--- title: "Cybersecurity and Meaningful Work: Why New Generations…" description: "Attract and retain Gen Z in cybersecurity by understanding their drive for meaningful work, DEI, and a supportive culture, using their tech savviness…" lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "@id": "https://christianespinosa.com/#person", "name": "Christian Espinosa", "url": "https://christianespinosa.com/", "image": "https://christianespinosa.com/__l5e/assets-v1/de07e44b-a8e0-4bcc-bcb0-13aec15421f1/headshot-front.jpg", "sameAs": [ "https://www.facebook.com/christian.espinosa.official", "https://x.com/Ironracer", "https://www.instagram.com/christian.espinosa.official/", "https://www.youtube.com/@ChristianEspinosaOfficial", "https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianespinosa/" ], "jobTitle": "Bestselling Author, Keynote Speaker, Entrepreneur", "worksFor": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Blue Goat Cyber", "url": "https://bluegoatcyber.com/" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://christianespinosa.com/#website", "name": "Christian Espinosa", "url": "https://christianespinosa.com/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://christianespinosa.com/#organization" }, "inLanguage": "en-US" }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://christianespinosa.com/#organization", "name": "Christian Espinosa", "url": "https://christianespinosa.com/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://christianespinosa.com/logo.svg" }, "founder": { "@id": "https://christianespinosa.com/#person" }, "sameAs": [ "https://www.facebook.com/christian.espinosa.official", "https://x.com/Ironracer", "https://www.instagram.com/christian.espinosa.official/", "https://www.youtube.com/@ChristianEspinosaOfficial", "https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianespinosa/" ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "Cybersecurity and Meaningful Work: Why New Generations Entering the Field Want Purpose - Christian Espinosa", "description": "Attract and retain Gen Z in cybersecurity by understanding their drive for meaningful work, DEI, and a supportive culture, using their tech savviness…", "image": "https://christianespinosa.com/__l5e/assets-v1/831868d7-d08f-4aa1-ad88-e4ac518a6573/cybersecurity-and-meaningful-work-why-new-generations-entering-the-field-want-purpose-card.png", "datePublished": "2022-12-18T16:17:08+00:00", "dateModified": "2026-06-26T05:32:50.233Z", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://christianespinosa.com/blog/cybersecurity-and-meaningful-work-why-new-generations-entering-the-field-want-purpose" }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Christian Espinosa", "url": "https://christianespinosa.com/about" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Christian Espinosa", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://christianespinosa.com/logo.svg" } } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the core idea behind \"Cybersecurity and Meaningful Work: Why New Generations Entering the Field Want Purpose - Christian Espinosa\"?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Gen Z is a unique generation, which makes the ability to recruit and retain them for cybersecurity much different." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Who is this post for?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Honestly, technical leaders trying to build teams that actually communicate, not just execute. If you want a listicle, this is not that. If you want the honest version of what I have actually lived and worked through, keep reading." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do I actually apply this, not just nod along?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Pick the single line in the post that made you flinch or look away, and change one thing in your week because of it. One choice this week beats a whole framework you never touch." } } ] } ] --- [Skip to content](#main) [](/) [About](/about)[Speaking](/speaking)[Cybersecurity](/cybersecurity)[Programs](/programs)[Books](/books)[Media](/media) Writing Search Ctrl K[Connect](/connect) [Secure Methodology](/blog/category/secure-methodology) # Cybersecurity and Meaningful Work: Why New Generations Entering the Field Want Purpose December 18, 2022 7 min read 1,498 words I see the same thing in cybersecurity as in every other industry: a strong job market and low unemployment. My best people aren’t looking for work. So I have to find a new way to recruit. I’m looking at Gen Z. ![](/__l5e/assets-v1/d04208a1-ff8e-4a93-bbda-b379baca5313/cybersecurity-and-meaningful-work-why-new-generations-entering-the-field-want-purpose-hero.webp) The takeaways 1. 01 They have new ideas about work and that it should be more than a job. What to do next Pick one Secure Methodology step tied to ideas and apply it to a real project this month, not a hypothetical one. 2. 02 People are calling it “meaningful work.” I’ll break down Gen Z, what they care about, and this idea of meaningful work. What to do next Name one person on your team where people is the bottleneck, and coach them on it this quarter. 3. 03 All About Gen Z and Their Entrance into the Workforce Gen Z is everyone born between 1997 and 2012. What to do next Name one person on your team where entrance is the bottleneck, and coach them on it this quarter. 4. 04 The oldest ones are already in the job market, and more are coming. What to do next Name one person on your team where market is the bottleneck, and coach them on it this quarter. I see the same thing in cybersecurity as in every other industry: a strong job market and low unemployment. My best people aren’t looking for work. So I have to find a new way to recruit. I’m looking at Gen Z. This generation is different. They have new ideas about work and that it should be more than a job. It has to provide purpose and fulfillment. People are calling it “meaningful work.” I’ll break down Gen Z, what they care about, and this idea of meaningful work. Then I'll show how we can use this to connect with them. ## All About Gen Z and Their Entrance into the Workforce Gen Z is everyone born between 1997 and 2012. They're almost 21% of the U.S. population. The oldest ones are already in the job market, and more are coming. Gen Z is described as the most [racially and ethnically diverse generation](https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2018/11/15/early-benchmarks-show-post-millennials-on-track-to-be-most-diverse-best-educated-generation-yet/). They are also digital natives who have had a device in their hands most of their lives. This demographic has also been through many major events during their young lives, including the war on terror, a major recession where they witnessed parents and family members lose jobs, and the pandemic. All these factors shape how they view work and what’s important to them. They are often adamant about work-life balance, flexibility, autonomy, and having modern technology as part of their job. In addition to these expectations, they also want to work for organizations that share their values. In fact, [77% of Gen Z](https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/consumer-business/articles/understanding-generation-z-in-the-workplace.html) said this was important in response to a survey conducted by Deloitte. Another thing they value highly in an employer is diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), which [87% agreed](https://tallo.com/blog/gen-z-workplace-diversity-equity-inclusion/) was critical when considering jobs. Gen Z also cares about company culture. Cybersecurity should be very culture-focused, which could entice them. Overall, they want to work for a company that cares about their well-being. Work for them isn’t about a “grind” or purely a transactional relationship. They desire meaningful work, and if it’s not present, they’ll have no problem moving to the next opportunity. Long gone are the days when employees worked for a single company their entire lives. As a cybersecurity leader, ingesting this information about Gen Z may give you pause. Yet, they have some key attributes that make them attractive as workers beyond technical skills. ## How Gen Z Workers Can Benefit Cybersecurity Gen Z had a big head start on technology aptitude. It’s been part of their lives forever, and they’ve been early adopters. Beyond these skills, cybersecurity leaders are placing more emphasis on people skills, which is the central message in my book, [_The Smartest Person in the Room_](https://christianespinosa.com/books/the-smartest-person-in-the-room/). These can be very hard to develop in older workers that have been in the industry for years. The nature of Gen Z’s life experiences naturally predisposes them to value being communicators and collaborators. The stereotype of this group as never putting down their phones and being detached in communication isn’t accurate. They do love tech and spend lots of time on social media, but it’s not their entire personality. Since they sincerely care about the world around them, they also understand the value of having strong interpersonal skills. Some might not be as confident in soft skills, but they won’t “fight” you on realizing the need to develop them as older generations may. As a result, they may be more amenable to participating in exercises, programs, and activities that will help them cultivate better [people skills](https://christianespinosa.com/blog/5-people-skills-every-successful-cybersecurity-professional-possesses/). All these things make Gen Z an attractive group for cybersecurity careers. The onus of making your industry and company appealing has a lot to do with meaningful work. ## What Is Meaningful Work? Meaningful work is a newish concept In HR. Its definition is somewhat flexible because “meaning” is subjective to an individual. The idea is universal in that it means that an employee believes the work to be important for the greater good and is part of something. As a result, workers are motivated and engaged in what they do. Another aspect of meaningful work is that employees can use critical thinking skills and be problem-solvers versus taskmasters. Both align with a career in cybersecurity and what Gen Z wants in a career. In the end, meaningful work is good for workers and businesses. For example, employees who engage in meaningful work from their perspective may positively impact their mental health, something Gen Z is serious about. Healthier employees typically have [fewer absences than their depressed counterparts](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4174367/#:~:text=This%20study%20found%20that%20depression,involving%20medical%20and%20vocational%20interventions.). They’ll also be more engaged in building a strong cybersecurity culture and collaborating to do great things. An environment of meaningful work supports retention, as well. The attachment that occurs in this situation delivers tangible benefits. Companies can see [50% less turnover and a 56% increase](https://hbr.org/2019/12/the-value-of-belonging-at-work) in job performance. It can also deter burnout, which can be a problem in cybersecurity. It’s a high-stress field with many risks, threats, and stakeholders. If you have a team that feels the work is meaningful, that you and the organization value them, and is a culture that’s inclusive, you have an advantage over others. As a result, you’ll be a more attractive option for those entering the field. So, how do you promote your company as one that delivers meaningful work? ## Attracting Gen Z with the Promise of Meaningful Work There are a few key strategies to consider when recruiting Gen Z and using the angle of meaningful work. First, it’s essential to know that Gen Z is proactive in their job search. For those in college, a [quarter of them began job searching in the first two years](https://yello.co/blog/introducing-the-first-graduating-class-of-generation-z/). Second, they seek internships to get experience for the future and test out a field to see if it’s a good fit. Taking this into consideration, here are some ideas. ### Partner with Universities and Community Colleges to Find Talent Get to Gen Z while they are still learning by creating relationships with educational institutions. It’s an excellent way for students to become aware of your company. This can lead to mutually beneficial internships. The first impressions that Gen Z has about your company will matter, so talk about culture and how much you value interpersonal skills as much as technical ones. ### Add Meaningful Work to Job Descriptions Most cybersecurity job descriptions are dry and standard. It looks like a computer wrote it! Gen Z will not respond to this, as they value authenticity. Be honest in how you position your roles. Yes, it’s important to talk about technical skills, but you can also include that meaningful work is part of your organization and that you provide an environment where people can learn and grow. ### Tap Your Current Gen Z Employees for Referrals If you already have Gen Z workers on your team, talk to them about referrals. Ideally, if they are happy with the company and the work, they’ll be up for this. A referral is better than most applications for both parties. For you, it’s a sign that your employee vouches for them. For the candidate, they’ve heard about what it’s really like to work for you and weren’t discouraged by what they learned. Once Gen Z becomes part of your group, you have another consideration that makes or breaks. How will older generations react to them? ## Is Your Team Ready for Gen Z and Meaningful Work? If you’ve made meaningful work a priority, then your current employees know this. However, it’s not going to matter to all of them. Some are still stuck in old perceptions about cybersecurity. Their “meaning” is that they are the smartest, most capable technical people. If that’s your current predicament, there will be some friction. In a way, you have to prepare them for the entrance of Gen Z, which will require that they work on their people skills. Hopefully, they’ll realize this process benefits them in many ways. However, it involves change, and resistance is inevitable. Through the [Secure Methodology](https://christianespinosa.com/blog/the-secure-methodology-and-cybersecurity-leadership/) ™, which I developed in my book, you can find a seven-step guide on how to transform these outdated mindsets. They’ll be helpful for all your employees, regardless of their generation. The way they respond and their effort will vary. You’re trying to work as a cohesive team that respects each other, cooperates well, communicates clearly, and can find meaning in what they do. The path ahead will be challenging at times. You have a chance to make a real difference in the lives of your employees and your company’s ability to manage risk and mitigate threats. Use the Secure Methodology as a blueprint to do that. Get the entire message by [reading my book](https://christianespinosa.com/books/the-smartest-person-in-the-room/) and check out the [Secure Methodology course](https://christianespinosa.com/programs/secure-methodology/), as well. Frequently asked ### What is the core idea behind "Cybersecurity and Meaningful Work: Why New Generations Entering the Field Want Purpose - Christian Espinosa"? ### Who is this post for? ### How do I actually apply this, not just nod along? ### Work with me I help founders and cybersecurity leaders build teams that ship, not teams that stall. If that's the problem you're trying to solve, let's talk. [Start a conversation](/contact) Share this essay [X ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchristianespinosa.com%2Fblog%2Fcybersecurity-and-meaningful-work-why-new-generations-entering-the-field-want-purpose&text=Cybersecurity%20and%20Meaningful%20Work%3A%20Why%20New%20Generations%20Entering%20the%20Field%20Want%20Purpose) [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchristianespinosa.com%2Fblog%2Fcybersecurity-and-meaningful-work-why-new-generations-entering-the-field-want-purpose) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fchristianespinosa.com%2Fblog%2Fcybersecurity-and-meaningful-work-why-new-generations-entering-the-field-want-purpose) [Email](mailto:?subject=Cybersecurity%20and%20Meaningful%20Work%3A%20Why%20New%20Generations%20Entering%20the%20Field%20Want%20Purpose&body=https%3A%2F%2Fchristianespinosa.com%2Fblog%2Fcybersecurity-and-meaningful-work-why-new-generations-entering-the-field-want-purpose)Copy link ![Christian Espinosa, headshot](/__l5e/assets-v1/de07e44b-a8e0-4bcc-bcb0-13aec15421f1/headshot-front.jpg) About the author [Christian Espinosa](/about) · Founder & CEO, Blue Goat Cyber Christian is the founder and CEO of Blue Goat Cyber, a medical device cybersecurity firm. He's an Air Force Academy graduate, 24x Ironman, climber of two of the Seven Summits, and the author of The Smartest Person in the Room and The In-Between: Life in the Micro. Keep reading - [ ### The Cybersecurity Workforce Landscape in 2026 - Christian Espinosa Same thread: secure methodology. Read essay → ](/blog/the-2023-cybersecurity-workforce-landscape) - [ ### The Secure Methodology™ Step Three: Acknowledgment - Christian Espinosa Same thread: secure methodology. Read essay → ](/blog/the-secure-methodology-step-three-acknowledgment) - [ ### The Secure Methodology™ Step Six: Empathy - Christian Espinosa Same thread: secure methodology. Read essay → ](/blog/the-secure-methodology-step-six-empathy) [← Previous essay The Secure Methodology™ Step Six: Empathy - Christian Espinosa ](/blog/the-secure-methodology-step-six-empathy)[Next essay → The Cybersecurity Workforce Landscape in 2026 - Christian Espinosa ](/blog/the-2023-cybersecurity-workforce-landscape) Related, Leadership ### Bring this conversation to your team Christian keynotes on cybersecurity leadership, ego in tech, and building human-first technical teams. Available for corporate events, conferences, and executive offsites. [Book Christian to speak](/speaking) Christian Espinosa Bestselling author, keynote speaker, and Founding CEO of [Blue Goat Cyber](https://bluegoatcyber.com/). Helping technical leaders develop the soft skills that turn brilliance into impact. 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