Author: jadmin

More Than a Map: Transforming Futures Through Guided Career Journeys

Posted on by jadmin

At Journeys Map, our mission isn’t just about technology, it’s about people. It’s about empowering individuals to discover their potential, chart clear pathways, and accelerate towards fulfilling careers. We love hearing directly from our community and partners about the tangible difference Journeys Map makes. Recently, two stories stood out, beautifully illustrating how our platform supports users every step of the way.

Grounding Big Visions: A Future Attorney’s Clarity

Imagine having a bold aspiration – like becoming an attorney – but needing a clear path to make it a reality. That’s where our partners at Just In Time Foster Youth come in, and where Journeys Map steps up to help.

As a partner shared, “My career exploration discussion with the participant after our call went well! She truly enjoyed completing the Assessment Outline Tool and we had such a rich discussion about her interest in the legal field and her aspirational goal to become an attorney. Journeys Map is helping us inspire and ground those big visions.”

This story perfectly captures how our tools provide the framework for deep, meaningful conversations. It’s about moving beyond vague dreams to concrete next steps, giving both mentors and participants the clarity needed to build an actionable plan.

Accelerating Futures: Tech Meets Tenacity

One story that continues to inspire our team is that of Daniel Robles. As an early adopter of Journeys Map, Daniel’s experience shows just how powerful career tools can be when paired with the right support system.

Now a Haas Applications & Training Engineer, Daniel recently shared his story at a ConnectED event, where Erin Tanner and Peter Sibley from the Journeys Map team had the chance to meet him in person. Hearing how he navigated his path—from high school student exploring engineering pathways to launching his own drone services business and eventually landing in a role he’s passionate about—was a full-circle moment.

Daniel spoke about how Journeys Map helped him make sense of his options, but just as importantly, he highlighted the key role his school counselor played. That combination of digital guidance and real human connection made all the difference.

His journey is a reminder that when students are given access to clear pathways and start exploring early, they don’t just find a direction, they gain the momentum to truly move forward. Stories like Daniel’s are why we do what we do.

The Power Duo: Personalized Tech Meets Dedicated Guidance

Both the aspiring attorney’s journey with Just In Time Foster Youth and Daniel Robles’s engineering success underscore the same core principle: Journeys Map thrives as a driver. It’s a platform that brings clarity to complex career landscapes, and when combined with the dedication of educators, counselors, and mentors, it creates an unstoppable force for individual growth and workforce development.

These are the real stories that fuel our passion at Journeys Map – seeing our tools contribute to meaningful progress, one inspiring journey at a time. We’re committed to continuing to build and connect, ensuring more individuals can transform their visions into reality.

Navigating California’s Career Landscape: The Digital Edge of Journeys Map

Posted on by jadmin

California is actively building clearer, more connected pathways from education to employment for students statewide. A key effort, the Master Plan for Career Education, aims to bridge classroom learning and in-demand careers through a skills-focused approach. Journeys Map’s tools support these efforts by  helping students explore options, understand skill needs, and make informed choices. Like any large-scale initiative, putting such a plan into practice involves complex coordination, especially in a state as diverse as California.

The Master Plan’s Vision: Unifying Education and Opportunity

The Master Plan highlights a critical shift in approach. Instead of focusing solely on traditional four-year degrees, it embraces diverse pathways. It positions career education as something all students should have access to from pre-kindergarten through higher education and beyond. Key parts of this plan include:

  • Skills-First Approach: Valuing competencies and experiences as the core currency of today’s workforce.
  • Early Exposure & Smooth Transitions: Introducing career concepts early and creating seamless moves between K-12, community colleges, universities, and jobs.
  • Industry-Aligned Pathways: Ensuring educational programs directly meet the evolving needs of California’s high-growth industries.
  • Equity and Access: Designing systems to serve all students, especially those from underserved communities, ensuring fair access to quality career pathways.
  • Leveraging Technology: Using innovative platforms to personalize learning, connect students with opportunities, and track progress.

This plan establishes a dynamic system that prepares students for their first job and empowers them for a lifetime of evolving careers.

Journeys Map: Digital Capabilities for Your Career Journey

The Master Plan lays out a clear vision for connecting education to empowering careers for Californians. But how does that vision become your reality? Journeys Map provides the digital capabilities to bridge that gap. Our platform empowers individuals like you with a comprehensive, integrated, and equitable solution for career navigation and workforce development:

1. Powering the Skills-First Economy: Our platform creates detailed skills-based records, a powerful evolution from traditional resumes. Journeys Map uses AI to track skills shown in past jobs and those users self-select based on learning and experience. This lets schools and employers directly validate competencies, streamlining talent finding to match industry needs.

2. Guiding Diverse Career Pathways: Journeys Map offers detailed pathways that include traditional degrees, certifications, apprenticeships, military-to-civilian transitions, and vocational training. Our AI-powered career navigation provides interactive tools for personalized career planning, guiding individuals through many options based on their unique skills, interests, and goals. This directly aligns with the focus on diverse, accessible pathways for all Californians.

3. Enabling Early Exposure and Seamless Transitions: Our intuitive interface makes career exploration accessible to everyone, from high schoolers looking ahead to adults changing careers. Recent data from American Student Assistance (ASA) shows a big shift in post-high school plans: only 45% of teens now consider a 2- or 4-year college their most likely next step, down sharply from 73% in 2018. At the same time, interest in alternative pathways like apprenticeships, vocational schools, and certification programs surged from 12% to 38%. This growing trend highlights the critical need for flexible, complete career guidance. By clearly mapping various routes to jobs, Journeys Map directly supports these evolving student choices, making transitions smoother at every stage.

4. Fostering Equity and Access: Journeys Map embeds equity right into its core. We offer a mobile-optimized platform in both English and Spanish, ensuring wide access. Our AI works for different learning styles (auditory, visual, read/write), bringing career guidance to all learners. We are committed to reaching underserved communities and providing high-quality tools for career clarity and advancement.

5. Bridging the Gap for Employers and Educators: Beyond individual users, Journeys Map includes dedicated “Counselor” and “Employer” views. These features enable seamless, real-time communication and collaboration across schools, workforce development groups, and businesses. Employers provide specific talent needs based on precise skills. This empowers educators to proactively tailor programs for industry demand, ultimately building highly efficient talent pipelines that benefit the whole state.

Your Career in California’s Future, Supported by Journeys Map

The Master Plan for Career Education shows a deep commitment to California’s prosperous, equitable future. Journeys Map actively provides the essential technology and infrastructure to connect every Californian directly to meaningful education, valuable skills, and rewarding career opportunities. By empowering individuals and significantly streamlining collaboration across sectors, Journeys Map equips you with the clarity and connections needed for a fulfilling career, greater success, and lasting achievement in California’s evolving workforce.

Ready to accelerate your county’s career education goals and build a future-ready workforce?

Schedule a Personalized Demo of Journeys Map Today.

Beyond Surface-Level Fixes: Journeys Map for Real Career Readiness in Higher Ed

Posted on by jadmin

“Are we just doing surface-level fixes for career readiness in higher education?”

Brian F. LeDuc’s insightful question in a recent piece hits home. For too long, preparing students for the workforce has meant isolated solutions: a standalone internship here, a transactional tech platform there. These approaches often miss a big problem: our systems don’t truly create shared value for students, faculty, or employers.

At Journeys Map, we get it. We see the challenge: faculty struggle to link learning to real work, employers face a “syllabus gap” with new hires—graduates may know the material but struggle to apply it on the job. And students are often unsure how their academic path leads to a meaningful career.  Strong careers grow from strong relationships, but current educational setups limit deep, scalable connections.

The Core Problem: Disconnected Systems and the “Syllabus Gap”

Today’s higher ed environment presents tough hurdles for everyone involved:

  • For Employers: New graduates often struggle to show what they’ve learned or apply it effectively. There’s a gap where students lack experience with real-world ambiguity, making it hard to navigate complex professional challenges after structured school settings.
  • For Faculty: There is pressure to add professional skills and real-world relevance to courses. This often means time-consuming efforts to find partners or manage projects that are tough to scale.
  • For Staff: Engaging diverse students, especially first-gen learners or those working outside school, is a challenge. Traditional support systems often don’t fit their busy lives.
  • For Institutions: Many campuses lack the strong, integrated infrastructure needed for comprehensive career success and building talent pipelines at scale.

Well-intentioned traditional practices often fall short. Internship courses might give academic credit but sometimes don’t provide quality, paid experiences for all. Classroom projects, while valuable, often depend on individual faculty going above and beyond to find outside partners. And many tech solutions for employer connections are just transactional, missing the chance to build strategic partnerships crucial for long-term talent flow.

Designing for the Future: Building Real Shared Value

To fix these systemic issues, we need solutions that naturally create shared value. This means approaches that:

  • Deepen Relationships: Move from quick transactions to genuine, collaborative partnerships between schools, students, and employers.
  • Integrate Learning & Work: Blur the lines so hands-on experience becomes a core part of learning, and academic knowledge immediately applies to practical situations.
  • Ensure Scalability & Accessibility: Make career readiness resources available to all students, including those with busy schedules or diverse backgrounds.
  • Simplify for Educators: Provide tools that let faculty seamlessly weave career relevance into their teaching, without adding extra work.

That’s the kind of connected approach Journeys Map is built to support.

Journeys Map: Your Bridge to Real Career Readiness

Journeys Map acts as a catalyst, directly building the bridge for true collaboration. It transforms how students, educators, and employers connect and achieve shared value. We move beyond quick fixes by giving you the tools for deep change:

1. Empowering Faculty & Counselors with Smart Insights: Our AI-powered career navigation offers interactive tools for personalized career planning. We provide real-time skill gap analysis, looking at users’ current abilities (from resumes and experience) to pinpoint growth areas for future roles. This data gives faculty precise insights to improve curriculum, foster continuous learning, and integrate forward-looking development paths.

2. Guiding Students Through the “Syllabus Gap” and Into the Real World: The “syllabus gap” refers to the disconnect between what students learn in class and the expectations they face in the workplace.  Journeys Map helps close this gap by offering students a holistic, integrated view of career realities rarely found in traditional settings. Our platform brings together scattered information, giving unmatched clarity on career path nuances. Students deeply understand:

  • Diverse Commitments: The varying educational and financial investments, school pathways, and job market realities (like openings and growth) for each career.
  • Authentic Context: Through “a day in the life” videos, detailed job descriptions, and clear requirements, students easily grasp the practicalities and differences between roles.
  • Skills & Personal Fit: We give vital insights and the exact language for both human and technical skills needed for specific jobs. This helps students understand not just what a job involves, but who thrives in it, addressing the often-unspoken personality fit for various careers.

3. Connecting Employers to Vetted, Skilled Talent: Our platform is a powerful link for employers seeking qualified talent. Journeys Map’s employer tools let organizations find individuals with the specific experience and skills for their open positions. We streamline connections for internships and work-based learning through partnerships with colleges and non-profits, who use Journeys Map to manage cohorts and track hours. These direct connection opportunities foster lasting mentorships with industry pros dedicated to building strong talent pipelines.

Trusted by Industry Leaders: Journeys Map’s Real-World Value

This commitment to driving change is why Journeys Map is already a trusted partner. As Lisa Easterly, President and CEO of the San Diego Cyber Center of Excellence (CCOE), a leader in advancing the cyber economy (as highlighted in this NIST Industry Spotlight), says about their collaboration on the Cyber Career Map:

“Myth: I must have an advanced degree and 10 years-experience to work in the cybersecurity field. Cybersecurity career pathways have evolved and now include certifications, military to commercial tracks and boot camps… To help, CCOE partnered with the State of California, Journeys Map and cyber industry leaders to develop the Cyber Career Map, featuring customized career pathways based on the NICE framework. Similar to Google Maps, users can create personalized journeys catering to their skills and interests including education, certifications and personal work-based learning resources.“

The Journeys Map Difference: Your Gap, Our Bridge

Journeys Map provides comprehensive information that truly empowers users. You can:

  • Gain self-awareness with in-depth interest and skills surveys.
  • Articulate your valuable skills using precise language.
  • Better understand potential careers through rich, data-driven insights.
  • Clearly identify your “gap”—the difference between your current skills and what you need for your desired path—giving you a clear roadmap for development.

This complete approach turns career uncertainty into clear pathways. It brings clarity and fulfilling opportunities for students, streamlined tools and data for educators, and robust, skilled talent for employers.

Partnering for Real Impact

The call for change is clear: we must move past surface-level fixes. Higher education leaders now have a real chance to embrace solutions that build shared value and fully prepare every student for a dynamic workforce. Journeys Map is ready to partner with you to build these connections and cultivate the next generation of talent.

Ready for a refreshing solution where students, schools/faculty, employers, and learning & work truly connect? Discover how Journeys Map can support your programs. Contact Erin Tanner at: ETanner@edgate.com

Lighting the Way: Journeys Map and Project Next Partner to Ignite Student Futures

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We’re thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership that will further empower high school students to confidently navigate their paths to future success: Journeys Map is now the chosen career navigation tool for the incredible work being done at Project Next!

At Journeys Map, our mission is deeply aligned with Project Next’s powerful vision: to ensure every student, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to choose and confidently step into a future they’re truly ready for. We deeply admire Project Next’s dedication to addressing the critical challenges many students face – the limited resources and planning support, the external pressures, and the resulting struggle in early adulthood, particularly for socioeconomically disadvantaged students, first-generation college attendees, and students of color. Think about a young person, perhaps feeling the weight of uncertainty about what comes next, now discovering a vibrant landscape of career possibilities uniquely tailored to their strengths, all thanks to the combined guidance of Project Next and the intuitive power of Journeys Map.

Project Next’s impact is undeniable. They have already helped over 6,000 students explore a world of opportunities, equipping them with clear plans, real-world confidence, valuable connections, and essential skills like financial literacy and professional networking. Their innovative programs, including Next Level Programming, the Xcelerate Workforce Pathway, and Focused Futures, alongside their vital Next Step Services and Resources like Future Centers and dedicated Career Coaches, provide a comprehensive support system for high school students as they prepare for life after graduation. That feeling of uncertainty, of stepping into a future unwritten – it’s a heavy burden on young hearts. This partnership is about illuminating their path, instilling unwavering confidence, and igniting a passionate excitement for the journeys ahead.

This partnership will integrate the power of Journeys Map’s personalized career exploration platform directly into Project Next’s impactful ecosystem. This isn’t just a merging of resources; it’s a powerful synergy of purpose, a shared commitment to unlocking potential. Through Journeys Map, students working with Project Next will gain access to:

  • Individualized Career Journeys: Utilizing our comprehensive interest and skills assessments, students can embark on deeply customized explorations of diverse career pathways that resonate with their unique talents and aspirations.
  • Expanded Career Awareness: Discovering a wider horizon of career options, including burgeoning industries and the specific skills needed to thrive within them.
  • Skill-Based Exploration: Understanding the vital connection between their current abilities and the demands of future careers, identifying clear pathways for growth and development.
  • Real-World Connections: Leveraging Journeys Map’s framework to more effectively engage with the invaluable contacts and opportunities cultivated by Project Next’s dedicated Career Coaches and their robust community network.

We envision Journeys Map as a powerful digital ally to Project Next’s vital in-person support, enhancing the incredible work of their Career Coaches and enriching the experience within the Future Centers. By providing students with an interactive and self-directed platform, we aim to amplify Project Next’s ability to guide students towards informed decisions about college, trade school, the workforce, and beyond. Project Next empowers students to find their footing; Journeys Map provides them with a clear vista of the summit and the tools to confidently begin their ascent.

Together, Journeys Map and Project Next are committed to ensuring that more high school students have the clarity, confidence, and connections they need to not just walk into their future, but to actively choose it, embrace it, and flourish within it. We are incredibly excited about the transformative possibilities this partnership holds and the profound positive impact we can create in the lives of young people. Stay tuned for more inspiring updates on this powerful collaboration!

Illuminating Pathways: A Leader’s Vision for the Future of Learning

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Celebrating Peter Sibley and the Classroom of the Future Foundation’s “Todd W. Gutschow Visionary & Outstanding Leadership” Award

In a world that’s constantly evolving, the need for innovative and forward-thinking leadership in education has never been greater. This is why the recent presentation of the “Todd W. Gutschow Visionary & Outstanding Leadership” award to Peter Sibley, CEO of EdGate Holdings Inc. and Journeys Map, is such a significant moment.

The Classroom of the Future Foundation  (CFF) bestowed this prestigious honor upon Peter, recognizing his lifelong commitment to improving education and his embodiment of CFF’s core mission: to cultivate innovative learning environments and empower learners across their entire educational journey.

A Career Dedicated to Education

Peter Sibley’s career spans decades, reflecting a deep understanding of the diverse needs of learners at every stage of life. His work has been driven by a passion for ensuring that education evolves to meet the demands of the 21st century.

His connection to the Classroom of the Future Foundation is a testament to this dedication. As Peter Sibley himself shares,

“My first involvement with Classroom of the Future Foundation (CFF) was through a longtime collaboration with Ginger Hovenic founding Executive Director. Her passion for educational innovation was contagious and fueled my own. Over the next twenty-five years I had the privilege to engage as a community partner and sponsor. The highlight of my participation in the extraordinary work of CFF was collaborating with Drew Schlosberg to plan and sponsor the inaugural College & Career Pathway Summit which just completed its 7th year. Today under Jane Schlosberg’s leadership and the outstanding Board Chairperson Dr. Leighangela Brady, CFF is more dynamic and impactful than ever. I hope to contribute for many more years to come.”

Empowering Learners Through Innovation

Under Peter’s leadership, EdGate Holdings Inc. has been at the forefront of driving innovation in education. This vision has culminated in the development of Journeys Map, a career navigation tool designed to empower individuals to explore, plan, and succeed throughout their lifelong learning journey.

Journeys Map embodies this commitment to creating innovative learning environments. It’s a platform that provides:

  • Personalized, Data-Driven Roadmaps: Integrates individual skills, interests, and experiences to create clear, unique career pathways.
  • Real-time Opportunities & Resources: Provides up-to-date information on education, skill development, and job opportunities.
  • Self-Discovery & Confidence Building: Empowers users with the understanding and assurance to explore diverse career options.
  • Ownership & Seamless Transitions: Inspires individuals to take ownership of their career journeys, fostering informed decisions and smooth transitions into fulfilling futures.

By providing these resources, Journeys Map empowers individuals to take ownership of their educational and career paths, fostering informed decision-making, developing essential skills, and facilitating seamless transitions.

A Well-Deserved Honor

The “Todd W. Gutschow Visionary & Outstanding Leadership” award is a fitting tribute to Peter’s remarkable achievements and his deep-rooted partnership with the Classroom of the Future Foundation. It celebrates his unwavering dedication to championing learners of all ages and his profound impact on the future of learning.

Join us in celebrating Peter Sibley and his extraordinary contributions. His passion and vision continue to inspire us all as we work to shape a brighter future for education.

Journeys Map Awarded AWS Education Equity Initiative Grant to Power the Future of Learning!

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We’re thrilled to share some exciting news with the Journeys Map community! Our commitment to empowering underserved youth with the skills needed to thrive in a technology-driven world has been recognized by Amazon Web Services (AWS). We have been awarded $100,000 USD in AWS Promotional Credits through the prestigious AWS Education Equity Initiative!

This incredible opportunity from the AWS Cloud will enable us to significantly scale and enhance Journeys Map, directly benefiting learners and their communities by providing greater access to crucial future skills. The AWS Education Equity Initiative supports organizations like ours that are building innovative learning solutions, and we are honored to be among the recipients.

Thanks to these AWS Promotional Credits, we will be accelerating the development and implementation of key features on the Journeys Map platform, including:

  • Enhanced Scalability and Reliability: Leveraging AWS’s robust infrastructure (EC2, S3, RDS) to ensure seamless and dependable access for our growing community of users.
  • Advanced Personalization: Expanding our AI-powered recommendation engine to provide even more tailored career pathways and skill-matching for individual learners.
  • Bridging Language Barriers: Integrating AWS Translate to make Journeys Map accessible to Spanish-speaking users, furthering our commitment to equitable access.
  • Empowering Job Seekers: Utilizing AWS generative AI capabilities to enable users to create professional resumes directly from their Skills Gap Analysis, streamlining their journey to internships and jobs.
  • Connecting Talent with Opportunity: Further developing our robust employer portal to facilitate stronger connections between students and potential employers, building vital talent pipelines.

This support from AWS will directly translate to a greater impact for the underserved youth we champion. By enhancing our platform with these cutting-edge AWS technologies, we will be able to reach more learners, provide more personalized guidance, and create stronger pathways to future success.

“Journeys Map is honored to receive the AWS Education Equity Initiative Grant. This significant support will empower us to accelerate our mission and address the systemic barriers faced by underserved youth, providing them with the critical tools and insights needed to confidently navigate and succeed in tomorrow’s dynamic job market.” – Peter Sibley, CEO 

Ready to Partner with Journeys Map?

Journeys Map is a powerful tool that supports:

  • K-12 Schools & Educators: Providing comprehensive career exploration resources to guide students.
  • Nonprofit Organizations: Empowering underserved youth with vital career skills and opportunities.
  • Employers: Building a strong and diverse talent pipeline by connecting with motivated and skilled individuals.

If your organization is dedicated to supporting underserved youth and fostering the development of future skills, we invite you to explore a partnership with Journeys Map. Together, we can leverage the power of innovative technology to create a more equitable and opportunity-rich future.

Learn more about partnering with Journeys Map here. 

We are incredibly excited about this new chapter for Journeys Map and the opportunities this AWS Education Equity Initiative grant will unlock for the learners and communities we serve. Stay tuned for more updates as we begin implementing these exciting enhancements!

Journeys Map: A Month of Empowering San Diego’s Future

Posted on by jadmin

From the cutting-edge of cybersecurity to the wonder of STEAM discovery, Journeys Map painted a vivid picture of career pathways across San Diego last month.

The San Diego Cyber Summit 2025 brought together the brightest minds in cybersecurity, and Journeys Map was in attendance to learn the latest from industry experts on the evolving landscape. We shared about Journeys Map as a personalized guide, meeting professionals and organizations where they are and supporting them in their unique journeys. This message resonated deeply, fostering conversations about talent pipeline development and skill gap analysis. The cybersecurity summit displayed how Journeys Map is a valuable tool for professionals and organizations alike, and we were excited to show how it can be used for people of all ages at the San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering.

The San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering was a vibrant celebration of STEAM education, and Journeys Map proudly represented the San Diego Cyber Center of Excellence. Erin hosted a table in the Cybersecurity Zone, an interactive space where attendees of all ages could dive into the fundamentals of online safety, ethical hacking, and cyber defense.

“The San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering aims to make learning exciting and accessible for all ages by immersing kids and adults in STEAM education,” says Sara Pagano, Managing Director, San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering. 

Journeys Map seamlessly complemented the other exhibits in the Cybersecurity Zone. We provided a holistic view of cybersecurity pathways, enabling attendees to visualize their potential careers within the field. Being positioned alongside San Diego’s ISACA chapter, which focuses on professional development and best practices, further enhanced our impact.

From curious K-12 students to aspiring computer science majors and seasoned professionals, we engaged with a diverse audience. One particularly impactful interaction involved a transitioning military service member enrolled in National University’s cybersecurity program. She experienced a moment of profound clarity when she could visualize her current skills and educational progress, validating her military experience and academic achievements within the context of the broader cybersecurity landscape. 

The Classroom of the Future Foundation’s 8th Annual, “College and Career Pathways Summit” provided a valuable platform for business and education leaders to explore best CTE practices and innovative technologies. As an annual supporter of CFF and this event, Journeys Map found that the conversations and innovations discussed were perfectly aligned with its mission to bridge the gap between education and the world of work. By providing exposure to diverse career pathways and fostering a deeper understanding of industry needs, Journeys Map empowers students to take control of their future.

Across all events, Journeys Map aimed to instill a sense of empowerment and clarity. We showcased Journeys Map as a personalized guide, meeting individuals and organizations where they are and supporting them in their unique journeys. Whether facilitating talent pipeline development for businesses, illuminating career pathways for students, or bridging the gap between education and industry, Journeys Map provides agency, clarity, and confidence. Our goal was for attendees to understand that they can take control of their future, both individually and as a company, with the support of Journeys Map.

This past month has been a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of empowering individuals to pursue their passions. We are excited to continue building connections and supporting the San Diego community through Journeys Map.

Ready to explore how Journeys Map can support your organization? Schedule a demonstration by contacting Erin Tanner, Client Services Specialist.

San Diego Cybersecurity Leaders Tackle Talent Gap Amid Rising Cyber Threats

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The Growing Threat Landscape

Cybersecurity is no longer an IT concern; it’s a critical business imperative. FBI data reveals a staggering 150% increase in cybercrime complaints over the past five years, translating to $37 billion in losses. Couple this with IBM’s report of a $4.88 million average cost per data breach, and the financial implications become clear. Small and medium-sized businesses, the backbone of San Diego’s economy, are particularly vulnerable.

The Talent Crisis

The challenge is compounded by a severe talent shortage and the rapid evolution of required skills, driven by AI and other emerging technologies. With 457,000 cybersecurity job openings in the U.S. and 5,500 in San Diego alone (Cyberseek.org), organizations are struggling to build robust defenses. Moreover, only 14% of organizations are confident they have the necessary skills to meet cybersecurity objectives (WEF). As Journeys Map CEO, Peter Sibley notes, “It has never been more important for Cybersecurity employers to communicate the skills they need currently and as these needs change in the incredibly dynamic environment they operate. AI is literally changing everything.”

Panel Discussion Highlights

Key Insights:

  • Skills Matching: The importance of skills matching to optimize existing talent pipelines.
  • Strategic Workforce Development: Tanner advised organizations to develop strategic workforce plans to leverage untapped potential. 
  • Collaborative Partnerships: Journeys Map works with the military, educational institutions, and employers to create a diverse talent pool.

A recent CCOE panel, featuring industry leaders including one of our very own, Erin Tanner, Client Services Specialist at Journeys Map, Dr. Lance Larson, Co-Director of the Graduate Program in Homeland Security at SDSU and Co-Director of the San Diego Cyber Clinic, and Captain Jonathan Patrick, Cyber Network Operations Officer, Marine Corps Installations West, addressed these critical issues.

Dr. Lance Larson’s Insights

Dr. Larson brought his expertise on emerging threats and AI-driven cybersecurity to the forefront. He emphasized the urgency of proactive defensive strategies, particularly in light of AI’s potential to automate and amplify cyberattacks. “We need to put up those defensive strategies now,” Dr. Larson stated, highlighting the need for robust safeguards and countermeasures. 

Captain Jonathan Patrick’s Perspective

Captain Patrick provided a unique perspective, focusing on the challenges of securing legacy systems and the Marine Corps’ shift to a zero-trust architecture. He stressed the importance of adapting mindsets to the evolving cyber landscape. “We are moving towards zero-trust architecture and having that mindset of ‘Never trust, always verify’,” Captain Patrick explained, emphasizing the need for continuous verification of identities and devices. He also highlighted the importance of updated skill sets and cyber resiliency, noting that a security breach is “not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when.”

Journeys Map: Bridging the Talent Gap

Erin Tanner highlighted Journeys Map’s role in addressing the talent shortage and the need for agile upskilling. Journeys Map’s platform is designed to translate employer skill needs to applicants and organizations, providing essential upskilling and connecting individuals with personalized career pathways, aligning their strengths and interests with in-demand cybersecurity roles.   

“We offer a sustainable, cost-effective solution,” Tanner explained, detailing Journeys Map’s Employer Recruitment Platform. This platform leverages intelligent landing pages, reverse skill matching, and comprehensive talent ecosystem management to build robust talent pipelines. As Peter states, “We are working to make 2025 a watershed year to grow a sustainable and agile cybersecurity talent pipeline.”

The Journeys Impact:

Journeys Map’s approach enables organizations to build a resilient cybersecurity workforce, reducing time-to-hire and expanding access to skilled talent.

Optimize your cybersecurity talent pipeline. Schedule a Journeys Map demonstration to learn how. Schedule Your Demonstration today!

To delve deeper into the discussion and explore San Diego’s cybersecurity resources, listen to the full panel discussion.

Powering San Diego’s Cybersecurity Future: Celebrating CCOE’s 10-Year Anniversary

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A Decade of Transformative Impact

As the Cyber Center of Excellence (CCOE) celebrates its milestone 10-year anniversary, we’re proud to highlight its role in shaping San Diego into a hub of cyber innovation. Under the visionary leadership of CEO Lisa Easterly, CCOE has driven remarkable growth: expanding the region’s cyber firms tenfold, supporting 26,000 jobs, and generating $4 billion annually in economic impact.

Amid this progress, the challenge of unfilled cybersecurity positions remains. Journeys Map, in partnership with San Diego CCOE, is pioneering a fundamentally different approach. Instead of traditional “post and hope” job boards or disconnected training programs, we’ve created an innovative ecosystem that truly nurtures talent. Our platform empowers employers to actively develop their talent pipeline by identifying skills gaps, connecting candidates with targeted upskilling opportunities, and providing clear pathways to success. This human-centered approach transforms how companies invest in potential talent – moving beyond simple recruitment to create meaningful growth journeys for every individual in their pipeline. With San Diego’s cybersecurity talent growing 300%, Journeys Map’s approach to building career pathways and supporting individual growth isn’t just solving the talent gap – it’s creating a sustainable, thriving workforce ecosystem.

The Talent Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities

Our region’s cybersecurity growth tells a compelling story:

  • Cyber jobs expanded from 6,600 in 2016 to nearly 14,000 in 2023
  • A remarkable 300% growth in local employment talent
  • 75% of local cyber firms reporting challenges in finding qualified talent at all levels

Empowering San Diego’s Cybersecurity Workforce

We’re deeply honored to be recognized by the San Diego Business Journal with the 2024 Cybersecurity Stewardship Award for Workforce Development. As San Diego’s leading cybersecurity career exploration system, Journeys Map is proud to support regional employers with streamlined career discovery and advancement tools that power their teams’ growth journeys.

Discover how Journeys Map can elevate your workforce. Request a Demo Today.

Strengthening Our Regional Talent Pipeline

Our platform is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of San Diego’s cybersecurity community:

  • Enabling employee career growth through interactive tools
  • Supporting employers in building robust talent pipelines
  • Creating clear pathways for career advancement
  • Facilitating regional workforce development

Our Commitment to San Diego’s Cybersecurity Community

As we celebrate this milestone with CCOE, Journeys Map remains dedicated to:

  • Supporting regional employers’ workforce development needs
  • Nurturing local cybersecurity talent
  • Creating accessible career pathways
  • Strengthening the connection between talent and opportunity

The past decade has demonstrated the power of collaboration and innovation in San Diego’s cybersecurity sector. As we look to the future, Journeys Map will continue to evolve and enhance our platform to meet the growing needs of our regional employers and their teams. 

Let’s Talk Solutions: Schedule a personalized demonstration and discover how Journeys Map can help you overcome talent acquisition hurdles and power your team’s growth. Reach out today and take the first step towards building a more resilient, innovative cybersecurity workforce.

Sources: ISC2/WEF 2023 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, Cyberseek (August 2024), CCOE & EDC Reports

Building a 21st Century Talent Pipeline

Posted on by jadmin

The Firms of Endearment Approach to Cybersecurity Workforce Development

In today’s rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape, organizations face a critical challenge: building and maintaining a skilled workforce in an increasingly competitive market. The traditional approach of reactive hiring isn’t just costly—it’s unsustainable. Forward-thinking companies are adopting a Firms of Endearment (FoE) philosophy, recognizing that investing in talent pipeline development isn’t just good for society—it’s good for business.

The FoE Advantage in Cybersecurity

Firms of Endearment are companies that create value for all stakeholders—employees, customers, suppliers, communities, and shareholders. These organizations prioritize purpose alongside profit, leading to sustainable business success. In cybersecurity, where the talent gap continues to widen, the FoE approach to talent pipeline development offers compelling advantages.

Business Impact

  • Recruitment Efficiency:  Traditional recruitment in cybersecurity involves significant costs in time and resources
  • Enhanced Retention: FoEs typically experience lower turnover rates through stronger employee engagement
  • Improved Productivity: Engaged employees demonstrate higher levels of productivity and innovation
  • Sustainable Growth:  Companies following FoE principles show consistent long-term performance

The Journey’s Map Solution: Aligning FoE Principles with Talent Development

Journeys Map’s innovative platform enables cybersecurity companies to embrace FoE principles while building their talent pipeline through:

1. Stakeholder Integration

  • Connect with educational institutions and training providers
  • Engage with community organizations
  • Build relationships with potential candidates early in their career journey
  • Create value for the broader cybersecurity ecosystem

2. Technology-Driven Efficiency

  • AI-powered career pathing streamlines recruitment processes
  • Real-time skills gap analysis improves training effectiveness
  • Automated matching algorithms enhance screening efficiency
  • Cloud-based platform scales with organizational growth

3. Value Creation

Direct Benefits:

  • Streamlined recruitment processes
  • More efficient training programs
  • Faster hiring cycles
  • Improved employee retention

Long-term Value:

  • Enhanced employer brand value
  • Improved workforce diversity
  • Stronger community relationships
  • Greater market competitiveness

The Business Case for Purpose-Driven Talent Development

Companies implementing Journeys Map’s FoE-aligned approach experience:

  1. Operational Improvements
    • More efficient recruitment processes
    • Higher employee retention rates
    • Faster time-to-productivity
    • Increased employee engagement
  2. Operational Benefits
    • Expanded talent pool
    • Stronger pipeline of qualified candidates
    • Better skills alignment
    • Improved succession planning
  3. Strategic Advantages
    • Enhanced industry reputation
    • Stronger educational partnerships
    • Better positioning for future workforce needs
    • Increased market adaptability

Building Tomorrow’s Workforce Today

The cybersecurity talent gap presents not just a hiring challenge, but a strategic opportunity. Organizations that embrace the FoE approach to talent pipeline development through Journeys Map’s platform are positioned to:

  • Create sustainable competitive advantages
  • Build stronger community relationships
  • Optimize operational efficiency
  • Improve workforce quality and retention

Measurable Impact

Organizations using Journeys Map’s platform can track improvements in key areas:

  • Time-to-hire efficiency
  • Recruitment cost optimization
  • Candidate quality
  • Workforce diversity
  • Employee satisfaction

The Path Forward

In the 21st century, cybersecurity companies must view talent development as a strategic investment rather than a cost center. By adopting Journeys Map’s FoE-aligned approach, organizations can:

  1. Transform talent pipeline development into a strategic advantage
  2. Create measurable returns on workforce development
  3. Build stronger relationships with all stakeholders
  4. Position themselves for sustainable growth

The most successful cybersecurity companies of tomorrow will be those that invest in their talent pipeline today. Through Journeys Map’s platform, organizations can align their talent development strategies with FoE principles, creating value for all stakeholders while building the workforce they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Ready to transform your approach to talent pipeline development? Discover how Journeys Map can help your organization become a true Firm of Endearment while building a sustainable competitive advantage in the cybersecurity talent market. Reach out to us today to learn more.

How Journeys Map is Solving the Reskilling & Upskilling Crisis

Posted on by jadmin

The Growing Skills Emergency and Opportunity

The global economy faces an unprecedented talent shortage, with projections indicating an $8.5 trillion gap by 2030. This crisis presents both a challenge and an opportunity for organizations ready to embrace innovative solutions.

Understanding the Core Challenge

Recent data shows that over 87% of companies either currently face skills gaps or anticipate them in the near future. With workplace skill requirements evolving at an unprecedented rate – having changed 25% since 2015 and expected to transform by 50% in the next four years – organizations must act decisively.

The Human Element in Digital Transformation

Industry expert Dr. Tran emphasizes a crucial point: while technology is essential, organizations must not lose sight of human connections. “Shifting to a skills-based organization means putting skills at the center of all talent practices,” she notes, “from hiring to development, internal mobility, and rewards.”

Three Strategic Pillars for Successful Upskilling

1. Defining the Purpose (The Why)

Organizations must clearly articulate their upskilling objectives:

  • Maintaining competitive advantage
  • Driving profit growth
  • Building organizational resilience
  • Attracting and retaining top talent

2. Identifying Skill Needs (The Who)

Modern skill development requires:

  • Forward-looking job descriptions that anticipate future needs
  • Recognition of emerging skills through peer feedback
  • Identification of natural mentors and learning champions
  • Understanding of existing skill gaps

3. Implementation Strategy (The How)

Research indicates that 70% of skill development occurs through on-the-job learning (source: McKinsey). Journeys Map facilitates this through:

How Journeys Map Addresses These Challenges

Comprehensive Skill Development Platform

AI-Powered Career Navigation

  • Interactive tools for personalized career planning
  • Real-time skill gap analysis
  • Future-focused development paths

Culture of Continuous Learning

Collaborative Learning Environment

  • Peer recognition systems
  • Knowledge sharing platforms
  • Cross-functional skill development

Flexible Implementation

Customizable Solutions

  • Industry-specific career pathways
  • Scalable deployment options
  • Integration with existing systems

Employee Retention Through Growth

Studies show that lack of professional development is a primary driver of employee turnover. Journeys Map addresses this by:

  • Creating visible career progression paths
  • Providing immediate access to learning resources
  • Connecting skill development to tangible rewards
  • Facilitating internal mobility opportunities

Future-Proofing Your Workforce

As organizations adapt to rapid technological change, particularly AI integration, the need for agile skill development becomes critical. Journeys Map provides:

  • Adaptive learning pathways
  • Real-time skill tracking
  • Proactive gap analysis
  • Comprehensive progress monitoring

See how Journeys Map can transform your workforce—Schedule Your Free Trial.

The future of work demands a strategic approach to upskilling and reskilling. Organizations that invest in comprehensive skill development platforms like Journeys Map position themselves to:

  • Navigate the talent shortage successfully
  • Build resilient, adaptable teams
  • Create engaging employee experiences
  • Drive sustainable growth

By combining technological innovation with human-centered design, Journeys Map offers organizations the tools they need to transform their workforce development strategies and thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Empower your workforce today—Contact Us to learn more.

Smooth Transitions for Military Families

Posted on by jadmin

Military service members and their families face unique challenges during the transition to civilian life. At Journeys Map, we appreciate these challenges and are here to help. We support National University, a Veteran-founded nonprofit that’s been a guiding light for military-affiliated students since 1971. National University’s commitment to support for non-traditional students has earned them Gold status as a Military Friendly School and also a Top 10 Military Friendly Spouse School for 2024.

Turning Military Skills Into Civilian Success

One of the biggest challenges for service members is figuring out how their military skills translate to civilian careers. Journeys Map not only helps veterans see exactly how their military experience can open doors to new opportunities in the civilian world, but with powerful tools like our Skills Matcher, they can align and translate their military skills to exciting new  careers. Additionally, our Interest Survey guides career seekers through a variety of exercises and experiences, helping them discover the career paths that best fit their interests and strengths. It’s more than just a job search; it’s about envisioning the entire path to make the transition smoother.

Helping Military Spouses and Their Children Thrive

Military life can be tough on families, especially when it comes to frequent moves. Journeys Map is designed to help both spouses and their children overcome these challenges. Our platform offers flexible, location-independent career options, so spouses can continue to thrive professionally no matter where they go. For military children, Journeys Map highlights essential resources to help them stay on track with their education. We’re always up to date with state career and education standards for every grade level and provide targeted resources for each required benchmark, helping students build confidence in their subject matter.

Guiding Students Toward Success

At Journeys Map, student success is at the heart of what we do. We understand that frequent relocations and school changes can disrupt a child’s educational journey leading to gaps in learning and a loss of confidence. That’s why we’ve designed our tools to help students not only catch up, but to excel. By providing resources that align with state standards and offering guidance tailored to each student’s unique needs, Journeys Map ensures that every child can achieve their academic goals, no matter where life takes them.

A Shared Commitment to Your Success

At Journeys Map, we’re proud to support the goals of National University in serving the military community. Together, we are committed to providing the resources that empower service members and their families. Whether it’s helping veterans transition into civilian careers or supporting military families through educational and professional disruptions, we’re here to make a positive impact on the lives of those who have served our country.

We are dedicated to making the journey from military to civilian life as smooth and successful as possible so military families can confidently take the next step in their professional and educational journeys.

Ready to take the next step in your journey? Sign up for a free trial and explore Journeys Map today to unlock your future!