Opportunities for Networking and Career Exploration during HR Event at ICSSS 2026

On Wednesday, 19 August, the HSD Campus hosted the Human Resources Event as part of the International Cyber Security Summer School (ICSSS) 2026. The event offered a great opportunity for young cybersecurity talent to connect with organisations from across the sector and explore potential career opportunities. ICSSS partners and other organisations introduced themselves, shared insights into their work and gave participants a glimpse into the career paths and opportunities available within their organisations. It was a valuable moment for students and young professionals to expand their networks, discover new possibilities and connect with potential future employers.

During the HR Event, 9 organisations had the opportunity to introduce themselves to the diverse group of ICSSS participants, including entrepreneurial students, young professionals and PhD candidates with an interest in cybersecurity. The participating organisations were Keypasco Europe B.V., CFLW Cyber Strategies, Booz Allen Hamilton, NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA), S2GRUPO, Merlon Security, Hunt & Hackett, Fox-IT and Woman4Cyber Netherlands.

The event offered organisations a valuable opportunity to connect directly with the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. Through informal conversations and one-on-one meetings, participants could learn more about the organisations, explore potential career paths and discuss opportunities for future employment.

Annelies Heek, SOC manager Fox-IT: "Today provided a valuable opportunity to meet many young, international and ambitious professionals, alongside former Fox colleagues. The enthusiasm surrounding the Summer School is inspiring. It was a great opportunity to exchange experiences and explore how we can help create opportunities for early-career professionals to enter the Dutch labour market."

Opportunities at SMEs

The HR Event was not only focused on career opportunities at large international organisations. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) also played an important role, giving participants an insight into the career opportunities available within smaller and growing cybersecurity companies.

This is particularly relevant in South Holland, where SMEs are rapidly digitalising while facing an increasing shortage of IT and cybersecurity talent. Connecting these organisations with young professionals and students can help address this talent gap, while strengthening the digital resilience and competitiveness of the regional economy.

Britt van den Berg, Strategic Threat Intellingence Analyst and Marketeer at Hunt & Hackett: As a cybersecurity company, we at Hunt & Hackett really valued participating in the ICSSS. It was great talking to everyone and we hope to see you again next year!

The day ended with networking drinks. A big thank you to all of our participating partners for sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm with our ICSSS students. It was a very successful event, marked by inspiring discussions and the creation of many new connections!