5 answers
Seth
Student
College Station, Texas
2
Questions
Asked
1844 views
What is the roadmap to a cybersecurity/FinTech CISO position?
I'm a 12th-grade student committed to Texas A&M, where I plan to major in Computer Science with a Cybersecurity Track, minor in Finance and/or the new AI minor, and possibly return for an MBA after gaining industry experience. My goal is to build a career in cybersecurity and eventually become a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) in the FinTech sector. What certifications, key experience milestones, and networking strategies would you recommend for this path?
Login to comment
4 answers
Prakash Sharma
Cyber Security
3
Answers
Eldersburg, MD
Updated
Prakash’s Answer
Seth, your ambitions and goals are truly impressive. You've made great progress so far, and I encourage you to keep pursuing your passion with dedication.
In addition to what Jasmine and James suggested, here are some key steps to consider:
- Secure internships in cybersecurity or FinTech companies to gain hands-on experience in roles like cybersecurity analyst or penetration tester. Get involved in projects related to system security or compliance.
- Start with foundational certifications like CompTIA Security+ and work your way up to advanced ones such as CISSP and CEH. Certifications like CISM, CCSP, and relevant FINRA certifications can further boost your expertise.
- Aim to move into leadership roles and get familiar with regulatory frameworks like GDPR and PCI DSS.
- Networking is crucial. Join professional groups like ISACA or (ISC)², attend industry events like the RSA Conference, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn.
- Find mentors and participate in forums, webinars, or hackathons to expand your network. Stay updated on the latest trends, improve your technical skills in programming and database management, and develop soft skills like leadership and communication.
By following these steps, you can effectively work toward becoming a CISO in the exciting FinTech sector.
Good luck!
In addition to what Jasmine and James suggested, here are some key steps to consider:
- Secure internships in cybersecurity or FinTech companies to gain hands-on experience in roles like cybersecurity analyst or penetration tester. Get involved in projects related to system security or compliance.
- Start with foundational certifications like CompTIA Security+ and work your way up to advanced ones such as CISSP and CEH. Certifications like CISM, CCSP, and relevant FINRA certifications can further boost your expertise.
- Aim to move into leadership roles and get familiar with regulatory frameworks like GDPR and PCI DSS.
- Networking is crucial. Join professional groups like ISACA or (ISC)², attend industry events like the RSA Conference, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn.
- Find mentors and participate in forums, webinars, or hackathons to expand your network. Stay updated on the latest trends, improve your technical skills in programming and database management, and develop soft skills like leadership and communication.
By following these steps, you can effectively work toward becoming a CISO in the exciting FinTech sector.
Good luck!
Mac Howell
Service Delivery Manager
6
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Mac’s Answer
Hi Seth,
I hope this reply finds you well. To start off on the networking side, I would sign up for a LinkedIn account if you have not already. Be sure to keep your image, your education and experience tightly and professionally written to draw the right kind of attention. From there you can explore the many interest groups available to become a member of and then begin your networking with like minded and those in the industry you currently identify with and those you are aspiring to be.
As James mentioned, many of the CompTIA certifications are very valuable for starting your track. I would also seek out the CISSP and CISM certifications as recommended as well. For your AI interests, I would suggest taking up AWS using their gamified learning series to earn some badges for AI and Financial services, https://aws.amazon.com/training/digital/aws-cloud-quest/ to gain hands on experience in a role based atmosphere that has a little bit of an entertainment flair.
As far as experience milestones go, getting an internship is an excellent suggestion as well. Whether it is specifically in financial services or in cybersecurity matters little at the initial stages. Getting your feet underneath you does.
Hope this helps you on your journey,. Best of luck!
-Mac
I hope this reply finds you well. To start off on the networking side, I would sign up for a LinkedIn account if you have not already. Be sure to keep your image, your education and experience tightly and professionally written to draw the right kind of attention. From there you can explore the many interest groups available to become a member of and then begin your networking with like minded and those in the industry you currently identify with and those you are aspiring to be.
As James mentioned, many of the CompTIA certifications are very valuable for starting your track. I would also seek out the CISSP and CISM certifications as recommended as well. For your AI interests, I would suggest taking up AWS using their gamified learning series to earn some badges for AI and Financial services, https://aws.amazon.com/training/digital/aws-cloud-quest/ to gain hands on experience in a role based atmosphere that has a little bit of an entertainment flair.
As far as experience milestones go, getting an internship is an excellent suggestion as well. Whether it is specifically in financial services or in cybersecurity matters little at the initial stages. Getting your feet underneath you does.
Hope this helps you on your journey,. Best of luck!
-Mac
Jasmine Baker (she/her)
4
Answers
Updated
Jasmine’s Answer
What is the roadmap to a cybersecurity/FinTech CISO position?
I'm a 12th-grade student committed to Texas A&M, where I plan to major in Computer Science with a Cybersecurity Track, minor in Finance and/or the new AI minor, and possibly return for an MBA after gaining industry experience. My goal is to build a career in cybersecurity and eventually become a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) in the FinTech sector. What certifications, key experience milestones, and networking strategies would you recommend for this path?
Hi Seth,
Starting with a degree in Computer Science is a great start, I highly recommend you keep the Cybersecurity Track. A minor in finance can be helpful but I would recommend Management Information Systems (MIS) instead, this is because it is more focused on data analysis, database management, and you learn foundational programming languages.
Anything in AI right now is going to be helpful today and 10 years down the road. In addition to your major/minor I would look into foundation cybersecurity certifications such as the ISC 2 CC certification. With your degree & a foundational cyber certification you would have all of the skills needed to then get a cybersecurity internship & then start your career trajectory towards CISO in FinTech sector.
Again you can still minor in finance but realistically after school what you will want to make sure you focus on is either working for consulting firms that serve major financial institutions or look for data analysts positions at the financial institutions so you gain experience in the finance industry.
Link to the CC certification: https://www.isc2.org/certifications/cc
Best of luck!
I'm a 12th-grade student committed to Texas A&M, where I plan to major in Computer Science with a Cybersecurity Track, minor in Finance and/or the new AI minor, and possibly return for an MBA after gaining industry experience. My goal is to build a career in cybersecurity and eventually become a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) in the FinTech sector. What certifications, key experience milestones, and networking strategies would you recommend for this path?
Hi Seth,
Starting with a degree in Computer Science is a great start, I highly recommend you keep the Cybersecurity Track. A minor in finance can be helpful but I would recommend Management Information Systems (MIS) instead, this is because it is more focused on data analysis, database management, and you learn foundational programming languages.
Anything in AI right now is going to be helpful today and 10 years down the road. In addition to your major/minor I would look into foundation cybersecurity certifications such as the ISC 2 CC certification. With your degree & a foundational cyber certification you would have all of the skills needed to then get a cybersecurity internship & then start your career trajectory towards CISO in FinTech sector.
Again you can still minor in finance but realistically after school what you will want to make sure you focus on is either working for consulting firms that serve major financial institutions or look for data analysts positions at the financial institutions so you gain experience in the finance industry.
Link to the CC certification: https://www.isc2.org/certifications/cc
Best of luck!
James Patterson Wicks
Cyber Security Leader
32
Answers
West Orange, New Jersey
Updated
James Patterson’s Answer
Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Computer Science with Cybersecurity Track (Texas A&M).
- Minors: Finance, Artificial Intelligence
Advanced Degree:
- MBA with focus on Information Security or Technology Management:
Certifications:
- Early Technical Career (0–3 years experience): CompTIA Security+, GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
- Mid-Technical Career (3–6 years experience): Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM),
- Late Technical Career (6 - 9 years experience): Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Management Track (9+ years experience): Certified Chief Information Security Officer (C|CISO)
Key Experience Milestones:
College Internships (Years 1–4):
- Summer internships in cybersecurity (especially in financial services/FinTech firms).
- Participation in cybersecurity clubs, hackathons, Capture the Flag (CTF) events.
Early Career (0–3 years post-graduation):
- Security analyst roles in financial services or tech companies.
- Incident response, SOC analyst roles, vulnerability assessment teams.
Mid-Career (3–7 years):
- Team lead or senior analyst positions (Incident Response, Threat Intelligence).
- Management of small projects/teams; involvement in compliance frameworks (NIST, PCI DSS, ISO 27001).
Senior Management (7–12+ years):
- Information Security Manager or Director roles.
- Oversight of cybersecurity programs, regulatory audits, strategic risk management.
- Active role in executive committees, policy formulation, and governance.
Networking Strategies/Professional Organizations:
- Information Systems Security Association (ISSA)
- ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association)
- InfraGard (FBI public-private cybersecurity initiative)
- LinkedIn—Build connections with current CISOs, senior security leaders, and alumni groups.
- InfraGard - A national non-profit organization serving as a public-private partnership between U.S. businesses and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Mentorship:
- Seek a mentor currently serving as a senior leader or CISO within the FinTech sector.
- Bachelor’s Degree: Computer Science with Cybersecurity Track (Texas A&M).
- Minors: Finance, Artificial Intelligence
Advanced Degree:
- MBA with focus on Information Security or Technology Management:
Certifications:
- Early Technical Career (0–3 years experience): CompTIA Security+, GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
- Mid-Technical Career (3–6 years experience): Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM),
- Late Technical Career (6 - 9 years experience): Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Management Track (9+ years experience): Certified Chief Information Security Officer (C|CISO)
Key Experience Milestones:
College Internships (Years 1–4):
- Summer internships in cybersecurity (especially in financial services/FinTech firms).
- Participation in cybersecurity clubs, hackathons, Capture the Flag (CTF) events.
Early Career (0–3 years post-graduation):
- Security analyst roles in financial services or tech companies.
- Incident response, SOC analyst roles, vulnerability assessment teams.
Mid-Career (3–7 years):
- Team lead or senior analyst positions (Incident Response, Threat Intelligence).
- Management of small projects/teams; involvement in compliance frameworks (NIST, PCI DSS, ISO 27001).
Senior Management (7–12+ years):
- Information Security Manager or Director roles.
- Oversight of cybersecurity programs, regulatory audits, strategic risk management.
- Active role in executive committees, policy formulation, and governance.
Networking Strategies/Professional Organizations:
- Information Systems Security Association (ISSA)
- ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association)
- InfraGard (FBI public-private cybersecurity initiative)
- LinkedIn—Build connections with current CISOs, senior security leaders, and alumni groups.
- InfraGard - A national non-profit organization serving as a public-private partnership between U.S. businesses and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Mentorship:
- Seek a mentor currently serving as a senior leader or CISO within the FinTech sector.
Thank you for the advice, James Patterson.
Seth