Curated Careers with Terri Homans
Cybersecurity. It's broader than you think.
Paula Sillars
Cybersecurity Operations Manager
4 May 2026
Listen on audio
Episode Description
Most people think cybersecurity is all hacking, code, and technical wizardry. In this episode, Paula Sillars explains what the work actually looks like, why communication matters so much, and how cyber often suits people coming in from other backgrounds.
In this episode you will learn:
why cybersecurity is not just a technical role
what the day-to-day work actually involves
why communication and people skills matter so much
how AI may affect junior cyber roles and future opportunities
This episode is for you if:
you are curious about cybersecurity careers
you are considering a move into tech or cyber from another background
you want a more realistic view of what the job involves day to day
you are interested in how AI is changing junior roles and future opportunities
Real jobs. Real insight. No Gloss.
If this episode helped you better understand this career path, explore more conversations or learn how Curated Careers can support your next step.
Key Takeaways
1. Cybersecurity is broader than most people think
Cybersecurity is not just coding, hacking, or sitting behind a screen dealing only with technology. Paula explains that the work involves people, process, communication, reporting, risk management, and helping organisations understand what needs to happen and why.
2. Human skills are a major advantage
Technical knowledge matters, but Paula’s career shows how important communication, emotional intelligence, follow-through, and relationship-building are in cybersecurity.
She describes being able to translate technical information into language customers can understand. This is a useful reminder that so-called “soft skills” are not secondary. In technical careers, they can be the skills that help people build trust, work across teams, and progress.
3. There is no single pathway into cybersecurity
Paula’s career path was not a straight line. She moved through business computing, libraries, IT, managed services, and security-focused roles before moving into cybersecurity leadership.
This episode highlights that people can enter cybersecurity from many different backgrounds, including technology, teaching, nursing, customer service, operations, risk, and other industries. Curiosity, transferable skills, networking, and ongoing learning all matter.
4. Adaptability matters in a fast-changing field
Cybersecurity changes constantly. New threats, tools, systems, and technologies mean people in this field need to keep learning.
Paula also discusses the impact of AI and how some junior or repetitive tasks may change over time. Her view is not that opportunity disappears, but that people need to stay adaptable and continue building relevant skills.
5. The work can be rewarding, but it is not passive
This career may suit people who enjoy problem-solving, detail, investigation, communication, and continuous improvement. It may be less suited to people who want predictable work that stays the same over time.
Thinking bout this career?
Download the Career Brief sheet (5 min read)