In 2023, I volunteered at BSides Cape Town as a way to immerse myself in the cybersecurity community. What I didn’t anticipate was that my involvement would lead to an incredible opportunity: being selected for the Rite of Passage Initiative and getting sponsored to attend Black Hat Asia 2024. This talk will take attendees on a journey from my beginnings as a volunteer to attending one of the most prestigious cybersecurity conferences in the world. I’ll reflect on my personal experiences, the invaluable lessons I learned, and the connections I made, all of which have had a profound impact on my career and personal growth.

During the talk, I will cover:

1. Volunteering at BSides Cape Town 2023: How volunteering introduced me to the wider cybersecurity community, and why this experience was so transformative.
2. The Rite of Passage Initiative: What this initiative is and how it provides opportunities for students passionate about cybersecurity. I’ll share my own experience of being selected and how that set the stage for my trip to Black Hat Asia.
3. Black Hat Asia 2024: I’ll highlight key moments from my experience at the conference—everything from the talks I attended to the incredible people I met from across the globe.
4. The Value of Community: I’ll dive into how community involvement—through volunteering and attending conferences—has been instrumental in my career growth. Whether it's learning new skills, networking with professionals, or simply gaining exposure to the global cybersecurity scene, I’ll emphasize the power of being part of a supportive community.
5. Encouraging Students: The heart of this talk is to inspire students and young professionals to get involved in their local cybersecurity communities. I’ll share actionable advice on how they can volunteer, apply for scholarships, and make connections that could change the trajectory of their careers.