Global Travel for a Nigerian Legal Professional: Technological Privacy Breaks Down Barriers in the Digital Realm
In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, privacy work has emerged as a lucrative and long-lasting career option. Not only does it offer financial stability, but it also guarantees a portable, well-paying career that transcends borders and industries. One such success story is that of Motunrayo Adebayo, who transitioned from a law career to a privacy analyst role in the US tech sector.
Adebayo, who earned her law degree in Nigeria and completed law school in Abuja, moved to the United States and delved deeper into the technical side of privacy work. Initially, she faced difficulties finding a job due to companies wanting local experience. However, her perseverance paid off when she secured her first privacy-focused role as an in-house lawyer at an IT consulting firm in 2021.
Her role in IT privacy involves reviewing data processing agreements, auditing vendors, and ensuring compliance. Adebayo believes that understanding the local environment, including legal requirements, hiring patterns, and workplace culture, is crucial for privacy professionals working internationally.
The nature of tech privacy work makes it one of the most viable fields for digital nomads, as most work can be done remotely. Remote professionals who understand how data laws work are now key to how companies manage risk and build trust.
In fact, the demand for privacy professionals has surged over the last decade due to various privacy laws and regulations. Privacy roles now sit alongside cybersecurity, engineering, and compliance at the executive table. According to the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), privacy is one of the fastest-growing career areas in tech, with thousands of roles added annually across various sectors.
For those looking to transition from a law career to a privacy analyst role, here's a step-by-step guide tailored for the US market:
**1. Gain Relevant Experience in Data Privacy** - Utilize your existing understanding of legal principles, focusing on laws related to privacy, such as GDPR (through international cases), CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act), and HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). - Highlight any experience in privacy law, compliance, or related legal roles.
**2. Acquire Necessary Skills** - Familiarize yourself with privacy management tools like OneTrust. Understanding data processing and IT applications is crucial. - Pursue certifications such as CIPP (Certified Information Privacy Professional), CIPM (Certified Information Privacy Manager), or CIPT (Certified Information Privacy Technologist) to enhance your credentials.
**3. Network and Stay Updated** - Attend industry events and join professional networks to stay informed about privacy trends and best practices in the tech sector. - Keep updated with evolving privacy regulations and their implications on the tech industry.
**4. Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter** - Emphasize your legal expertise, any privacy-related experience, and technical skills relevant to the role. - Include any privacy certifications you have achieved.
**5. Prepare for Interviews** - Prepare to discuss your understanding of privacy laws, your experience with privacy management tools, and your approach to privacy impact assessments. - Highlight your ability to analyze privacy risks and develop effective solutions.
**6. Consider a Transition Role** - Move into a dedicated privacy role where you can apply your legal knowledge and gain experience in privacy compliance and management. - After gaining experience, you can consider moving into senior roles or specialized areas like privacy counsel.
By following these steps, you can effectively transition from a law career to a privacy analyst role in the tech industry, leveraging your legal expertise to succeed in this field. Entry-level privacy roles in the US can offer salaries between $70,000 and $90,000 annually, with potential for higher salaries with experience and certifications.
Fifty years ago, tech privacy didn't exist, but it has grown out of necessity due to the spread of digital systems. As data continues to be a vital asset for businesses, the need for skilled privacy professionals will only increase, making this an exciting and rewarding field to pursue.
Adebayo's transition from a law career to a privacy analyst role in the US tech sector demonstrates the potential for career development in the tech industry, especially in the field of technology privacy. With the increasing importance of cybersecurity, fintech, cloud, and education-and-self-development in the digital age, understanding technology privacy becomes crucial for both individuals and organizations. In Adebayo's case, her legal background played a significant role in her success, highlighting the intersection of law and technology. As the demand for privacy professionals continues to surge, lifestyle opportunities such as remote work are becoming more prevalent, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a portable, well-paying career that transcends borders and industries.
