Hello, U.S. Privacy Digest readers!
I was working in the yard the other day when celebratory cheering and honking drew me out to the road to find a parade for our local high school seniors, who graduated this week. The graduates rightfully reveled in their accomplishments, exuberantly looking to their futures. It reminded me of my senior year when I was excited to start a college journalism program in the fall, having found my passion for writing in high school. I’ve been lucky enough all these years later to merge that passion with my growing intrigue around the privacy field. Who knows; if I had been aware of a program focusing on the surging field of data privacy then, would it have sparked a different career trajectory for me?
I found my way, as will, undoubtedly, countless future privacy professionals. With the use of our data continuing to play an increasing role in our daily lives and economy, privacy and data protection regulations being considered and implemented worldwide, and technologies constantly advancing, there’s no doubt the demand for privacy professionals has been on an upward trend. According to the IAPP’s “Privacy and Data Protection in Academia, A Global Guide to Curricula” report released this week, demand “has never been higher.” The report represents the results of the IAPP Academic Privacy and Data Protection Programs survey, highlighting educational programs focused on privacy and data protection in law, computer science and business schools around the world.
“While training and certification help, new educational opportunities will be crucial for the growth and maturity of the profession of privacy and data protection. Academic privacy and data protection programs will play a critical role in developing the next-generation privacy pro,” the report states.
It’s certainly exciting to see the opportunities available for students interested in the privacy field, and I’m looking forward to watching how the profession continues to grow. The IAPP report will be updated periodically to include additional schools and continue helping those considering a career in privacy and data protection find their way, so educational institutions interested in being included are encouraged to complete the survey.
For now, I hope we all enjoy everything summer has to offer! On that note, the IAPP is compiling a summer “privacy reading list” to be published in our next Privacy Advisor June 22. Let us know some of your favorites!