The U.S. is 22 months into the COVID-19 pandemic, and while the country is no longer facing high unemployment rates, a shortage of workers remains. According to CBS News, two of the best fields to be in right now are healthcare and cybersecurity, given the rise in COVID-19 infections from the omicron variant and an increase in cyberattacks. Since these two industries have been in the spotlight, many of their DEI policies have come under scrutiny, and the lessons learned can inform how other companies implement diverse and inclusive hiring practices.
Cybersecurity
According to TechCrunch’s Cat Contillo, different minds and perspectives need to be brought together to close the skills gap in cybersecurity. The strategy often involves embracing neurodiversity, a concept that recognizes the natural variations of the human brain in people with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, Tourette syndrome and other cognitive and developmental disorders.
Contillo has autism and was always aware she had a “different operating system,” but she didn’t understand why until she was diagnosed.
