E11 - Harry McLaren at SenseOn

On today’s episode, Oliver Linsley welcomed Harry McLaren, Senior Product Manager at SenseOn. During this episode, they discuss a wide range of topics including his start-up in the industry, his degree, and the position he’s in today. Harry also shares some valuable advice with anyone who is looking for a career in the cybersecurity field.

Harry’s journey began when he was just 18 years old, working as a stereotypical nerd, repairing computers at his local shop. He was passionate about technology and was constantly tinkering with machines, learning everything he could about hardware and software. McLaren’s hard work and dedication paid off, and he quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a Senior Product Manager at SenseOn. In addition to his work as a junior technician, he also pursued his education in IT. He studied at college as an IT practitioner, completing a BTEC Level 3 qualification.

Fast forward a couple of years, he realised his true passion lay with cybersecurity as that was the part of technology that he was the most interested in, so decided to do his degree in cybersecurity. He graduated in 2013 and landed his first cybersecurity-related job at a company called ECS Security where he stayed for almost 9 years and had 6 roles during that time.

Drivers…

Harry was driven by two main things. The first was his desire to constantly learn and expand his knowledge in the field. He was always seeking new challenges and opportunities to grow his skills and expertise.

The second driver was more personal. Harry had a chip on his shoulder and did not want to be told “no” because he didn’t have the right qualifications. He was determined to prove that his hard work and dedication could take him just as far as a traditional degree would.

Looking to get in?

Cybersecurity is a highly adversarial field where the stakes are high, and the consequences of failure can be severe. It requires individuals who are not only skilled but also highly motivated and dedicated to the cause.

If you are looking to break into the cybersecurity industry, it is important to demonstrate your passion for the field. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as participating in online communities, attending industry events, and pursuing relevant certifications or training courses. By showing a genuine interest and enthusiasm for the work, you can set yourself apart from other candidates and demonstrate your commitment to the industry.

While experience is certainly valuable in the cybersecurity industry, it is not always necessary to have a long track record to get started. Many companies are willing to hire entry-level candidates who show promise and potential, and there are many opportunities to gain hands-on experience through internships, volunteer work, or personal projects.

Ultimately, what matters most in the cybersecurity industry is a combination of skills, passion, and dedication. If you have a genuine interest in the field and are willing to put in the work to develop your skills and expertise, you can succeed in this challenging and rewarding industry.

To hear a great episode, tune in on the 07/03/2023!