Navigating Cybersecurity Careers: Insights from Alfredo Hickman's Phenomenal Journey

In this episode of the Cybersecurity Recruiter podcast, Thomas sits down with Alfredo Hickman, a seasoned cybersecurity professional with a rich background in both the military and commercial sectors.

Alfredo shares his career journey, including his time in the United States Marine Corps, transitions to key roles at Vista International Operations, Rackspace, and currently at Ossian Security. The discussion highlights key topics such as the significance of community in cybersecurity, the impact of AI at the Black Hat conference, and advice for transitioning military personnel into the commercial world.

Alfredo also delves into career progression strategies, the importance of genuine human connections, and the value of resilience and perseverance. The conversation is filled with valuable insights for both job seekers and employers in the cybersecurity industry.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:00 Alfredo Hickman's Career Journey

04:05 Black Hat Conference Insights

14:23 Transitioning from Military to Commercial World

18:05 Job Search Tips from an Employer's Perspective

23:20 Spotting Resume Red Flags

23:47 Balancing Job Search and Lifestyle

25:01 The Importance of Networking

25:37 Climbing the Career Ladder

26:08 Resilience and Grit: Personal Stories

27:53 Inspirational Quotes and Their Impact

35:39 Building Relationships for Career Growth

42:26 Recommended Reads for Personal Growth

44:17 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Films/quotes that Alfredo mentions and are well worth checking out:

Theodore Roosevelt, The Man in the Arena

Rocky Balboa film

Mother Theresa of Calcutta

Rudyard Kipling - If

Books that Alfredo recommends:  

The Hard Thing about Hard Things by Ben Horowitz  

Jocko Willink. Extreme Ownership

General Stanley McChrystal, Team of Teams