Category: Cybersecurity

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.

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

Captain Jonathan Patrick’s Perspective

Journeys Map: Bridging the Talent Gap

“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.

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.

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.