How Noah Pincini Secured a Cybersecurity Role at PwC
Highlights
- The NSW branch launched an Emerging Professionals Committee in 2023. The committee consists of representatives from Domestic and International Students as well as Graduate cohorts. It focuses on Emerging Professionals in the ICT industry and hosts two hands-on events for emerging professionals to grow their brand.
- Noah Pincini is an active emerging professional member with great insights to share with the EPC. He is currently working as an associate at PwC. He shares his experience as an emerging professional in the ICT industry, focusing on Cyber Security.
As an emerging professional in the ICT field, you've been able to secure a job in one of the top IT companies. What do you believe has helped you to get this role?
For some background about me, I attended Macquarie University after high school, studying for a double degree in Cyber Security and Media & Communications. As I finished my first year, I found a two-year program at PwC Australia designed for students straight out of school. I worked on client projects and built business and technology skills while studying for a Certificate IV in IT and a Diploma of Business. The concept was daunting as I would leave university and my two jobs at the time, but I was quite excited about the opportunity to join a professional environment through an alternative pathway and get paid work experience while studying simultaneously.
To get into this role, it wasn’t about how well I did in my studies, but who I was as a person. As I survey the people that I’m surrounded by in PwC’s Cybersecurity & Privacy team, they’re curious, motivated, passionate, driven, but above all, willing to help. While technical skills are important, I believe it was the combination of my background, my demonstrated passion for cybersecurity, and a strong focus on developing soft skills that helped me get this role at PwC.
You are currently working in the cyber security sector. What are some areas you're keeping your interest in to stay up to date with your industry?
In the cyber sector, it's constantly evolving, so it's important to stay on top of it all. I’ve had a variety of opportunities and experiences that have assisted with this, but I’m always looking for something new to learn and upskill myself, whether it’s about cybersecurity, business, emerging technologies, etc.. This comes through opportunities such as work projects, case competitions, and passion projects, but also resources like books, podcasts, newsletters (my main source), and learning platforms; there’s a lot out there to help me. The focus for me currently is how Artificial Intelligence is being utilised on both the defensive and offensive front of cyber security.
You've created a great network around you. What are some of the top tips you could give to people looking to grow their network?
For me, building my network has been done both online and in person.
I continually attend industry and networking events to get in touch with market practices and industry developments and develop my network and reputation within the cybersecurity, technology and business industry. These have been hosted by the Australian Computing Society, as well as businesses such as Google, Meta, Uber, Atlassian, Institute of Applied Technology (IAT), Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), South by Southwest (SXSW), and Spark Festival.
Digitally, I established a monthly newsletter earlier this year called “The Early Impact”, which provides readers with news & updates, publications, opportunities, events, thought leadership, and tools for emerging professionals in Australia on how to build their careers. From this, I’ve been able to share my journey as an emerging professional with the tools/knowledge/industry insights that I have found most useful along the way to build my career. Additionally, I consistently share on LinkedIn about cybersecurity, emerging technology, careers, and learning and development. I interact and engage in content with those in the space to build connections and figure out how I can best help them, not just what they can do for me.
From these network interactions, I've had many great opportunities because of those connections I wouldn't have otherwise.
What do you consider helpful from established and senior professionals, or what do you wish they did more of to help more junior professionals?
Two words: accessibility and mentorship.
As a junior professional, I've been fortunate to work and network with some incredible established and senior professionals. The ones who've truly made a difference are the ones who prioritise investing in their junior colleagues. It doesn't have to be a huge time commitment, but simply making themselves available for questions, offering guidance, or even taking the time to understand my career goals has been incredibly impactful.
There are multiple people around me who, despite their demanding schedules, always have time available for their team. No matter when I have a question, need clarification or even want to brainstorm an idea, they’re there. Actively taking an interest in your professional development, suggesting relevant training opportunities, and even connecting you with other relevant people in your field of interest can make a significant impact on junior professionals.
Don't forget to connect with Noah Pincini on LinkedIn to stay updated on his journey and insights in cybersecurity.
Are you an eager to advance your ICT career? Connect with your state's Emerging Professionals Committee on LinkedIn for valuable career tips, networking opportunities, and industry insights: