of selfless service and commitment to our success.
A valuable piece of knowledge that I’ll say has been imprinted on me by cybergirls is to be audacious. I mean, what’s the worst that could happen? But, in the true sense of reality, only the bold can achieve the most. If you go through cybergirls and you don’t come out more confident, then the issue is you. Life after cybergirls has been a smooth projection. Today I work as a Cybersecurity and Risk Analyst (Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestitures) for a global Fortune 500 company. My encouragement to other ladies is to “Dream big and go big.”
