There is no denying that privacy and data protection careers are hot right now. With the EU General Data Protection Regulation coming into effect later this spring, companies are on the search for privacy professionals who can help make sure they're legally compliant with the sweeping changes.

A constant question that seems to circulate the privacy community is, “How do I get started in the privacy field?” And while there is no single answer to that question, five panels spread across this year’s IAPP Global Privacy Summit in Washington, DC, and the Data Protection Intensive in London hope to help answer that. 

Whether it be networking at one of the many KnowledgeNet events scatters across the globe, reading the "How I Got My Start In Privacy" series in The Privacy Advisor, or sifting through the introduction to privacy resource page, helping new privacy professionals navigate their start in the field is always a concern at the IAPP.

Providing insight from experience, these panels are designed to help professionals break into the space or advance an existing career by offering advice.

Sona Makker, CIPP/US, privacy and public policy associate manager at Facebook, has participated in three "Get in and Get Going" sessions, like the one happening at this upcoming Global Privacy Summit. Makker said the session has always been motivating, adding that she has always been impressed with how many people are in attendance.  Now that her career has transitioned and developed since first participating as a law student, Makker thought that her own personal experience might be beneficial to someone looking to kick start their career. 

Makker said, "The panel is great for people who are looking to build up that baseline knowledge on how to convey competency — whether it be because they are transitioning in their career or coming straight out of college."

In addition to the many networking events scheduled at the summit, the IAPP will also be offering complementary professional headshots throughout the day on Wednesday, March 28, for those who could use one.

IAPP Member Engagement Manager Katherine Gilchrest, CIPP/US, said the need to focus on up-and-coming privacy professionals is a priority at the organization: “Bringing new opportunities for members to network and learn, from those who are just starting their careers in privacy to those who have been engaged for years, is an important focus for the IAPP. I’m excited about the career sessions taking place at the summit and intensive this year and seeing new headshots of members on our website.”

Here's a preview of the available career-track sessions at Summit and DPI:

Summit: For the third year in a row, the "Get in and Get Going: How to launch a career in privacy?" session will help a privacy pro newbie jump into the field. Bringing fresh perspectives from privacy professionals from PwC, Facebook and Mintz Levin, the panel will discuss a variety of questions to help energize and motivate those looking for their break.

Summit: Aimed at students, recent graduates, and more experienced privacy professionals looking at federal employment, "Getting Hired for a Privacy Job in the Federal Government" brings in privacy professionals spread across U.S. government agencies to help explain the somewhat confusing hiring process at the federal government level.  

Summit: "What Is Your Path to the CPO Title (or Beyond) and How Will You Get There?" brings together C-suite executives to share career path experience, insights on growth opportunities and future trends and how to prepare for advancing a career.

Summit: Anne Toth, head of data policy at the World Economic Forum, and Ruby Zefo, CIPP/US, CIPM, FIP, vice president and chief privacy and security counsel at Intel, come together for Summit's Women Leading Privacy panel to offer practical advice and simple tips on how to showcase confidence in the workplace.

DPI: Our London event will also offer a Women Leading Privacy session, bringing together privacy professionals from Vodafone UK, Sony and Expedia to share how they got where they are, what has surprised them the most along that path, and what they think the future looks like for women in the field. 

Mark your calendars now for the sessions that interest you, and be sure to get there early to get a seat.