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What am I?

Dave

Apologies for the 'click-bait' title - but I'd actually really value your thoughts.

So, here am I - I don't work in a specific HR or L&D role at present. Day-to-day, I'm actually what's currently branded as a 'senior cybersecurity consultant'. I have a fair amount of technical knowledge, though my roles for the last 10-15 odd years have either been in management, leadership (including representing sectors on national governmental projects) and - yes, consultancy. I spend a large part of my time translating techno-babble into potential management strategies & action, and assisting PMs and leaders in working with technical folk.

However, what 'floats my boat' isn't necessarily the core of my work - it's those times when I can work with people at all levels, from apprentices to executives to bring about that 'lightbulb' moment. Whether it's through running interactive workshops to enable the participants to discover and uncover new learning, through introducing 'action sets', or through mentoring people through their careers and helping them to think afresh (whether that's 'cyber' or not!).. that's what I truly love. I've enjoyed building training courses (online and in person), and training videos also (I may have a face for radio, but I don't mind a camera - though these days animation saves most people from my mugshot!)

Translating this into a 'job role', however, doesn't come easily to me. I don't think it's a trainer (certainly not in the 'deliver course X' way), nor is it a coach, perhaps. 

So, let me flip my initial question into the future - "I want to be a ..."?

Can anyone help fill the blank, or guide me in the right direction? I want to do more of this and build on my L5 CIPD L&D - but I'm not sure what that realistically might look like.

Best,

Dave
(L5 CIPD L&D)

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  • Hi Dave,

    I think we have three questions here ..

    (1) What are you?

    (2) What do you specialise in?

    (3) What is your passion?

    Let's look at each in turn ..

    (1) What are you? This needs to be clearly defined, because if you don't know what you are, then others won't either. Going from the information provided, how about "Cyber Security Consultant, specializing in People/HR Management Strategies & Initiatives", or something along those lines.

    (2) You've mentioned areas where you specialise and can add value - don't be too quick to dismiss your 10-15 years of technical experience. You can also evidence all your success stories and where you have positively contributed to an organisation, supporting your brilliance in this field. This adds weight and credibility to your profile.

    Think about how you add value, make a positive impact and have positively contributed in the workplace - where you have made a difference. (What you do that others don't)

    (3) What' 'floats your boat' doesn't necessarily define 'what you are' but more 'what you would like to do' .. so again, having clarity around what you want to do, enables you to target your next move towards something that gives you greater satisfaction.

    Perhaps, to find a little focus or clarity, is to go on LinkedIn may be, and do some research. Find professionals with similar profiles (job titles, qualifications, career trajectory)? Maybe research similar vacancies with keywords, and see how they are described ..

    This is a big topic, but hope the summary above helps :-)

    Let us know how you get on!
    Ginnie
Reply
  • Hi Dave,

    I think we have three questions here ..

    (1) What are you?

    (2) What do you specialise in?

    (3) What is your passion?

    Let's look at each in turn ..

    (1) What are you? This needs to be clearly defined, because if you don't know what you are, then others won't either. Going from the information provided, how about "Cyber Security Consultant, specializing in People/HR Management Strategies & Initiatives", or something along those lines.

    (2) You've mentioned areas where you specialise and can add value - don't be too quick to dismiss your 10-15 years of technical experience. You can also evidence all your success stories and where you have positively contributed to an organisation, supporting your brilliance in this field. This adds weight and credibility to your profile.

    Think about how you add value, make a positive impact and have positively contributed in the workplace - where you have made a difference. (What you do that others don't)

    (3) What' 'floats your boat' doesn't necessarily define 'what you are' but more 'what you would like to do' .. so again, having clarity around what you want to do, enables you to target your next move towards something that gives you greater satisfaction.

    Perhaps, to find a little focus or clarity, is to go on LinkedIn may be, and do some research. Find professionals with similar profiles (job titles, qualifications, career trajectory)? Maybe research similar vacancies with keywords, and see how they are described ..

    This is a big topic, but hope the summary above helps :-)

    Let us know how you get on!
    Ginnie
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