**DISCLAIMER: All of our opinions are our own. They do not represent, nor are they affiliated with the interests and beliefs of the companies we work for. ** The Cyber Queens Podcast is back with an exciting episode focused on breaking into the cybersecurity industry. Join the Cyber Queens as they chat with Mackenzie Wartenberger about her journey into the world of cyber and how she was able to make a successful career change. Mack shares her experience as the first recipient of the GRC Accelerator Train-To-Hire Program at Aquia Inc. This 6-month-long program provides paid apprenticeships, training materials, and dedicated mentorship to individuals who may not have the means to access further education or qualify for a cybersecurity job. The Cyber Queens and Mack break down the common misconception that one needs to be technical to enter the cybersecurity field. You will hear Mack share her inspiring story of how she broke into cyber, along with the reasons why she chose this field. The Cyber Queens also share their own experiences and backstories of how they ended up in this wonderful industry. Finally, they discuss Mack's next steps and offer insights on how you can replicate her success. Tune in to The Cyber Queens Podcast to learn more about breaking into the cybersecurity industry and how to close the gender/diversity gap that cyber is experiencing. Key Topics: Mack’s Before & After Cyber Journey Why Mack Chose The Cyber Security Field How Mack Found A Cyber Opportunity & Breaking In Aquia Inc GRC Accelerator Train-To-Hire Program Mack’s Pre-technical Interview Processes & Selection So You’ve Landed Your First Cyber Gig….How Did You Learn? Soft Skills & How They Apply To A Cyber Career What’s Next For Mack? 01:52 – Mack’s Before & After Cyber Journey 05:05 – Why Mack Chose The Cyber Security Field 07:14 – Careers Before Cyber 10:25 – Breaking Into Cyber Cold…..The How To’s From Mack 11:45 – GRC Accelerator Train-To-Hire Program at Aquia Inc. 12:55 – Networking Is KEY 14:32 – The Right Mindset Can Set You Up For Success 14:40 – Knowing Your Strengths Can Help You Navigate 17:30 – In Cyber You Will Not Know Everything & That Is OK 20:07 – Entering Cyber Doesn’t Require Stepping Into A Super Technical Role, It Can Be GRC Or Compliance 25:00 – Soft Skills Can Help You In A Cyber Career 25:16 - Aquia Inc. GRC Accelerator Train-To-Hire Program 36:50 – Final Takeaways Sources: Aquia Inc.: https://www.aquia.us/  Aquia Inc. GRC Accelerator Train-To-Hire Program: https://tinyurl.com/mr3yzxwv  What Is A Security Analyst?: https://tinyurl.com/yeykz99s  What Is A Compliance Analyst?: https://tinyurl.com/2rzuwjkz  SOC Audit: https://tinyurl.com/2wuuxscc  What Is GRC?: https://tinyurl.com/225j9yyz  What Is Kubernetes?: https://www.ibm.com/topics/kubernetes  What Is NMAP?: https://tinyurl.com/bdfhrjfe  What Is CISA?: https://www.cisa.gov/about  What Is The Red Team?: https://tinyurl.com/2xttz2wm  CompTIA Security+ Certification https://www.comptia.org/certifications/security  What Is Python?: https://tinyurl.com/4d65nprs  Cybrary: https://tinyurl.com/4ames68c  Mackenzie Wartenberger – LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mackenzie-wartenberger/  Get in Touch: Maril Vernon - @SheWhoHacks Erika Eakins - @ErikaEakins Amber DeVilbiss - @EngineerAmber Queens Twitter - @TheCyberQueens Queens LinkedIn Calls to Action: Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive insight and new episodes! If you love us- share us!