How to become A Data Privacy Consultant

• Personal Privacy Consultant
• E-Privacy Consultant
• Security Privacy Consultant

What do Data Privacy Consultants do?

A Data Privacy Consultant would typically need to:

• Assist the client organisation in complying with privacy standards by evaluating their environment and applications and designing a risk-based, actionable road map to demonstrate compliance
• Evaluate the current data privacy practices of the client against relevant legislative frameworks
• Design, test and implement data privacy programs and business strategies that make the most of the legislation
• Conduct Privacy Impact Assessments and third party assessments; support and guide the client in adhering to the complex web of national and international regulations
• Leverage industry-standard tools to map information flow and accurately document complete compliance
• Deploy data governance and discovery processes and tools to help detect and prevent privacy breaches; assist the client in privacy-related incident response activities
• Ensure a streamlined approach to data privacy by bringing about cohesion between the client’s stakeholders in legal, compliance, risk, human resources, security and business functions
• Support the client’s team when necessary by acting as an interim team member such as a data protection officer, security officer, security manager or security analyst
• Assist in delivering privacy projects, act as a subject matter expert or lead a team dependent upon their experience
• Contribute to service development along with proactive identification and pursuit of opportunities for business and team growth

Most Data Privacy Consultants work in a dynamic, multicultural and flexible work environment; they often travel to the client’s office and work alongside them.

Typically, Data Privacy Consultants work full-time on a regular 9-5, Monday to Friday schedule. You may need to put in long hours to meet emergencies or deadlines. Part-time work and short-term contracts are viable options.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Data Privacy Consultants can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Data Privacy Consultants are generally employed by:

• The Retail Industry
• The Media & Entertainment Sector
• The Defence & Aerospace Sector
• The Medical Services & Devices Sector
• The Cybersecurity Industry
• InThe Telecom Industry
• The Banking, Insurance & Financial Sectors

Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Association of Privacy Professionals, are crucial for Data Privacy Consultants interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation.

Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Install and maintain robust data retention and erasure policy compliant with current data privacy regulations and improve protection against data breaches
• Ensure data privacy compliance for sensitive data within the organisation’s orphan and dormant unstructured data
• Diligent assessment of third parties before sharing with them sensitive organisational data

Prospective employers welcome any experience in delivering projects focused on data protection and privacy laws. However, given the sensitive nature of the field, this experience may be challenging to acquire. 

Data Privacy Consultants should read about the profession and interview/job shadow experts working in data privacy and protection to prove their commitment to prospective employers.

Data Privacy Consultants have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in IT or law, which gives them a significant understanding of the data protection and privacy domain.

Knowledge of relevant data protection and privacy laws and regulations, along with industry standards and frameworks such as Generally Accepted Privacy Principles (GAPP) and Binding Corporate Rules (BCR), will help you in the international job market.

Take college preparatory courses in IT in high school. English and speech classes will help you develop your research, writing, and oral communication skills.

Certification demonstrates a Data Privacy Consultant’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination.

Certification in information security audits, governance and risk, cyber security standards, privacy program management and healthcare information/security from an objective and reputed organisation can carry a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent, increase your chances of advancement, and allow you to become an independent consultant.

Professional certifications in information privacy will show your understanding of the laws, regulations, and privacy standards in a given jurisdiction such as Canada or Europe and discipline such as government or private sector.

Employers may sponsor certification programs for deserving employees who lack them.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Data Privacy Consultants. They can hope to progress to team leadership positions before aspiring to senior roles such as Chief Data Officer or Chief Information Security Officer.

Candidates with the necessary skills, experience, and education have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Data Privacy Consultant build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning.

Most employers will offer you a tailored development path matching your career aspirations. Your personal growth and development are based on meritocracy.

Data Privacy vs Data Security

Although they are often used interchangeably, the terms have distinct differences. Data privacy governs how data is collected, shared and used, while data security protects data from compromise by external attackers and malicious insiders.

What Drives Data Privacy?

Data privacy is one of the most pressing issues in the industrial world today, with companies such as Facebook, Google and Amazon building empires on the data economy.

However, when customers and partners lay claim to their privacy and freedom from unwanted surveillance, businesses must make sure the way they request consent, abide by their privacy policies and manage the collected data does not lead them to an expensive privacy failure. 

Customers are now aware that their data is being stored and used by many companies; so, they want to make sure they are not sharing more than they have to defend their fundamental right to privacy. If a company falls victim to a hack, the consequences of lost revenue and lost customer trust will prove drastic.

Data Privacy Consultants build security solutions that ensure an organisation shares data only with those it wishes to.

What Does The Future Hold?

As legislators and consumers demand more effective data protection measures, Data Privacy Consultants have become valuable additions to the business world. Companies are increasingly emphasising ‘privacy’ in the job ads they post online.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Data Privacy Consultants have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

A full-time Data Privacy Consultant, on the other hand, has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

People are uncomfortable sharing their healthcare information and physical location details on social media but do not mind disclosing their purchasing habits and religious and political views.

Data Privacy Consultants help organisations achieve data privacy nirvana - they advise clients on how to comply with the latest legislations while turning them to competitive advantage.

Helping your clients establish trust and confidence when doing business and carrying out personal transactions is of vital importance in an increasingly interconnected world.