Category: Uncategorized

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

In today’s dynamic job market, where nearly half of employees change jobs by age 24 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, taking control of your career path is more important than ever. Traditionally, career mapping was a tool used by employers to outline potential advancement opportunities for their employees. However, career mapping remains a valuable strategy for both employers and employees to not only chart internal promotion paths, but also to identify opportunities for skill development and increased employee engagement.

As the pace of digital innovation accelerates and the demand for highly skilled talent builds, gaps are becoming common – a report by the World Economic Forum estimates up to 50% of employees will need reskilling by 2025. That’s why Journeys Map is excited to soon launch their skills gap analysis tool to assist both employers and employees. This feature helps identify any discrepancies between an employee’s current skill set and the requirements of their desired future role. For organizations, Journeys Map will offer capabilities to create customized maps specific to their company structure. This allows employees to see how their skills and strengths profiles align with other positions within the company, potentially increasing retention rates and allowing for employees to explore new spaces. 

What is Career Mapping and Why is it Important?

Career mapping, also known as career pathing, is the process of visualizing your professional journey. It involves identifying your current position, defining your long-term goals, and outlining the steps necessary to bridge the gap between the two. This roadmap provides a clear picture of your desired career trajectory, allowing you to avoid the pitfalls of:

• Career Complacency: Without a clear direction, it’s easy to fall into a routine and stagnate in your current role. Career mapping forces you to proactively seek out growth opportunities, keeping your skills sharp and your career on an upward trajectory. A study by LinkedIn found that 76% of professionals with career maps reported feeling more confident about their career direction.
  
• Missed Opportunities: The dynamic job market offers a wealth of potential opportunities, but they can be easy to miss if you’re not actively looking.  Career mapping helps you identify skills that are in demand and positions that align with your goals, making you more likely to seize the right opportunities when they arise. 
  
• Skill Gaps: The skills required for success are constantly evolving. Career mapping exposes any gaps between your current skill set and your desired future role, allowing you to take targeted action to bridge those gaps through training, education, or on-the-job experiences.

Crafting Your Personal Career Map: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to take charge of your career? Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your personal career map:

Bridge the Gap Between Your Starting Point and Your Destination:

• Specific Job Titles: Journeys Map empowers you to search by specific job title. This search delivers an in-depth understanding of the chosen career path. You’ll gain valuable insights into the: Skills and Qualifications Needed: Journeys Map equips you with a clear picture of the  essential and desirable skills and qualifications for your target job title. This allows you to identify areas where you excel and any skill gaps you need to address.
  
• Training Programs and Educational Pursuits: Journeys Map recognizes the importance of continuous learning. The platform offers details about  institutions and programs that align with your specific career goals. Whether you’re considering a formal degree program or a certificate course, Journeys Map helps you find the educational resources to bridge your skill gaps and enhance your qualifications.

Detail the Requirements: Don’t just list desired job titles; research the specific skills and experience required for each position using the information provided by Journeys Map. This will help you identify any skill gaps you need to address.

By taking the time to create your personal career map, you’ll gain clarity, purpose, and direction in your professional journey. Remember, your career is yours to own, so take charge and map your course to success with Journeys here to support you every step of the way.

To begin charting your course visit Journeys Map today!

We at Journeys Map are buzzing with excitement after a whirlwind of incredible events in our beautiful city. It’s been a journey (pun intended!), and we’re thrilled to share it with you!

The Power of Partnership!

A huge shout-out to our amazing partners at the Cyber Center of Excellence (CCOE)! Thanks to their connection, we were guests at the WiCyS San Diego career fair, setting up a booth to connect with participants and learn more about their aspirations in cybersecurity. The energy at the event was electric, with a strong focus on community and collaboration.

Inspiring Stories and Shared Journeys

The theme we heard most often at WiCyS? Transformation! People from all walks of life, with years of experience, were eager to explore how Journeys Map could support their pathways to fulfilling careers in cybersecurity. It was truly inspiring to see how our platform empowers users to connect their passions with purpose, ultimately shaping their dream futures.

Investing in the Future: A Day with CFF

We didn’t stop there! We also journeyed to the Classroom of the Future Foundation‘s 7th Annual College & Career Pathways Summit. This event was an enriching day filled with insightful discussions and valuable connections. We were especially grateful to see the unwavering support for our long-standing partner, the College Futures Foundation (CFF), and their dedication to advancing education in our community. Let’s not forget the excitement when we raffled off a brand new Apple Watch – congrats to the lucky winner!

Celebrating STEAM and the Future Leaders of San Diego!

Next, the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering Expo Day was a blast for curious minds of tomorrow’s STEAM leaders! We proudly represented CCOE (Cyber Center of Excellence) at the College & Career EXPO, showcasing the Cyber Security portion of our map to the young minds that came through. We were excited to see the addition of the “College & Career” spaces, connecting students with higher education and industry partners. 

A Shared Vision for a Brighter Future

Every event we attended reinforced our core belief: community and collaboration are the cornerstones of innovation. Whether it’s empowering career transitions, nurturing a diverse tech workforce, or igniting a passion for STEAM, we’re all on this journey together.

Thank You, San Diego!

We’re so grateful for the opportunity to participate in these incredible events. A heartfelt thank you to all the organizers, volunteers, and participants who made them possible.

Stay tuned! We have even more exciting things planned for San Diego. Keep an eye out for upcoming events and partnerships!

In the meantime, explore your own journey with Journeys Map! Visit our website and see how we can help you connect your who, what, and future!

Are you feeling a bit lost in your career journey? You’re not alone. Many of us find ourselves unsure of where to go next or how to reach our goals. But fear not! We’re here to guide you through the process.

In today’s world, the job market is constantly evolving. It’s not just about climbing the corporate ladder anymore; it’s about finding a path that’s meaningful to you and helps you grow both personally and professionally. That’s where career planning comes in.

Career planning isn’t about following a set path; it’s about creating your own. It’s about figuring out what you’re passionate about, what skills you have, and where you want to go, and then mapping out a plan to get there. But with so much information out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

That’s where AI comes in.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help streamline the process by providing personalized insights and recommendations based on your unique profile. Whether you’re a recent graduate exploring your options or a seasoned professional looking for a change, AI can help you find your way.

Harnessing the power of AI

And remember, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. There are tools and resources available to support you every step of the way. One such tool is Journeys Map.

Journeys Map harnesses the power of AI to assist you in developing your career path. By analyzing your skills, interests, and goals, Journeys Map provides personalized recommendations and actionable insights to help you make informed decisions about your career.

Whether you’re considering a career change, seeking opportunities for growth within your current role, or exploring new paths altogether, Journeys Map can be your trusted companion. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive database of job trends and industry insights, it’s like having a career coach right at your fingertips.

So why wait?

Take the first step towards shaping your future today. Sign up for Journeys Map and embark on a journey of self-discovery and professional growth. Together, with the power of career planning and AI, you can chart a course towards a brighter and more fulfilling tomorrow. Your journey starts now.

This week (March 3-5, 2024) was the Educating for Careers Conference, curated by the California ACTE (Association for Career and Technical Education) and California Partnership Academies. Nationally, the need for the creation of educational resources, guidance, and pathways to high quality careers has been gaining more attention, but only because the cost of college has become so egregious and out of reach for so many, that policy makers are finally taking notice. Of course the COVID pandemic threw gas on the proverbial fire, as more and more graduating high school students began to choose alternate pathways to employment. 

The Higher Education Act:

In his book Apprentice Nation, author Ryan Craig discusses how we were once a nation of apprenticeships (think George Washington and Paul Revere) which slowly began to introduce higher education as a way for the merchant elite to distinguish themselves. The tide fully turned in the 1960’s with the Higher Education Act which put into law provisions for financial assistance to students and to strengthen the educational resource of the colleges and universities of the United States. Craig states “The ethos of college — equipping young people to fulfill their potential in whatever direction it may take them — is the ethos of America.” He goes on to say how the tide is turning again, and the country has fallen far behind other industrialized nations in the development of robust apprenticeship programs. Far too many students are being left behind, and too many well paying, high quality jobs are going unfilled. Craig offers solutions for addressing these problems, which includes the development of robust pathways programming and a national apprenticeship system. 

One of the keystones of Craig’s augment is the lack of Federal Funding and leadership, with the little money that is trickling into the existing programs often being spent in the wrong places. Having been in the pathfinding space for the past 12+ years, I wholeheartedly agree with Craig’s assessment. 

Building Pathway Programs:

What was clear from the Educating for Careers Conference was that there are legions of dedicated individuals and small teams out there doing yeoman’s work building pathway programs, helping our children find their way, and doggedly staying as current as humanly possible on all the new career clusters, jobs, technologies and industries that are cropping up like daisies after a springtime shower. If you’re a guidance counselor today — you have to familiarize yourself with careers in AI, Cybersecurity, Green Energy, Transportation, and a plethora of new Healthcare jobs — just to name a few. There are so many great new high paying jobs available that don’t require a college degree, that these overworked souls are finding it difficult to keep pace with change. To top it off, they are not given the tools and support to enable enough advancement to keep pace with the rate of change.

Advancement with Little Funding:

Unlike the many higher education and EdTech conferences I’ve attended with fancy graphics & logos, clear leadership organizations, and the extra ‘bells and whistles’ that add to their cache, this conference was bare bones in comparison — a meat and potatoes event as they say. There were hundreds of great speakers and sessions, a solid hall of vendors ready to service the market, but little else. I don’t say this to disparage the organizers, but rather make an example of the fact that there is so little funding and leadership from a national level, that any advancement of the work being done in this space is possible through the sheer will of those involved, and little else. 

I was blown away by the dedication and passion of the attendees — all searching for better ways to guide their charges in the exploration of careers of meaning. They are truly heroes without capes, mild-mannered citizens dedicating their lives in the service of others. 

Just like President Johnson’s Higher Education Act did in 1965, it’s time that our current administration establishes programmatic leadership and funding for the development of a robust pathways program, including apprenticeships. The United States has fallen behind countries like Germany, Great Britain and Australia who have funded, developed and maintained pathways to solid middle class jobs, far outpacing the United States. While access to college remains important for many students, pathways to non-college careers today require skill-based training and systematic change — not college debt. I say let’s support our friends in guidance and pathway management programs, and those students looking for career options that may not require a 4-year degree. There is plenty of financial incentive to do so, as the painful college debt epidemic and >700,000 open cybersecurity positions will attest. 

Final Thoughts:

A big thank you to the wonderful people I met at the 2024 Educating for Careers Conference who dedicate their time, talents and treasures to our nation’s youth. It is my mission to support your work through the development of world-class pathway tools, and advocacy to our elected officials who have the power to affect change on a national scale, which is sorely needed today more than ever.

Hey there, career climbers! This month, we’re diving into the hottest trend shaking up the world of work: Skills-first hiring. Forget the days when a degree was your golden ticket. Now, employers are hungry for real-world skills and experience, making this the perfect time to supercharge your career.

Why the shift? Buckle up, because it’s a wild ride:

• Technology is a whirlwind: Industries are transforming faster than ever, leaving traditional degrees with an expiring shelf life. A 2023 study by the World Economic Forum found that 74% of businesses report they need to equip their workforce with new skills due to technological advancements. This means technical skills learned even five years ago might be obsolete, demanding constant learning and adaptability.
  
• Human skills are the secret sauce: Collaboration, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence are gold dust in today’s team-driven workplaces. A whopping 90% of hiring managers report that soft skills are as important, or even more important, than technical skills, according to LinkedIn’s 2024 Global Talent Trends Report. No matter your field, these human skills are the keys to unlocking leadership and innovation.
  
• The price tag on a degree can be a major hurdle: Traditional education can leave you drowning in debt, especially when it doesn’t guarantee a job. Thankfully, alternative learning options like certification programs, online courses, and apprenticeships offer affordable, targeted skill development. A 2023 report by the National Skills Coalition found that 92% of jobs analyzed require digital skills, yet one-third of workers lack the foundational skills needed to enter and thrive in today’s workforce. This highlights the critical need for accessible and effective skill development solutions.

So, how do you conquer this new skills-based landscape? Here’s your battle plan:

• Become a skill-seeker: Identify the skills in demand for your dream career. Explore learning methods that fit your budget and schedule, whether it’s online courses, hands-on opportunities, or apprenticeships. Remember, degrees are just one piece of the puzzle.
  
• Showcase your skills like a pro: Don’t just list skills on your resume; make them sing! Quantify your impact, use relevant keywords, and highlight micro-credentials and certificates to prove your expertise. Think of your resume as a skills trophy case.
  
• Stay ahead of the curve: The world of work is constantly evolving, so never stop learning. A 2024 study by The Conference Board found that 87% of employees believe they need to develop new skills throughout their careers to keep up with changes in the workplace. Seek ongoing learning opportunities, and don’t forget to communicate your skill development to your employer. Create a skills portfolio to track your progress and show off your dedication.

Now, here’s the exciting part: Unearthing your hidden skill potential and learning how to communicate them can be easier than you think! Introducing Journeys Map’s Skills Matcher assessment, a free, 10-minute online tool that matches your unique skills with potential careers.

Here’s how it works:

1. Answer a series of questions about your skills and interests.
2. The assessment analyzes your responses and identifies Best Fit, Great Fit, and Good Fit career options for you.
3. Get a personalized report highlighting the skills that make you a perfect match for these careers.

Remember:

• You have options: Don’t let a lack of a degree hold you back. Explore alternative learning pathways and focus on building in-demand skills.
  
• Be proactive: Take charge of your career by actively seeking opportunities to learn and grow. Don’t wait for the skills fairy to visit!
  
• Network and connect: Build relationships with professionals in your field and stay informed about industry trends. Your network is your skill-building support system. This doesn’t just mean attending industry events or joining LinkedIn groups. Platforms like Journeys Map even go a step further, connecting you with potential mentors, colleagues, and even informing you about relevant job boards, internship opportunities, and certification programs. Pathways to career building are not linear, and Journeys Map knows that your pathway is as unique as you are.

Ready to unlock your true career potential? Head over to JourneysMap.com and take the Skills Matcher assessment today! It’s fast, fun, and your key to thriving in the skills economy!

We are excited to announce that in December, Journeys Map was selected to receive the San Diego Business Journal (SDBJ) & San Diego Cyber Center of Excellence’s (CCOE) 2023 Cybersecurity Stewardship Award for Organization of the Year!

The recognition symbolizes our ongoing effort to transform the way pathways to meaningful careers are created and utilized. The work begins here in our home base of San Diego — within the education and cybersecurity communities — and extends out to a broader audience through our work internationally. We have quietly but assuredly worked closely with many companies and non-profit organizations within the region to create access and opportunity to available jobs for both youth and adult populations.

The success of Journeys Map is a direct reflection of EdGate’s determination and efforts to power education for everyone, from school age to retirement.

This is the third year in a row that we have been recognized with a Cybersecurity Stewardship Award, and the second time this year, including our CEO Peter Sibley’s recognition as CEO of the Year by the SDBJ, that EdGate has risen to the occasion as an organization. The entire team at EdGate continues to strive to make a difference in the communities we serve. As we like to say, EdGate Powers Education.

For companies, c-suite execs and front-line managers looking to take their teams to new heights in 2024, the first step inevitably lies in understanding the full potential of their existing teams.

A goal here at Journeys Map is to find better ways of empowering managers and CEOs alike with unparalleled insights into the hidden talents within their organization. A key differentiator, the right mix of talent can make or break a company. Once your team is optimized, the key becomes preservation and long term development. Journeys Map is designed to provide directional navigation through the diverse skills, experiences, and potentials of your team members. The information provided can help unearth the untapped brilliance within your workforce to drive innovation, collaboration, and sustainability.

Retention Focused:

Did you know that 40% of employees leave due to a lack of career growth? By identifying and nurturing your teams existing talent sets, retention rate will increase. Often, employees have different sets of skills that can be applied in new and important way — Journeys Map is designed to help you unlock these treasures and identify new ways to apply and optimize them —increasing productivity. Occasionally, new career focuses can be found as well, allowing a good employee to become a better version of themselves in a new and exciting capacity.

Illuminating Diversity:

Diversity matters and according to Glassdoor 67% of job seekers prioritize searching for companies with diverse workforces. Journeys Map lights up underutilized talent, especially in underrepresented groups. By unveiling hidden skill sets, you can build a more inclusive and dynamic workforce, attracting top talent and boosting innovation. Picture a programmer with a passion for community outreach becoming your social impact champion – Journeys Map makes it possible.

Employee Engagement:

We all know that when an employee feels stuck in a career rut, it’s demotivating. Journeys Map showcases the kaleidoscope of career possibilities within your company, reigniting passion and engagement. For example, when Susan in sales utilizes our Interest Survey and discovers her negotiation skills, it makes her the perfect candidate for a client-facing role. That’s just one way Journneys Map can help you retain happy, engaged employees who contribute their best work.

Skills Assessment Lens:

Journeys Skills Assessment helps your employees look at their current roles through the lens of their talents and skills. Are they underutilized, or can you leverage hidden talents within the company? It provides the clarity needed to make informed decisions about fitting into higher roles or switching contributions to a whole new department.

Want more information on how you can transform your workplace into a talent powerhouse? Contact the team at Journeys Map today and learn how the hidden talents of your team can take center stage, propelling them to unparalleled success!

Imagine a world where careers aren’t ladders but constellations. Twinkling possibilities sprawl before you, connected by constellations of skills you already possess. Sounds pretty epic, right? Well, buckle up, because Journeys Map is your personal cartographer to these career galaxies.

Let’s face it, most career advice boils down to two options: climb the same ladder everyone else is on, or take a leap of faith into the unknown. Journeys Map throws this tired binary out the airlock. Here’s why it’s a game-changer for career changers and professionals:

Skills self-discovery superpower: Forget generic career quizzes. Journeys Map delves deep, analyzing your work history, education, and even volunteer experiences to map your unique skill set. It’s like a magic mirror revealing the hidden talents you didn’t even know you had. Suddenly, that passion project you thought was just a hobby becomes the key to unlocking a fulfilling career in something you love waking up to do every day.

Uncharted career path explorer: Forget the “should” game. Journeys Map shows you realistic, attainable career options based on your existing skills. The data-driven map highlights both familiar and surprising new career paths, letting you explore possibilities you might have never considered. Remember the daydreamer in school with a knack for writing? Journeys Map might reveal their potential as a captivating copywriter or even a children’s book author.

Confidence-boosting career compass: Feeling lost or undervalued? Journeys Map is your antidote. Seeing your skills translated into concrete career options is incredibly empowering. It validates your worth and gives you the confidence to pursue your dream job, whether it’s within your current company or in a brand new galaxy.

Turn your skills into new career pathways:  Want to explore where your skills can take you? The Journeys Map Skills Matcher walks you through questions that assess your current skills and where you shine best. Then matches you with exciting careers that fit your individual skillset! 

Journeys Map isn’t just a career mapping tool; it’s a talent liberation movement. It shows us that career paths aren’t linear, but constellations waiting to be explored. It’s a self-discovery journey, revealing hidden talents and opening doors to fulfilling careers, new and old.. So, chart your course with Journeys Map, and let your career constellation shine.

Ready to map your future? Visit JourneysMap.com and ignite your career journey today!