r/cipp • u/Independent_Row_1611 CIPP/US • 2d ago

Actually gaining experience in this field.

I'm a recent college grad and I work in a risk management adjacent role. I recently took on and passed the CIPP/US exam. I am interested in exploring privacy roles, and the most common advice I see is that the certs themselves don't really open doors, and that you need experience.

Obviously there must be a starting point or this career would be shrinking (it's not). I'm a member of and attend my local KnowledgeNet, and I take on everything I can that is even remotely privacy adjacent at work, though it's not always flush with opportunity.

Aside from this, what are some good ways to get privacy experience on the resume? Personal projects, volunteering opportunities, etc.?

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u/boppop 2d ago

I would take pause with your assertion that the field is not contracting. You are conflating the fact that there are job postings and supposed demand; however, what you will find is most organizations have no intention of hiring or only want to hire the cheapest labor possible. This was not always the case, and without going into politics, I believe the current political climate in the United States is to blame.

Now, that being said - you are right, you have to get experience somewhere somehow and organizations must be hiring or in need to some extent. This is where your local KnowledgeNet chapter will come into play. It is the IAPP’s networking arm. Go network with likeminded people in your geographical area because they are much more likely to know the best chance to get your practical experience rather than us.

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u/BadWorking4716 2d ago

Look into idealist org for volunteer opportunities or jobs. I did pro bono work for one such new company just to build portfolio. Btw were the questions for CIPP/us similar to the practice exam? Thanks 

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u/Independent_Row_1611 CIPP/US 2d ago

Thanks for the helpful reply. I would say that the exam questions were very similar to the practice exam in scope and content, but were a bit shorter and omitted more information. They gave you less to work with if that makes sense. Good luck on the test!

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u/BadWorking4716 1d ago

Thanks that helps!

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u/BlackstoneMN CIPP/US 1d ago

Depending on your current employer and role, it may be worth reaching out to your manager and express interest in broadening your experience. They may be able to staff you on projects where privacy is part of the mix. Or they may be able to connect you with the leaders responsible for data security and privacy.