Voices from the Field: Creating Careers in Cybersecurity
The Challenge
Cyberattacks are an increasing concern and have more than doubled since the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, according to ISC2’s recent workforce survey, there remains a significant deficit in the number of qualified cybersecurity professionals expected to be needed over the coming years to address these challenges. At the same time, in 2024 there was a projected youth unemployment level of 6.7 million in Latin America and the Caribbean and many face challenges such as lack of access to economic opportunities, skills training and gender disparities.
The Approach
Recognizing the opportunity to simultaneously fill the cybersecurity talent gap and provide underserved young people with professional and financial opportunities, in 2017 the Organization of American States (OAS) launched 'Creating a Career Path in Cybersecurity'[1].This initiative helps generate an ecosystem of cybersecurity education and workforce development for youth across Latin America and the Caribbean and is working with governments to pilot national cybersecurity workforce development frameworks. The Citi Foundation funded OAS as part of Pathways to Progress, our job skills-building initiative that addresses the persistent, global issue of youth unemployment.
The OAS initiative focuses on training low-income students to improve their long-term employability, providing technical training on topics such as Cybersecurity Fundamentals, Incident Management, Threat Analysis and Forensic Analysis. Participants also build their skills and experiences through internship and professional development opportunities. Through this initiative, OAS has supported training for over 1,200 young people, involving more than 50 universities and technical schools across 10 countries in the region, including Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Mexico and Panama.
‘Creating a Career Path in Cybersecurity’ includes programming dedicated to reducing the gender gap in cybersecurity by promoting the participation of more young women and encouraging them to strengthen their technical capacity. Over 3,000 young women have participated in these programs so far.
"Specialized training in cybersecurity is a necessity for the region, and initiatives such as ‘Creating a Career Path in Cybersecurity’ are examples of direct actions that respond to specific needs. The continued collaboration between the Citi Foundation and OAS’ Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE) is allowing young people in the Americas to build their future while generating solutions tailored to the current challenges of the cybersecurity sector."
"The program 'Creating a Career Path in Cybersecurity' has been instrumental in strengthening Costa Rica's capacity to respond to cyber threats. Thanks to this initiative, we have trained young talent who are now actively contributing to the protection of our critical infrastructure and the promotion of a cybersecurity culture in the country."
“As a global bank, we understand the critical role cybersecurity plays in the modern economy. We are certain that by collaborating with OAS on this program, we are not only securing a better digital future, but also empowering students from vulnerable economies with the skills they need to thrive.”
'Creating a Career Path in Cybersecurity’ participants conduct a cybersecurity exercise in San José, Costa Rica.
In Their Words: Participant Testimonials
Gabriel, 22, Colombia, ‘Creating a Career Path in Cybersecurity’ participant
“My internship through the Network of Government Cyber Incident Response Teams of the OAS Member States (CSIRTAmericas) allowed me to learn how to use technologies that at first seemed very complicated. The colleagues and members who were with me were of great help and gave me motivation to grow. Thanks to the internship I was promoted at my full-time job. Having done this program fills me with pride.”
Lisa, 22, Dominican Republic, ‘Creating a Career Path in Cybersecurity’ participant
“I will always be grateful to the OAS for giving me the opportunity to be a more qualified professional and making me more valuable in the eyes of the market. I had been looking for a job for two years, and then just a month after finishing the internship with the Network of Government Cyber Incident Response Teams of the OAS Member States (CSIRTAmericas) I received a job offer.”
The Organization of American States is part of the Citi Foundation's Pathways for Progress initiative. Learn more about the Citi Foundation’s program in the recent report here.