For many, the job we do in the military doesn’t translate directly to civilian employment. In the process of transition, we must explore the various options to figure out where we want to fit in. In this edition of VetSec Impact Stories, one member still on the job hunt shares how VetSec helped him better understand the path he wants to take so he could shift his 5-year plan and take advantage of extra training opportunities.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background before joining VetSec?
I am a US Army Vet that used to be a Tanker (19K) and a Counterintelligence Special Agent (35L), but I got out of the Army in 2017 and then started contracting until 2020. After I finished contracting I wanted to transition to computer programming and went to a coding bootcamp using the VETEC benefit. That didn’t lead to any gainful employment, so I decided to move laterally and give cybersecurity a try. From there I discovered VetSec and joined.
How did you first learn about VetSec, and what motivated you to get involved?
I was in a similar community called “Operation Code” for programming and when I decided to pivot to cybersecurity, a member of that community recommended I join VetSec because it was super helpful and also had only vets.
What were some of the biggest challenges or obstacles you faced in transitioning to a cybersecurity career before joining VetSec?
I haven’t actually transitioned to the career field yet, I did have a lead on a job from Slack, but couldn’t continue for unrelated reasons. But a major issue I am experiencing is that the field is so large that I couldn’t decide what I should do and whether or not I liked it. At first I thought Red Team stuff was the way to go, but thanks to mentorship from the Slack, I realized that I am not the top 1% of the 1% who can make a living from Red Team. So now I’m mulling over where in Blue Team I would enjoy working.
Can you describe your experience with VetSec’s training and mentorship programs? What specific resources or support did you find most valuable?
Having a place to be able to ask questions and get answers from people who are professionals, seniors, and hiring managers in the field is the most valuable benefit. This is the Jobs and Jobs Discussion channel in slack. The second would be the Education channel. The third would be the resume review. The other channels are helpful and interesting, but those are in my opinion the top 3.
How has the VetSec community impacted you personally and professionally?
VetSec is the only community that I interact with on a daily basis. From the Slack, I was able to get mentorship and learn about programs and benefits that I didn’t know existed. I was able to get an offer letter for a job and chat with people with similar interests and backgrounds. I can definitely say that my 5 year plan was entirely made based off what I learned and the advice I got in VetSec.
Can you share a specific moment or achievement during your time with VetSec that you are particularly proud of?
The goal of all these communities is to help people find work. So I will say that I saw an opportunity in the Job-Listings channel and applied, eventually getting an Offer Letter for an entry level digital forensics position.
Where are you currently in your cybersecurity career, and how did VetSec contribute to your success?
I’m currently in the SANS Bachelor’s of Cybersecurity program and was only able to get into the program by learning about some opportunities for SANS unrelated to the degree program mentioned in VetSec and then pivoting my participation in that to get into the degree program.
Reflecting on your journey, how do you think your career and personal growth would have been different without VetSec? What are your future aspirations in the field of cybersecurity?
I probably would have paid out of pocket for a cybersecurity certificate mill bootcamp or fallen for a cybersecurity degree from a less than reputable university, thus wasting my valuable and limited GI Bill benefits. Being part of VetSec helped me avoid these common pitfalls that people working in the industry see all the time.
What advice would you give to other veterans considering a career in cybersecurity and thinking about joining VetSec?
Join VetSec so that you can at least hear what other veterans who’ve already done it or seen it done have to say about your plan. I went in thinking that I would do Bug Bounty Hunting and Red Team for a career. It was thanks to people in VetSec that I realized that it wasn’t a good career fit for me and saved me time and money.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience with VetSec or a message to the community?
It’s really a group of really chill people in the industry who also share a military background. They understand us in a way that civilians don’t. That alone is worth the price of admission (there is no admission fee, it’s free, but you get my point.).