“I started my career as a software developer. I thought I wanted to code and get into the software. But then, because of the courses I took in school about cybersecurity, I realized I wanted to do more cybersecurity type work.”

Once Agarwal graduated, she began working at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) as an Information Technology Specialist. There, she supported government agencies in defending critical systems and mitigating cybersecurity risk.

“I really loved that work, but I was always really fascinated by AI and cybersecurity,” Agarwal states. “So that's why I joined my current role.”

Now, Agarwal serves as a Senior Security Researcher at Nokia, where she researches and develops global security standards for wireless communications networks.

“This technology is used all over the world. We need it in order to make phone calls and to text people, so we need this technology to be secure,” Agarwal explains. “My role is researching emerging technology. That includes AI, machine learning, quantum computing and more. Researching this emerging technology allows us to determine what security measures should be prioritized.”

The challenge of securing wireless networks

“The challenge with working in this space is just the challenge we encounter with technology. Everything is moving so fast in technology,” Agarwal points out. “Just to give an example — a few years ago, generative AI was not something we talked about. Now it's everywhere, and it seems like every day there's a new development out. That's our challenge: we have to constantly learn and stay up to date with all these emerging technologies and threats.”

We all have to start somewhere. We all have to be determined and willing to learn. As long as you’re persistent, you’ll learn the skillset, and you’ll be able to have a successful career in cybersecurity.

The constant demand to evolve and meet the shifting threat landscape can be difficult; however, Agarwal believes that’s also a part of the fun.

When discussing the need for rapid innovation, she says, “I think that's what makes this role and this field so rewarding: we have to keep learning. It's lifelong learning. I think it is challenging, but it's also fun at the same time.”

Sharing knowledge

In addition to researching emerging technologies and threats, Agarwal speaks at industry events and conferences. Outside of the cybersecurity industry, she speaks to various organizations and universities about technology and security to raise awareness.

“I focus on educating the public about cybersecurity,” Agarwal says. “I talk to people outside of the cybersecurity field — like healthcare workers or teachers — about what they need to know about cybersecurity, because I think it’s so important that everyone should understand it.”

Persistence and desire to learn

Reflecting on her professional journey, Agarwal recalls a story from early in her career.

“In my first software development job, I had to learn a completely new programming language in just three weeks. My employer wanted me to contribute right away,” she recalls. “Going in, I had no idea how to program in this language. It was scary, at first.”

With persistence and a willingness to learn, Agarwal rose to the occasion. With a new programming language in her toolbox, she began to contribute to projects alongside her team.

“We all started on day one, not having a cybersecurity skillset,” Agarwal states. “We all have to start somewhere. We all have to be determined and willing to learn. As long as you’re persistent, you’ll learn the skillset, and you’ll be able to have a successful career in cybersecurity.”

Agarwal advises aspiring cybersecurity professionals to be tenacious and curious. Furthermore, she encourages budding cyber workers to pursue a career path that sparks their interest.

“In cybersecurity, there are so many different jobs out there,” Agarwal says. “That's always what I tell people: Cybersecurity can be a lot. So just pick one thing you really like and you want to focus on, then be persistent and just don't give up.”