From Best Buy to Cybersecurity: Curiosity, Confidence, and Finding Your Place in Tech

In this episode of No Password Required: Next Gen, Yazzel interviews Karina Rosario, Applications SOP Writer at ThreatLocker. Karina shares how her curiosity about technology led her from working at Best Buy and Geek Squad to earning her bachelor's degree in cybersecurity and beginning her career in the industry.

From building a strong IT foundation to learning how important networking can be, Karina keeps it real about what it actually takes to break into cybersecurity. She talks about why a career in cyber is a “slow burn,” the value of taking chances on yourself, and how experiences from outside of cybersecurity can become some of the most valuable skills in your career.

Outside of cyber mode, Karina brings plenty of personality to the conversation, from being a Nintendo and Fortnite fan to imagining her own cybersecurity sidekick in the world of Kim Possible. She also opens up about being a first-generation college graduate and her goal of becoming a voice for young women and girls entering cybersecurity.

Karina’s story is a reminder that there is no single path into cybersecurity. Sometimes the experiences you least expect can become the foundation for where you’re headed next.

Find Karina on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karina-r-3088691b9/

Presented by ThreatLocker

Supported by Derscanner

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Karina and Her Role at ThreatLocker
03:00 Journey into Cybersecurity: Education and Inspiration
05:51 Skills and Qualities for Success in Cybersecurity
09:05 Personal Interests and Hobbies Outside of Work
12:02 Empowering Women in Cybersecurity and Future Aspirations