How to use Black Hat MEA to kickstart your cybersecurity career

Discover inspiration and insights from the global Black Hat MEA community, and take your career to the next level. 

This week we’re focused on…

How you can get the most out of Black Hat MEA if you’re right at the start of your cybersecurity career. 

Why?

Because it’d be reasonable to assume that only experienced practitioners can benefit from an event like Black Hat. But that assumption is wrong – if you’re just starting out, immersing yourself in the heart of the cybersecurity industry is a very, very smart thing to do. 

You might be a student or a self-taught hacker. Or maybe you work in another field right now, and you’re considering a pivot into security. No matter your entry point into the industry, you should know that BHMEA isn’t just a conference; it’s an opportunity to turbocharge your entry into the industry. 

What makes Black Hat MEA such an important career opportunity? 

The keynotes and workshops at Black Hat are world-class, but the event isn’t just about you (the attendee) receiving information in a one-way flow. Far more than that, it’s about connection. 

As Max Imbiel (CISO at Bitpanda) put it:

“Events like Black Hat MEA are highly valuable for us security professionals, learners, beginners and leaders – because they provide us with this dynamic and unbiased environment where we can talk, exchange, share and learn from and with each other.”

That’s the real magic of events like this. You’re not just a passive attendee; you’re part of a global community – and that community is full of people who want to share knowledge, spark new ideas, and help each other grow.

Real, zero-cringe networking 

If the word ‘networking’ makes you want to hide in a cupboard, you're not alone. But hear us out – Black Hat MEA makes it feel natural. 

You might chat with someone in a lunch queue or ask a speaker a question after their session, or you might sign up for dedicated networking sessions or mentorship opportunities. No matter how you decide to make contacts at the event, you’ll find yourself meeting fascinating people who are just as passionate (or curious!) about cybersecurity as you are.

Matt Lemon PhD (CISO and VP of Cybersecurity at Huawei) said:

“I have been attending events like this for many years and I’ve made great connections and friends at them. There is always an opportunity to learn from peers, from the talks and panels as well as to get to talk with vendors face-to-face and see what’s on offer.”

And you never know – the person you chat with at a workshop could be the one who recommends you for your first job.

Learn from the best in the field

You’ll also be learning from world-class speakers. Some of the biggest names in the industry give talks, lead panels, and run technical workshops – and many are happy to stick around afterwards to answer questions. 

There’s something special about being in a room full of inquisitive minds. As Matthias Muhlert (CISO at Haribo and ECSO CISO Ambassador) put it:

“The inquisitive nature of those present, who eagerly explore novel technologies and methodologies, is truly inspiring. I always leave these conferences enriched, with new ideas and renewed confidence in my own approach.”

That environment can be transformative, especially when you’re just starting out. It gives you exposure to new tools, new concepts, and new ways of thinking – the kind of insights that don’t always show up in textbooks or online tutorials. 

Basically, when you come to BHMEA you expose yourself to a level of knowledge and drive that would take you years to experience without an event like this. And it’ll ignite the same drive in you; because you’ll see what’s possible when you commit to developing your skills in the cybersecurity space. 

Get hands-on experience 

We’re not just about theory. Our production team dedicate themselves to creating a diverse range of experiences at the event; including technical challenges, Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions, hands-on labs, and red team demos. 

This means you can actually do cybersecurity while you’re here – and that’s a huge win when you’re building up practical experience for your CV. 

If you step out of your comfort zone and jump into a CTF or workshop, you’ll often end up working side-by-side with seasoned pros, which (if we do say so ourselves) is a powerful way to learn directly from the best in real-time. 

You’ll leave feeling inspired and ready to take your next step in cyber 

We love talking to people after each Black Hat event, because they’re always buzzing with ideas and energy. So we can very confidently say that if you come, you’ll leave with that same buzz. 

Muhlert added, “The attendees' open-mindedness towards a variety of topics and their unwavering ‘get it done’ attitude leave a lasting impression.”

That energy is contagious. Whether you’re inspired to build your own tool, apply for a job, get involved in an open-source project, or tackle a new certification – you’ll walk away feeling ready.

If you have any doubts about whether BHMEA is for you, know this: you don’t have to be an expert to attend. You just need to show up, ask questions, talk to people, and see where the experience takes you. 

We might be biased, but we think Black Hat MEA is one of the best places on earth to take your first real step into cybersecurity. Step through the doors and start building your future in cyber. 

We can’t wait to see you in Riyadh this December.