7 digital trust skills of the future
Curious what a career in digital trust (DT) looks like? Whether you’re a student interested in a career in cybersecurity or information technology or you’re looking to switch or advance your career, it’s helpful to have some inside information on what recruiters and experts in the field are looking for to get the job you want.
Digital trust centers on the confidence, flexibility and empowerment in the relationships between individuals and organizations when it comes to their data. So, careers in this area would address privacy, learner agency, transparency, governance, compliance and regulation.
During ASU’s 2021 Digital Trust Summit earlier this month, attendees had the unique opportunity to speak with the event’s co-conveners, community partner and host institution to learn what professional digital trust skills of the future are valuable at their organizations.
We’re sharing seven tips from experts shaping the field of digital trust:
1. Flexibility is key.
High-performing environments shift rapidly, and if you're with a company doing something cutting-edge, they probably don't know the "right" way of doing things yet, explained Mike Radice, Director of Recruiting at Toptal. “You have to be okay working in the grey space, testing multiple theories to find the right path forward and pivoting quickly when you discover the path you're on isn't the best one to travel,” said Radice. “We don't look for the people who always need to reach for the manual on the shelf; we want the folks who are excited to find out that no manual exists, because it means they get to help write it.”
2. Be a lifelong learner…
Recruiting Coordinator Mina Sarshar-Michael from Crowdstrike explained the importance of learning at all stages in life, whether that means taking on new projects, doing research on your own or attending webinars, etc. “That way, you’ll continue to grow and develop,” said Sarshar-Michael.
When it comes to the ideal teammate, ASU Director of Data Solutions Elizabeth Reilley wants eager learners on her team. “I want to hire people who are curious about the field and have a track record of picking up and learning new things, inside and outside of the classroom,” said Reilley. “That might look like degrees but demonstrating learning can also take the form of micro-credentials, badges and professional certifications.”
3. ...And a teacher.
Bonus points if you can share your lessons, too. “What is even better is someone who wants to take those new learnings and teach others,” said Reilley. “That way they can bring the whole team and the organization up with them.”
4. Collaborate well with others in your field…
The more digital trust professionals become specialized, the more they’ll need others to accomplish goals. “Most of your professional working experiences will more closely resemble team projects than individual homework,” said Radice. “Clear communication, strong listening skills and the ability to be a team player in a collaborative unit will separate the successful professional from the professional who ‘can never seem to get ahead.’”
Teams prefer someone with a can-do attitude who works well with others to someone “who has the strongest technical resume but can't play nicely in the sandbox with others,” said Radice. “If you are difficult to work with, it will become a part of your reputation and create significant long-term obstacles to your career growth.”
5. …And outside of your field, as well.
This drive to collaborate with others should be within the field of digital trust and outside the field, as well. Termeh Rassi, Strategy & Impact Advisor at ASU-Leonardo Initiative, suggests taking a class or two that is outside your school and/or actively seeking out project partners that come from different backgrounds. This will allow you to “develop an understanding of different approaches to solving a problem, come up with solutions that are inherently better because they are more holistic and learn the language of other disciplines (invaluable in the work setting).” “The larger projects in the workplace are usually cross-functional and being comfortable working with people with other skill sets gives you a leg up,” said Rassi.
6. Working well remotely and in a global environment is a key strength.
While we are continuing to shape the world of digital trust, Radice explains that employers are looking for the same thing they've always looked for: smart, capable people who hold themselves accountable for doing a good job and don't need to have their hands held to be successful. “In a remote environment, nobody is standing over your shoulder and monitoring your work,” said Radice. “You need to plug in every morning with a clear understanding of the objective and your role in accomplishing it, then take the steps to make progress of your own initiative. Those who wait to be told what to do are ultimately waiting to be told they don't have a job anymore.”
7. Be passionate.
It may seem intuitive, but don’t underestimate the power of passion. When asked about the skills that a potential employee should have, Sarshar-Michael shared that she is looking for individuals who have a passion for the organization’s mission, the company and the product.
Many thanks to all Digital Trust Summit co-conveners Toptal, CrowdStrike, Informatica, Proofpoint, Palo Alto Networks and Leonardo, for partnering to design and participate in the Summit.
Learn more from the presenters of the Digital Trust Summit by visiting the Digital Trust Summit Playlist on the University of Technology’s YouTube channel.