How do I find Volunteer or short term Cyber Security Jobs?

Snooper

I am wondering if it is possible to find short term (1 month or less) paid or unpaid Information security assignments. I have quite a bit of knowledge & experience in Information Security (Incident Handling, Threat Risk Assessments, Vendor Engagements, network Security, Networking and Trouble shooting etc.) While I am looking for a full time suitable employment, I want to utilize and enhance my skills by teaming up with Information security consultants of firms for short term work. It could be for something as simple as running vulnerability scans, preparing detailed reports, assisting audit projects etc.
I know we have many Infosec consultants here with several years experience in the industry. Has anyone got any advise for me as to how can I go about landing such opportunities, if possible at all?
Will really appreciate any advise.

paul78

Those types of engagements do exist. In my own experience, I suspect that type of work is harder to find because it is relationship based. Your best bet may be to network and build those relationships with people so that when they need short-term help, they know they can find you.

For example, I do on occasion need short-term help on projects, etc. But I will only work with people that I already know and trust. The reason is that for short-term help, I can't really afford nor do I want to spend the effort to have to qualify someone new. So I maintain a list of go-to people for certain expertise.

Similarly, I try to build and maintain a network of clients and potential clients so that they think of me when they have work that may require my expertise.

The challenge is finding and building that network. But I do think it's invaluable to grow a career.

Two things that you may want to think about trying - explore short-term gig sites like Upwork. To build your network, attend free workshops and Meetups - you never know who you may meet. Good luck.

Snooper

paul78 wrote: »

Those types of engagements do exist. In my own experience, I suspect that type of work is harder to find because it is relationship based. Your best bet may be to network and build those relationships with people so that when they need short-term help, they know they can find you.

For example, I do on occasion need short-term help on projects, etc. But I will only work with people that I already know and trust. The reason is that for short-term help, I can't really afford nor do I want to spend the effort to have to qualify someone new. So I maintain a list of go-to people for certain expertise.

Similarly, I try to build and maintain a network of clients and potential clients so that they think of me when they have work that may require my expertise.

The challenge is finding and building that network. But I do think it's invaluable to grow a career.

Two things that you may want to think about trying - explore short-term gig sites like Upwork. To build your network, attend free workshops and Meetups - you never know who you may meet. Good luck.

paul78 - Thank you for responding. I understand the importance of integrity and confidence for short term assignments.
I am not looking for such assigments for $$$ but for
1. Gaining more practical experience
2. getting more than one employer on my resume !!!!
I worked for the same employer for almost two decades. I want to have more employers (and more skill sets and experiences) on my Resume so it does not stand out in a negative way. I would be happy to work for an Infosec consultant or for a decent organization for a month or few months. However, it does not seem like assignments are easy to come to and I can't figure out how to go about it. Freelancer work on sites like upwork won't fit the bill for me, I need something that I can add to, learn from and put on my resume.
Has anyone got any pointers for me, please?

Danielm7

I agree with Paul, I don't think that would be an easy thing to find. I wouldn't take on a short term volunteer to do security. I realize you want some variety on your resume, but are you really having trouble finding a new security role with good experience and a long / stable career? If I saw 20 years at one place, then 2-4 weeks at 6 other places I'd immediately raise a red flag and wonder why you were suddenly hopping all over the place.

mikey88

Danielm7 wrote: »

I agree with Paul, I don't think that would be an easy thing to find. I wouldn't take on a short term volunteer to do security.

This. Maybe check out a site like volunteermatch.org or look up Nonprofit orgs in your area. Like mentioned above, it'd be hard to land something in Security if you're unknown/unproven.