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Abstract
The rise in the use of digital devices and rampant cyberattacks has necessitated the need for cybersecurity measures for individuals and businesses. However, the field of cybersecurity suffers from a supply mismatch problem and struggles with gender diversity, with women representing less than one-quarter of the global workforce. To counter this problem, this study explored the life and work experiences of women working in the field of cybersecurity. Using gender as a lens, the inquiry focused on the lived experiences of women in cybersecurity careers.
To develop an in-depth understanding of women’s career development experiences, a qualitative research study was conducted using narrative inquiry where every participant’s story became the basic unit of analysis. In terms of philosophical perspectives, both interpretive and critical frameworks were used. The theoretical framework utilized social cognitive career theory, feminist standpoint theory, theory of Wholehearted living, and understanding of meaning making. Participant interviews were used as the primary data source. Driven by the theoretical perspectives and study design, the analysis of participant interviews, individually and across all participants, led to the findings of this study. Overall, 12 participants were interviewed, but 6 participant accounts were considered for the study given the robustness of their data. The participants had experience in academia, industry, the government, or in a combination of these areas, and were located in different geographic locations. They also varied in number of years of work experience; thus, leading to a broad array of descriptions of their career trajectories. This study was conducted in the United States.
The findings from the study provide a deeper understanding of women’s career experiences. First, in terms of career choice factors, participants demonstrated a desire to research and study things, and were very technically oriented. Second, their key career influential factors included intrinsic, extrinsic, interpersonal, and work environment factors. The resulting categories within each of these factors are explained in detail. Third, participants made meaning of their career in relation to meaningful work, gendered experiences, and motherhood. Finally, implications for theory, research, and practice are provided. Recommendations for future research are explained.
To develop an in-depth understanding of women’s career development experiences, a qualitative research study was conducted using narrative inquiry where every participant’s story became the basic unit of analysis. In terms of philosophical perspectives, both interpretive and critical frameworks were used. The theoretical framework utilized social cognitive career theory, feminist standpoint theory, theory of Wholehearted living, and understanding of meaning making. Participant interviews were used as the primary data source. Driven by the theoretical perspectives and study design, the analysis of participant interviews, individually and across all participants, led to the findings of this study. Overall, 12 participants were interviewed, but 6 participant accounts were considered for the study given the robustness of their data. The participants had experience in academia, industry, the government, or in a combination of these areas, and were located in different geographic locations. They also varied in number of years of work experience; thus, leading to a broad array of descriptions of their career trajectories. This study was conducted in the United States.
The findings from the study provide a deeper understanding of women’s career experiences. First, in terms of career choice factors, participants demonstrated a desire to research and study things, and were very technically oriented. Second, their key career influential factors included intrinsic, extrinsic, interpersonal, and work environment factors. The resulting categories within each of these factors are explained in detail. Third, participants made meaning of their career in relation to meaningful work, gendered experiences, and motherhood. Finally, implications for theory, research, and practice are provided. Recommendations for future research are explained.