Making $300/hr as a Cybersecurity GRC SME ft. Miranda Stanfield, CISA |

[@Nolepower]

At the age of 49, I'm in my second semester for Cybersecurity (two year program Associates degree). This interview has soo many nuggets and it helped clear up some information I needed..

[@jmooreel9483]

Same age first semester in cybersecurity, It's good to see I'm not alone 😅. Best wishes to you!!!

[@Nolepower]

@jmooreel9483 appreciate it. Now let's show these young folk how NOT to give up on life.

[@travisstreetz]

I’m just hitting my 40s and thinking about a career change. Seeing your post just inspired me.

[@Nolepower]

@travisstreetz the only thing that's in the way is yourself. You will need to cut out some distractions and grind hard. You will reinvent yourself along the way.

[@dr.peppermintpatty4925]

I’m 49 and I have 8 more classes to graduate.. I am going to get m masters in cybersecurity

[@Alese011]

Right on time! I work as a digital banking specialist and I’m in school for IT Cybersecurity. So ready to graduate with my bachelor’s degree.

[@lydellbaynard6432]

Great interview. The great thing about CISA, GRC, Data Privacy, PCI-DSS roles is they're not super technical like an engineer. So for someone who is a beginner, not looking for that "techy" role, it's a perfect pivot into cybersecurity. These roles are about having the authority mindset of making sure companies are compliant and assisting if there are red flags showing non-compliance.

[@Ksmoovey]

I hear IAM is also not too technical , sounds almost like an admin role on user permissions but looking at the job descriptions, it does seem fairly technical. Would you say GRC and the other fields you mentioned on compliance are easier to grasp? Also, how would you recommend entering the field? I have a Customer Success Manager background at an IoT company, so I do have project management skills. What certificates and roles should I be looking for that a hiring manager would see the benefit of my technical/client-facing background ?

[@emmanuelb.2151]

IAM is def technical if you want to make more money and get into Engineer roles

[@FloridaInvestor]

How do I get started it?

[@qutaibabs1]

I've been working in this field for 12 years and its super boring.

[@brownoppong834]

​@qutaibabs1 I agree with you in that, it is the same thing over and over again, and your success depends on others doing their job and being cooperative. If you're not a people person or if you don't have good tempers, GRC is not for you because people sometimes pushback on what's their responsibility, especially when you request for evidence of control implementation which they don't have when they had earlier told you the control is in place.

[@ceashamoorer4292]

Every time I think I know what I want to do in Cybersecurity I’m exposed to an even broader horizon!

[@Iamchristaelaine]

Right😊. Stay focused

[@SheShakurChannel]

I'm really impressed by the success of black women in any and every field they choose to pursue. A big shout out to Ms. Miranda for her achievements! 🌹And big shout out to you too, Beez, for highlighting us.🌹

[@realKaymoney]

On the journey to pivot from retail(inventory specialist) to auditing with goal of being in the GRC space. This video is inspiring!

[@julieuzii6350]

This is right up my alley. I just accepted an internship with Northrop Grumman. Glad to hear Miranda's story!

[@pnwadii]

Congratulations! How did you manage to get a internship with NG? I’ve been interested in getting one with them as well.

[@julieuzii6350]

@@pnwadii Thank you! I am a current student with WGU in their cybersecurity degree path. I utilized all free resources available before enrolling at WGU and did all my per-requisites through Sophia in one month (trying to save as much money as possible) then transferred in those credits to WGU. I then accelerated my degree plan, which NG liked, and joined the clubs that were available through WGU like cybersecurity club and CCDC. My hiring manager said they really like the Security+ certificate since it can show that you are DoD compliant. DoD cyber exchange is a great resource too. Learning how to use/ implement SCAP and STIG's also was a plus for them. I would just suggest doing any extracurricular you can fit into your schedule so you can make your resume look nice and stand out from the other applicants. I re-did my resume to make sure it would pass the ATS software. I prepared for the interview like it was an exam and spoke about their core values and how it aligns with mine and what I want to do in tech. I hope this helps and good luck!! :)

@@pnwadiiit’s funny how they brag, but will never share 😂

[@Michael__Coleman]

Wow $300/hr. Definitely a Blessing

[@roseanneford130]

Miranda is a fantastic interview. Her point and purpose is beautiful and inspiring. Thank you for having her on.

[@malikramon]

Let me get my notebook and pen! Keep it coming Beez 💪🏾

[@symonebeez]

Definitely take some notes. Miranda is dropping gems!

[@melanin_mami2008]

This was a great conversation. Definitely felt the diversity struggle in Govtech. Literally been to so many conferences and meetings where I am the only black women in the room and you have to work twice as hard to be taken serious.

[@kevinkasp]

I’m a total outsider to the cyber security industry but because one of my sons is a cyber security engineer at Amazon and a second son is about a month away from a b.s. degree in cyber security, I started watching cyber security videos on KZbin a few months ago. I’ve noticed 90+% of GRC KZbinrs are black. Since I’m outside the industry I have no idea if that means the majority of GRC professionals are black or if it’s just that they become KZbinrs. But I find it fascinating.

[@batman-sr2px]

How many times a week do you have meetings and conferences

[@DG-no1oo]

Been waiting on this ! Bought beez blue print . I’m going to get into GRC gov tech

[@kkswagg4833]

She said my favorite key words "Job hop"

[@krichard87]

She getting a PHD in cybersecurity! Sheesh 💪🏾

[@fav9231]

Phenomenal episode! Just spent a plane ride watching this episode! Miranda you’re so knowledgeable, mind blowing and Beez you’ve done it again! This is one for the books! 🎉

[@gaylanwright2317]

The GovTech 5min interviews are clutch!!!!

[@Chrissyroc]

I’m so inspired by Miranda 🎉. You go girl ♥️

[@levelupgoddess9289]

This is one of the best sit down videos u have done. I really enjoyed your host Miranda. I’m also interested in GRC as well as Penetration testing. I have officially started studying for my Security+ so hopefully I’ll be able to do it my March or around that time. 🤞 🤞 I’m also heading into my third year of college. I’m stressed 😂. PS I’m happy to finally hear of someone with a Masters in Cybersecurity because that’s my aim after my Bachelor’s but it seems like many ppl don’t get a Masters in Cybersecurity. So I love that. I didn’t even know that had a cybersecurity PHD. Nice

[@asemibase3697]

Many ppl don’t get a masters because it makes no difference in pay

[@yoahkjett10]

Just went to her IT'S this lady is giving life and killing 'em at the same time. My daughter told me she wants to go to law school I suggested that for undergrad, she should study IT security, GRC. this interview was right on time for her to get a real-world example of a path forward.

[@yoahkjett10]

* IG'S (not IT'S)

[@yoahkjett10]

Another great one Simone !

[@karlawalker9501]

Symone', I truly enjoy your informative and helpful content. You have amazing guests, and you ask them excellent questions. Thank you for the time, effort, and quality you put into your channel!! I live in Michigan, and I would love to know when Miranda will conduct the next MBS Youth Program at WCCCD, and can adults take the class too?😁

[@elleavies1271]

Happy I found your channel I’m so unhappy in Nursing right now and after 22 years I’m so over it.

[@CharC404]

I always tell people to do what they love. If you love tech now go ahead and transition. It ain’t always about the money but where you are happy. Also, look into nursing informatics.

[@winstonkim2846]

starting new role as an ISSO next week and this interview was amazing! learned alot from this conversation

[@edwardv4546]

Very inspirational. She seems very on point and focused.

[@azukaabrahamnduka5242]

Inspiring transition from international relations into technology is commendable

[@e.the.creative]

I’ve been working from home since 2017 so it is easy to get comfortable but I know for a fact not being able to see management face to face, puts you at a disadvantage. They can like the online you all day but they don’t know you like that enough to go to bat when trying to level up in the role or elsewhere in the same company. So don’t sleep on the in office or hybrid roles. Get it in where you can fit in and maneuver from there 44:27

[@AlyeaAnnn]

Yes! This is the field I’ve been waiting on. 📝

[@symonebeez]

This is the one!

[@jw4609]

Me too!❤

[@OmaiReed]

Love it . I will be in GRC in the new year.

[@acestarone]

this is one of my favorite interviews. it was such an inspiration

[@jmooreel9483]

Great interview Beez keep up the9 good work . Im 49 and im crossing over to cyber from trucking im in my first semester in university and your really keeping me motivated!!!

[@symonebeez]

Dope good luck on your career transition! Thanks for watching! Sub so you don't miss any future episodes.

[@blackant51]

Miranda you are amazing and a role model for our community.

[@Triniece100]

My favorite episode thus far

[@kimberlycanfixit]

Loved this!! Thanks for sharing, really enjoying your videos, Beez!

[@4thekulture616]

Great interview. It would be great if you started to put the interviewee social handles in the description

[@blackdonte24]

First of all, sis got lucky. She stumbled into the opportunity. You had a good role prior to cyber and your boss looked out for the cookout. That’s cool! But you didn’t make your entry from the ground up. So when you say there’s all these open roles but a Security+ isn’t enough because of the competiton and we need to do more, I gotta look at you with a side eye. Sis, you didn’t have to do more, your boss made phone calls on your behalf. Don’t tell us you’ll take the person with the Security+ and CYSA when you had neither to start. One minute she’s encouraging and the next she’s condescending like she did it from the muscle. That’s not what most of us with a brain gathers from this discussion.

[@deboman81]

So basically she was in proximity principle. Knowing the right people in the right places to get her foot in the door. Nothing wrong with that.

[@SophiaHaz3]

I mean she did say "your network is your networth"

[@matashiacaldwell955]

Thanks for a GRC video! I kept waiting on the answer of what initial courses/ tech path a transitioning "non tech" person should follow to become a GRC? What 1st step would a transitioning non tech person should take?

[@Biz1Biz1dnbprofile-cs7od]

Yeah all the women being interviewed never go in detail just flaunt purses salaries and real estate purchases. Nothing about who sponsor the cert and or transition to the cyber role … like how did you study international relations translate to a project manager role in govt tech lol how sway and then moved to cyber with no skills… I need boobs and a butt huh

[@fadsa342]

What do you do now? And what path in tech do you want to take? If you're working, especially if you work for a large company, you can look into a lateral transfer into a tech role. That way when you look for another job, your most recent experience will be closer to where you want to be. Tech as a space is huge so I suggest most people try to figure out where their interests are and walk along that path.

[@fadsa342]

@@Biz1Biz1dnbprofile-cs7od Sometimes an employer will sponsor a certification or reimburse you but generally you pay on your own, especially if you're career transitioning. Sec+ is affordable as a cert and so are other entry certs like AWS cloud practioner. For both the big expense will be you putting in the time to learn the material. For clearances it sounds like the best thing to do is find a defense contractor who will get you one or look into joining the reserves. As far as how she transitioned...I don't know her but if I had to guess, her degree opened the door to her entry level job as BAE (I think). Project coordinator is a pretty entry level job and doesn't require relevant experience. Once she was there, she networked and studied on her own which allowed her to jump positions is what it sounded like.

[@CoachRob619]

1st step get Security + cert, and sign up for TryHackMe and go through the beginner to Cybersecurity path. Also start learning Frameworks like NIST, PCI DSS, and CIS controls.

[@Mdmeskywlkr007]

I been in IT GRC for like 4 yrs. I would recommend getting a PM, IT, Cyber coordinator role like Miranda said she got. If your in the DMV role, look for consulting firms and tell them you are interested in Cyber and are studying for your Sec+. Apply for any/all Cyber coordinator roles at consulting firms. Best way to get in.

[@kaarisacaridine1022]

This was an inspirational video, to say the least. Could you do a video on Seniors entering Tech, specifically Cyber Security?

[@monteeBee]

This interview was amazing & so motivational! This was so helpful and right on time!

[@levelthetechup]

Who needs a job? 😂🤣 I know that’s right! Excellent video, loved every minute of it!!

[@believeume122]

This Interview is so inspirational. I'm 38 and moving into tech.

[@SagRising19]

You definitely have to learn the lingo! I would say that is the #1 along with narrowing down the role and doing projects pertaining to that role.

[@jacobwallace6210]

Aggie Pride I did an information systems degree back in 2013 and only worked in tech for like 2 years this motivated me to get back to tech should’ve never left #AggiesDo

[@nofalsegod4]

I'm so interested in going into cyber. I have been doing helpdesk and systems administrator since 2016. I'm ready to move up. I have the CISM queued up. Getting ready to start studying.

[@tam6011]

Your system admin work should include security. Cloud security folks get paid

[@RentonReturns]

I’m literally in the same boat as you. Studying to get my sec+ now and trying to renew my gov clearance I got with my job back in 2018 since the one I got expired earlier this year. Def tired of my helpdesk role and ready to move up

[@tam6011]

@@RentonReturns learn linux. Pick anyone get the cert most work is with Redhat so rhcsa. You want to technical learn devsecops, platform engineering, sre, data engineering, grc, cloud security. Most of those jobs on contract work not gs schedule pay 100k ( low balling) to 350k. I have been working with and around linux as a contractor for 20 years. They will never stop hiring for it. Just my cents

[@deboman81]

Same

[@SheBlendz]

Love the show Beez!

[@cb884x]

I do finance, budgeting and auditing. I was considering attaining my CIA and CFE certifications, but not a CISA. I may reconsider. This was a very informative interview. Thank you.

[@Youonlyloseyourself]

This is my language right here. NIST RMF all the way every system that come in our environment needs this ATO and the the OATO

[@QueenDiamondBee]

Aggie Pride! I’m an MSIT Alum, just graduated from there in December 💙💛

[@carltonwilhoit8973]

Interview got me fired up🚀🚀 I’m enjoying learning the basics of cybersecurity.. can’t wait to break into tech successfully, and start leveraging and scaling .

[@sharonk5179]

Awesome interview!! Great info shared.

[@Solovelym3]

Loved this interview! Looking forward to finding out more about her conference

[@gaylanwright2317]

Aggie Pride!!! Greensboro in the house! Aye International Relations!!!!!!! UNCG 2014

[@xXZodgillaXx]

Thank you for this video, it was so motivating for me. I try to study when I get home from work everyday and some days.....it ain't happening. Lol I'm motivated today!!!

[@millertime6]

Very impressive guest 🔥

[@TSWSCI]

Please fix the audio Beez! I love your videos, very informative.

[@Danidominique7]

This was great very inspirational . Love hearing and seeing black people winning in the tech space

[@symonebeez]

Thanks for watching Dani! Please subscribe for more

[@Taybansss]

Loving the content. I genuinely love cybersecurity

[@tiburcerodriguetogbe1396]

Great interview. Sometimes recruiters require 5 years of experience for a position that is technically 1 or 2 years of experience. Some people might need 2 years to master a subject that takes 4 years for somebody else to master. Some entry-level people can perform better on the job than others with more experience. So, the question of having years of experience is tricky in IT and closes the door to entry-level.

[@MsTPZ]

Great interview ladies!

[@jasminesmith5525]

I wish that we could talk to Miranda is it a way that we can contact her or follow her social accounts for tips?

[@chinaday6867]

Love it I can’t wait to move to back to Atlanta

[@gaylanwright2317]

Who’s her mentor? She’s the plug!!!!

[@gaylanwright2317]

Can the social media handles and contacts of the guests be included in the description area, please?

[@yoahkjett10]

They are available at the end of the video on screen.

[@slutrooster]

​@yoahkjett10 we know that but why should we have to write it down when we could easily copy and paste or click on a link?

[@ZeFrenchtouch]

She is very inspirational , intelligent and beautiful

[@CheyenneAdriano]

Her audio/mic quality its really bad. Please check on that next time! Love your channel!!

[@Mzlecy]

I love seeing this type of content ❤

[@VanessaGray_KingswayGlobal]

Really enjoyed this interview. Learned so much more information about GRC - I'm naturally organized and love keeping others compliant to make life and work more efficient . This helped me alot

[@symonebeez]

Thanks for watching!

[@BRoyceEke]

Great conversation! Very insightful discussion 🔥

[@Nique-nk7sz]

Yessssss I love this interview..black women looking out for black women

[@cocolocka]

I am looking to get into tech and I have been years in healthcare and in working on troubleshooting phones

[@MyJg23]

Just amazing info I’m excited

[@anandvenkatraman8983]

telling my sister to get into this, shes going into accounting in india, once she gets that done GRC auditing

[@jareeweston7106]

43:34 this point right here really stuck to me! Thank you for sharing. Great interviewer, interviewee and questions.👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾I’m super new in this space , looking to transition from physical security as an security officer in the fed gov space. This channel is real, relevant and very informative! Thank you for all you do! You are definitely a culture add& needed in this space! -Many Blessings 🙏🏾

[@Wire-Free]

Great content ladies 💯🤜🏽Should one do Certs before or after (if you want/can afford) a 6-8 month bootcamp? What's a good bootcamp cost?

[@Kinsale101]

Great advice at the end!

[@stacy-mariebennett8760]

These interviews are so inspirational. Powerful, positive role models for people of colour.🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@CharC404]

Your journey is inspiring for sure. We all have a unique path in any career out there nothing is universal. Somethings you said about 112% average tech salaries and 45% average for other occupations. Respectfully this doesn’t even make sense. I might have to see where you got those data from before I can believe it.

[@iambrandondegraff]

Aggie Pride!! 🔥🙌🏾

[@ithinkicanmakethat6294]

Omg! I love Miranda. I had a consult with her, she was really helpful.

[@pla4825]

Great interview and both of these women are absolutely beautiful 😊

[@Maverick-xl8cm]

Did anyone else’s video freeze around the 28:53 time mark?

[@beautyexpert6481]

Lovely interview❤

[@Tamara_YT]

Great interview!

[@Mscoffiedash]

I love everything about this! I wish I made better choices growing up! But I’m choosing to change better now! God is so good an I’m forever thankful!

[@symonebeez]

It's never too late to pivot!

[@IyoniAdeMacy]

@@symonebeezquestion symone, if I acted in a movie (when I was young and dumb) that’s on IMBD, Will the government look into that? I’m not proud of the movie it wasn’t anything explicit just a low budget movie

[@ChristopherEmigh-j4l]

I have my clearance currently working in IT and looking to get my masters in Cyber security in 2024. I have been working on my Sec+ and plan to take it next week what advice would you recommend for someone like myself who would like to work for the federal government?

[@JohnJernigan770]

Thanks for sharing! Yes it’s who you know.

[@dp6129]

This was 🔥

[@Secure.net28]

More motivation 👨🏽‍💻💯

[@epixdevo3180]

I’m more on the technical side of cybersecurity but I could easily do GRC.

[@zyyr]

i love how u talk about gurus then bring on camera lmao 34:00

[@divonnea83]

This was amazing lots of information.

[@d4n392v2]

This video is incredible 🔥🔥🔥 But the audio is horrendous

[@azukaabrahamnduka5242]

Inspiring for me to take action and fly high

[@pinknailsonlyy]

The amount of times I pressed the like button on this video 😂😂😂

[@jiddrisu9009]

great interview

[@alfredtineo3023]

@Symone B, how the hell does one learn GRC for as Veterans

[@SubjectMatter100]

I can’t find her LinkedIn

[@TechBabe]

What is the difference between your 6 Figure Tech Challenge, GovTech Blueprint, and the Workshop Bundle? Which one should I choose? Is there something different in each one? Or the one that costs the most have everything in it?

[@gaylanwright2317]

It froze at 28:54 till 19:24

[@CrownMeQueen100]

Is BAE gov tech ?

[@LOVINLOCS]

Can someone in the 50s get into cyber security?

[@justinsullivan4920]

Yea for sure. It’s not crazy easy, u gotta be dedicated to learn some basic skills and get some certs and polish your resume, and then u can definitely land a job in tech.

[@deboman81]

I would agree

[@ladyelevate]

Does she have an Instagram?