About This Framework
The Career GPS framework was developed through years of experience in cybersecurity leadership and career coaching. It provides a structured, data-driven approach to making strategic career decisions—especially during uncertain times.
Originally presented at WiCyS 2026, this framework addresses the unique challenges faced by cybersecurity professionals, with special attention to women and underrepresented groups in tech.
The Three Pillars
1. The MOVE Matrix
A systematic framework for evaluating career opportunities across four critical dimensions:
- Market: Industry demand, salary trends, emerging opportunities
- Opportunity: Growth potential, skill development, career advancement
- Value: Total compensation, work-life balance, values alignment
- Environment: Culture, leadership quality, organizational health
2. Red/Green Flags Checklist
Clear indicators that help you recognize when it's time to stay, invest, or start exploring new opportunities. Includes both universal flags and considerations specific to women and underrepresented groups.
Key categories: Leadership & Management, Professional Growth, Work Environment, Compensation & Recognition
Check Your Flags3. 90-Day Action Plan
Customized roadmaps with specific, actionable steps based on your career stage (Student, Early Career, Mid Career, or Senior) and current scenario (Exploring, Active Search, Staying, or Transitioning).
Each plan includes accountability measures and success metrics to keep you on track.
Build Your PlanHow to Use This Framework
- Start with the Red/Green Flags Checklist to assess whether it's time to consider a career move. This helps establish whether you should be in exploration mode or investment mode with your current role.
- If exploring, use the MOVE Matrix to systematically compare your current situation against potential opportunities. Rate each dimension honestly and use the data to guide your decision, not emotion.
- Once you've made a decision (whether to stay and improve, begin exploring, or actively transition), create your personalized 90-Day Action Plan to turn that decision into concrete steps.
- Revisit regularly. Career planning isn't a one-time event. Schedule quarterly check-ins with yourself using these tools to ensure you're still on the right path.
Special Considerations for Women & Underrepresented Groups
This framework includes specific considerations for challenges disproportionately faced by women and URGs in tech:
- Microaggressions and code-switching in work environments
- Being the "only one" on a team without allies or advocates
- Consistently being assigned support roles rather than technical leadership
- Pay equity and compensation transparency issues
- Access to informal networks and sponsorship
- Work-life integration and family responsibility considerations
Remember: If you're experiencing 3+ diversity-specific red flags, that's a clear signal to develop an exit strategy— regardless of other positive factors.
About the Presentation
"The Career GPS: Navigating Your Next Move with Data, Not Drama" was developed for WiCyS 2026 to address the real challenges cybersecurity professionals face when making career decisions.
The framework emerged from coaching hundreds of security professionals through career transitions, career coaching certification training, and my own experiences navigating leadership roles in cybersecurity.
