Our inaugural Q&A interview is with Jeree Spicer, a Cybersecurity Engineer, author, and owner of ReeTheCyberboss. She holds multiple degrees, including a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice and Childhood Development, a Master's in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Cybersecurity. We enjoyed the exchange with this millennial intellect!

Can you tell us about your journey into the field of cybersecurity? What inspired you to pursue a career in this industry?

My journey into cybersecurity is definitely unique and non-traditional. At age 5, I learned how to type, which was my first experience with technology, but I never thought I would have a career in this industry. Growing up, I always told my family I would be a lawyer, and once I got to college, that was still my goal. I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and Child Development, thinking I would become a family lawyer. Shortly after graduation, I enrolled in graduate school for a Master's degree in Social Work, believing I wanted to save the world. (Shoutout to the social workers because the field wasn’t for me, and I felt out of place!)

My aunt recommended I look into cybersecurity, and I had no idea what it was or if I could do it. I enrolled in a Master’s program in Cybersecurity in January 2018, had an internship by June, and was hired by August. By January 2019, I received another career opportunity, and by May 2019, I graduated from my program. I’ve been in this field for six years now and made the right decision. Growing up, I didn’t see anyone who looked like me in this field, let alone talk about it, and I want to be an inspiration for future generations.

As a millennial in the cybersecurity field, what do you think sets your generation apart in terms of approach or perspective towards cyber threats?

I feel like our generation is different from most. These are my own opinions and what I truly feel. We grew up during a pivotal time when the World Wide Web and social media were born. Because of this shift, I believe we are prepared for the cyber threats that come with technological advancements. There are many young professionals in this generation who are part of cybersecurity and want to make a change and educate others. We are constantly preparing the next generation on what to look for. We are coming up with new ways and innovative ideas to be proactive against cyber threats. Social media has made an impact, as most can use their platforms to educate about cyber threats. I’ve personally made funny content to help educate on threats so that I capture people’s attention and explain how to protect themselves.

Could you share a memorable experience or project from your cybersecurity career that taught you valuable lessons or insights?

I would honestly say attending conferences and making meaningful connections. I went to SecureWorld Detroit in 2018, attended a session, and was so impressed by the speaker that I had to stay behind and meet her. I waited at least 20-30 minutes for the speaker, and I’m glad I did because six years later, she is a mentor and a friend. She has had a significant impact on my career and has guided me through many career and life decisions. I owe a lot of my career to her and will forever be grateful for her guidance.

What advice would you give to others aspiring to pursue a career in cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity has room for everyone, both technical and non-technical. It isn’t going anywhere, and there is no rush. RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH! Ignore social media and stay on your own path. This is a very lucrative field, but you need to put in the work to reap the benefits. Be patient!

What suggestions do you have for making cybersecurity and IT education more accessible and engaging for the general public?

I’m all about transparency and being realistic. You need to meet individuals halfway so that they are not immediately intimidated and feel discouraged. Make it fun and relatable. Offer scholarships to reduce the financial burden on someone interested in transitioning into the industry. Take some of the famous social media trends and relate them to cybersecurity and IT education to capture people’s attention. I’ve learned that people are more likely to feel comfortable learning this information when they are empowered and met halfway.

What do you think the intersection of cybersecurity and pop culture looks like?

When I think of this, I would love to see more celebrities hire cybersecurity professionals. There’s always a lot of focus on other industries, but everyone needs a cybersecurity professional. I would love to see more commercials, marketing campaigns, etc., on cybersecurity. We have an opportunity to bridge the gap between culture and cybersecurity, and we need to take it. That is something ReeTheCyberBoss™️ is truly passionate about.