Getting training in cybersecurity is the first step. Showing what you know and landing a real opportunity is the next step.
In “ She is Digital,” a program of Junior Achievement Americas, that second step has its own phase: employability. There, participants work with professionals who are currently employed in the technology sector.
Here are the three most recent sessions from that phase, who led them, and what you can take away from each one.
Why Employability Is a Fundamental Pillar of the Program
Technical training alone is not enough. That is why She is Digital combines four elements: cybersecurity training, the Cisco CCST international certification, social-emotional skills, and job placement support.
The program's impact study identifies self-efficacy—that is, confidence in one's own abilities—as the primary enabler of employability.
And the results speak for themselves. Formal employment among our female graduates has risen from 12% to 31%. In addition, 62% of employed female graduates work in technology-related roles.
1. Webinar: “Employability in Cybersecurity,” with Kyndryl in Brazil
This webinar was for participants in the " She is Digital " program in Brazil, in partnership with Junior Achievement Brazil. It was led by Fábio Isaguirre, head of the Cybersecurity team at Kyndryl Brazil.
For an hour, Fábio discussed the various career paths available in cybersecurity. He also explained what the market is looking for today and how to get started in the field.
One of his recommendations changes the initial question. It's not about choosing "cybersecurity" in general. It's about figuring out what kind of problem you like to solve within that field.
The event was supported by the Kyndryl Foundation, an anchor investor in She is Digital.
We explore these ideas in more depth in our guide, “How to Build a Career in Technology from Scratch.”
2. “Build Your Personal Brand” Webinar, with SoftwareOne in Mexico and Costa Rica
Together with SoftwareOne LATAM, we hosted this webinar for participants from Mexico and Costa Rica, in partnership with Junior Achievement Mexico and Junior Achievement Costa Rica.
It was presented by SoftwareOne’s Talent Acquisition team: Erika Lorena Rincon Carvajal, Fabiola Cespedes, Nadia Alvarez, and Sue Ruiz. In other words, it reflects the perspective of those who work in talent search and selection.
The participants received practical recommendations in five areas:
- Strengthen your value proposition.
- Enhance your professional presence on LinkedIn.
- Optimize your resume.
- Use artificial intelligence as a support tool.
- Preparing for job interviews.
3. Masterclass: “Employability Skills and Professional Preparation for STEM Careers,” with Kyndryl and Women’s KIN in Costa Rica
On September 30, 125 participants from “ She is Digital ” in Costa Rica took part in this masterclass. We organized it in partnership with Kyndryl, the Junior Achievement Costa Rica team, and members of the Women’s KIN network.
Fressie Brenes Arias and Dayanna Barquero Calvo, from Kyndryl Consult Costa Rica, shared their experiences, tools, and practical recommendations. The goal: to strengthen the participants’ professional development and equip them with the skills required by the technology sector.
Three matches, the same route
Taken together, these opportunities chart a path toward a first job in technology:
- Choose wisely. Identify the problems you enjoy solving before deciding on your area of specialization.
- Show what you know. Your LinkedIn profile, your resume, and your value proposition tell your story before the interview.
- Get ready for the job market. Find out what skills the industry is looking for and approach each interview with specific tools.
Thank you to everyone who made this possible
Thank you to Kyndryl and the Kyndryl Foundation, SoftwareOne LATAM, and the Women’s KIN network for contributing their time and expertise. And thank you to the Junior Achievement teams in Brazil, Mexico, and Costa Rica for making these events possible.
Your Next Step
- Are you interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity? Learn more about She is Digital and how to apply.
- Are you a graduate? Check out the current job openings on the Job Board.