privacy professionals: working at a messaging/social media platform
Welcome to a little series I'm starting, where I ask people working in the privacy field 7 questions about their work! This includes Data Protection Officers, Managers and Consultants, and other members of Privacy & Compliance teams.
I find career advice and more specific information about the field to be lacking online, so I want to change that and host it myself :)
First up is an employee from the privacy team at a social media/messaging platform! I messaged them via their support platform asking the questions and asking for consent to publish the answers, and received this response from one of the employees.
Note: An earlier version published mentioned the company name; they have since requested me to anonymize it.
1. Can you describe your career path and what led you to become a Data Protection Officer (or similar role)?
I started as a lawyer and then transitioned into the corporate world leveraging my law degree in a major corporation in their emerging privacy program. Another one of our teammates actually spent 25 years in teaching and took her CIPP US and transitioned careers. In privacy specifically you will see many backgrounds and stories of people "falling into" this career. Our DPO has experience across multiple companies and years of experience to make it to where he is now as a leader in the company.
2. What drew you specifically to data protection law and privacy as a profession?
I loved the legal aspect of it and the ability to leverage my law degree. Fascinating intersection where humanity meets privacy.
3. What does a typical day in your role look like?
Our team works with customer facing requests, internal team meetings discussing ways we can continue to serve our customers and also lead with excellence in compliance and communication. Compliance, legal regulations, new laws etc are all things we spend time working on, studying, and implementing within our platform.
4. What aspects of your work do you find most rewarding or challenging?
Everyday comes with a new opportunity. With the ever changing privacy landscape the team is always learning, growing, and adapting. Its a very dynamic atmosphere. Love the challenge!
5. Which skills, qualities, or experiences do you consider essential for someone in such a role?
Being a good listener as number one! Background in privacy law and certifications such as CIPP/ US - AI etc. A well rounded approach to both the legal aspects and the human impact which can come through experience, reading and working in the industry.
6. How do you keep up with the rapidly changing landscape of data protection regulations?
Reading, conferences, webinar, IAPP, and association. Once you immerse yourself in understanding privacy you will find it touches virtually every part of our human existence in the marketplace, health, education, housing, finance etc. It is truly a fascinating industry.
7. If you could give advice to someone aspiring to enter this role, what would it be?
It's a great career with growing impact across all industries. I would say consume content that makes you better. Books, podcasts, articles. Check out the IAPP website that has lots of resources. Stay up to date on different laws and regulations being passed. Finally, keep reaching out to industry leaders, think about how you want to show up either through certification, law school etc. It is always a bonus to get internships or equivalent. In the end though, I would say, no matter what you do work on your character through the decisions that you make in your day to day life now. Integrity, honesty, work ethic, humility, and curiosity will take you far in whatever you do!
Thank you to this employee for the reply!
I'm still reaching out to other companies, but if you know some who would be interested or know of people working in the privacy field that would like to answer these, please shoot me a message! :)
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