Lesley Carhart Sep 29, 2023
I had a mentoring session last night with a poc I’ve been working with who went to his first local cybersecurity con, recently. He had such a bad experience with people being cliquey there and ignoring him that he’s ready to stop trying to get into the industry. 😥😰 I knew there are some cultural issues at that con and area but had no idea they were so bad, and encouraged him to maybe look at other cities in the US and their cons. Pitch your city’s infosec community and scene and I’ll share with him?
Show threadg-clef

@hacks4pancakes If he's still a student, perhaps look into something like the Shmooze-a-student program at Shmoocon? They have you meet up with your sponsors and other students beforehand.

In general, cons can be hard. I wouldn't recommend that people start there. I've been in the industry for > 20 years and I love the information I get at cons, but I've never managed to break into the "lobby-con" scene.

Sep 29, 2023 at 3:02pmWeb
Show threadg-clefSep 29, 2023
@hacks4pancakes I realize this is counter-intuitive, but the semi-corporate cons that provide lunch might also be a good way to meet new folks: you're sitting at a table with a bunch of strangers at the lunch anyway, so chatting to random people is expected and (a little) less awkward.