Opportunities for Networking and Career Exploration during HR Event at ICSSS 2025

The Human Resource event took place Wednesday 20 August during the International Cybersecurity Summer School (ICSSS) 2025 at the HSD Campus. This event is one of the most important elements contributing to the networking & career possibilities of the Summer School. ICSSS partners and other relevant organisations were given an opportunity to introduce themselves, and showcase possible career opportunities within their organisation to young cybersecurity talent.

Mark Ruijsendaal opened the event with a presentation on the current state of the cybersecurity labor market. During the HR event, a total of 7 organisations participated and had the opportunity to present their organisation to the diverse group of participating entrepreneurial students, young professionals and PhD candidates of ICSSS 2025 in the cybersecurity field. The participating partners included Booz Allen Hamilton, Connect2Trust, Group-IB Europe, CFLW Cyber Strategies, Woman4Cyber, NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency) and Keypasco.

The HR-event gave the organisations opportunity to network and have one-on-one talks with young professionals, Master students and PhD candidates and possibly recruit them for their organisation.

SMEs

The HR market was not only designed to highlight career opportunities within large international organisations, but also placed a strong emphasis on opportunities offered by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). During the event, a couple SMEs were present to inform students about the career prospects within their companies. This focus is of particular importance, as SMEs in South Holland are rapidly digitising while simultaneously facing a shortage of IT talent. This challenge poses risks not only to the companies themselves, but also to the resilience and competitiveness of the regional economy.

Mark van Staalduinen, Managing Director CFLW Cyber Strategies - "In today’s highly competitive cybersecurity market, it is wonderful to engage with so many passionate talents. Compliments to the organisers; we are already working on a concrete follow-up to the ICSSS HR Market."

The day ended with some nice networking drinks at the HSD Campus. It was a very successful event, marked by inspiring discussions and the creation of many new connections!