Category: Career Exploration

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

Posted on by jadmin

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.

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!

Journeys Map: A Catalyst for Change in Cybersecurity

Posted on by jadmin

Did you know that only 24% of the cybersecurity workforce is female? This statistic highlights a significant gender gap in the industry. At Journeys Map, we’re committed to closing this gap and empowering women to pursue successful careers in cybersecurity.

Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) Event

Recently, I had the privilege of attending the Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) San Diego Speakers Series. This event was a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting women in tech and creating a more inclusive environment. The panelists offered invaluable insights into how organizations can foster diversity and inclusion in their cybersecurity teams.

Key Takeaways

  • Hire more women at all levels: Organizations need to actively seek out and hire women in cybersecurity roles, from entry-level positions to leadership roles.
  • Include diverse voices and perspectives: Creating a diverse team can lead to better problem-solving, innovation, and overall success.
  • Sponsor programs for women’s career growth: Offering mentorship programs, training opportunities, and networking events can help women advance their careers.
  • Partner with organizations like WiCyS: Collaborating with organizations dedicated to empowering women in cybersecurity can make a significant impact.

How Journeys Map Can Help

Journeys Map is a comprehensive career navigation tool that can help organizations develop and sustain cybersecurity employer engagement and talent pipeline management.

Here’s how we can support your efforts:

  • Identify and attract top female talent: Our platform can help you find qualified women candidates within and outside your organization ready to fulfill your cybersecurity needs.
  • Provide targeted career development resources: We offer a variety of resources, including assessments, access to skill-building opportunities, and technical training to support women’s career growth in cybersecurity.
  • Measure and track individual career goals and professional growth: Our analytics tools can help you monitor the progress of your employees as they develop their skills, explore career paths, and achieve their professional goals.
  • Support business growth: By creating personalized career maps for your employees, you can identify skills gaps within your organization and access qualified individuals to fill those roles. This helps you build a high-performing team and achieve your business objectives.

The involvement of women in cybersecurity is not just a matter of filling seats; it’s about leveraging women’s distinctive skills, perspectives, and values to enhance the field. Their participation is key to driving innovation, ensuring balanced decision-making, and building a resilient digital defense against cyber threats. By fostering a diverse and inclusive cybersecurity workforce, we can create a stronger, more effective, and more secure digital world.

By working together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable cybersecurity industry. Journeys Map is committed to empowering women and supporting organizations in their efforts to close the gender gap.

Contact our team to learn more about how Journeys Map can help your organization.

Advocating for Early Career Exploration

Posted on by jadmin

Have you ever stopped to think about how exploring career paths shaped your journey? During our middle school years, we are taught the importance of planning and goal setting, when our young minds are open to the endless possibilities and eager to explore the world we live in.

At this age, students should be encouraged to explore their career options to foster their curiosity, self-awareness, and interests. By encouraging young individuals to explore different career paths, we can empower them to make informed choices about their future and establish realistic goals.

According to a study conducted by the American Student Assistance® (ASA) and Education Strategy Group (ESG), a student’s academic performance, motivation, and overall job satisfaction can be greatly impacted by early exposure to a variety of occupations. By introducing students to a wide range of career options, we can help them discover their passions, strengths, and interests, setting them on a path towards success and fulfillment.

This is where Journeys Map can make a difference in guiding students in their career exploration. Journeys offers students a personalized roadmap that navigates them through different career paths based on interests, skills, and values. Journeys Map powerful data analysis capabilities match students with potential career options that align with their unique situation. Through interactive quizzes, resources, and real-world insights, Journeys Map enables students to make informed decisions about their future with confidence. Whether it’s diving into apprenticeships, exploring vocational training, or even dreaming up entrepreneurial ventures, Journeys is like a compass guiding students toward paths that truly speak to them.

In addition to beginning exploring career options earlier, school advisors need ways to connect better with their students. Advisors are reliable and essential guides when it comes to navigating the jungle of career discovery. They can help students confidently explore many career paths by utilizing Journeys as their companion. Journeys offers a vast array of resources so advisors can craft tailored guidance that aligns perfectly with each student’s dreams and abilities.  Using Journeys resources, advisors can help students in their own personal journey, whether it’s discovering a hidden skill or pursuing unusual career paths.

Advisors also face challenges in career guidance with high student-to-advisor ratios or limited time working with individual students. Journeys offers a solution to these challenges by providing advisors with resources to help personalize support, or even empower the students to navigate on their own.

One career that’s currently in high demand and sparking interests in middle schoolers is cybersecurity. As technology continues to shape our world, the need for cybersecurity professionals likewise continues to grow. To highlight this growing career path, Journeys partners with educational institutions like the Cyber Center of Excellence (CCOE) to offer virtual career exploration events. These events provide students with insights into the world of cybersecurity to potentially spark their interest in the field.

Many states are now recognizing the importance of earlier career exploration. In Indiana, the Commission for Higher Education has developed a Comprehensive Career Coaching and Navigation Framework that is focused on career exploration, engagement, and experience. Kentucky has also developed statewide efforts to support its advising needs. They offer the Kentucky Advising Academy (KAA) which includes a College and Career Advising Toolkit. This toolkit includes career exploration, financial aid and literacy, and information on postsecondary opportunities.

Middle school is a place where dreams begin to take shape. By emphasizing career exploration during this crucial time, we’re raising the next generation of professionals who are equipped to succeed in a world that is always changing, in addition to getting students ready for the workforce. 

Interested in seeing how Journeys can help your students on their career exploration? Journeys Map is free to try today! Explore the possibilities!