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What am I?

Dave

| 0 Posts

4 Jan, 2022 14:04

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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  • Steve Bridger

    | 0 Posts

    Community Manager

    4 Jan, 2022 14:12

    Hi Dave... I like how you've framed your 'ask'... and a hearty welcome to this Community as we head into our 19th year!

    I'm sure you'll get some advice from community members shortly...
  • Anthony Constantinou

    | 0 Posts

    4 Jan, 2022 15:23

    In reply to Steve Bridger:

    This community is best. Welcome Dave, I am also part of it.
  • Emily

    | 0 Posts

    5 Jan, 2022 13:51

    Hello and welcome Dave
    What you're describing sounds a lot like an organisational development facilitator/ practitioner to me
    I hope this helps
    Emily
  • Johanna

    | 0 Posts

    CIPD Staff

    5 Jan, 2022 14:07

    Hi Dave, you sound like one of those people that can turn their hand to anything! I like Emily's description which would seem to cover a lot of angles. The cyber security specialism will no doubt come in handy where there is a need for expertise in that by orgs you work with. You sound like someone who can take complicated concepts and break them into chunks, making them simpler to understand and action for everyone - as evidenced by your framing of the question! That's all I've got for day two of #BacktoWork   Happy New Year and welcome to the Community!

  • Dave

    | 0 Posts

    5 Jan, 2022 20:51

    In reply to Emily:

    Thanks, Emily. It's so good to give these things a name!
  • Dave

    | 0 Posts

    5 Jan, 2022 20:52

    In reply to Johanna:

    Thanks for those thoughts, Johanna - trying to work out what my "transferable skills" are, so this is great help!
  • Gail

    | 0 Posts

    9 Jan, 2022 09:02

    May I jump on the band wagon, what am I? Head of HR, Health & Safety Manager, PA to MD and Head of Business. Thank you.
  • Ginnie

    | 0 Posts

    10 Jan, 2022 12:41

    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
  • Dave

    | 0 Posts

    10 Jan, 2022 17:13

    In reply to Ginnie:

    Thank you, Ginnie. Big topic - feels big - but needs addressing 'big time', so thanks!
  • Sharon

    | 0 Posts

    15 Jan, 2022 17:12

    Love Ginnie's take on answering this and reflecting it back. It's a cracking summary of what you could get if you spoke to a career coach yourself.

    I could see perhaps something in the Agile coach space or perhaps a Business Analyst would be a role to consider. I think your technical & people management skills could stand you in great stead to explore many roles. I think a competency based CV could help you to outline the areas of experience and interest and so folks looking for your skills don't pidgeon hole you because of your job titles. Good luck.