Even if you’ve been working in technology for a long time, the fun thing about it is that it’s always changing and you have to keep learning to stay on top of it. In today’s VetSec Impact Story, we hear from someone who has done just that – continuing to learn through the training opportunities and the mentorship that’s available in our community.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background before joining VetSec?
Before joining VetSec I was already working in the cloud development and infosec space. As an Army National Guardsman from 1993 to 2005 I was first an M1 Armor Crewman and then a Heavy Vehicle Operator. My civilian career has almost always been focused on technology and electronics and I climbed the ladder from being an A+ certified computer technician all the way up to being a Certified Ethical Hacker.
How did you first learn about VetSec, and what motivated you to get involved?
I first heard about VetSec on a facebook group for veterans. I saw VetSec as an opportunity to collaborate with likeminded security focused veterans and to share that knowledge with other veterans that were interested in transitioning into the cybersecurity space.
What were some of the biggest challenges or obstacles you faced in transitioning to a cybersecurity career before joining VetSec?
The biggest challenges I’ve faced with cybersecurity are that absolutely everything is impacted by it. Nobody can be an expert in “everything cybersecurity” and you really have to find which domain you love and focus your efforts there.
Can you describe your experience with VetSec’s training and mentorship programs? What specific resources or support did you find most valuable?
The training programs available to veteran’s are amazing. Many of the free offerings available to everyone provide great opportunities for veterans to explore cybersecurity. On top of that the mentorship program is available to help veterans better understand the opportunities available, guide them towards programs for them to explore, and generally provide advice as requested.
How has the VetSec community impacted you personally and professionally?
Professionally VetSec has helped me focus on what I love about cybersecurity and challenged me to pursue growth in that domain. Personally I think VetSec has helped me find more camaraderie and better appreciate the unique community we have.
Can you share a specific moment or achievement during your time with VetSec that you are particularly proud of?
I was actually quite proud of being accepted as a mentor with the VetSec program. It’s given me an opportunity to engage with young veterans who are interested in this field and needed guidance as to where to start.
Where are you currently in your cybersecurity career, and how did VetSec contribute to your success?
I’m currently working in an Architectural role for a major healthcare system where I focus on cybersecurity related technology and strategy. I was in this role prior to joining VetSec but this organization has helped me gain clarity and focus on what matters to me. When the opportunity arises I intend to move into a leadership role, ideally as a CISO, where I can more effectively influence the strategy of our organization.
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?
The VetSec community has absolutely helped grow my cybersecurity mindset. Without VetSec, and without the organizational support I currently experience at my employer, it would be trivially easy to fall out of touch with what’s happening in cybersecurity. News articles, blogs, and forums are no replacement for actually talking to people who work in this field and are on the front lines of protecting our cyber infrastructure. As noted above, my aspiration is to move into a CISO role where I can usher in a more strategic mindset within an organization that has been focused on tactical challenges.
What advice would you give to other veterans considering a career in cybersecurity and thinking about joining VetSec?
They shouldn’t hesitate to join VetSec if they’re considering this career field. They won’t find a more experienced group of individuals that not only understand the challenges of military transition, but also the challenges cybersecurity imposes. You won’t get the wishy washy answers here. They’ll get the raw, honest answers that may crush their idea of what they think cybersecurity actually is. From the agile perspective – fail fast! If cybersecurity doesn’t seem like it’ll be their thing, they’ve lost nothing from exploring it properly with experts who are willing to help guide them.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience with VetSec or a message to the community?
VetSec is an amazing community and our volunteers and board go above and beyond. We truly don’t appreciate them enough for what has to feel at times like a thankless job. Less of a message to the community but to the board and volunteers – Thank you again for all that you do. When I see messages like “We only had one applicant for X..” it disappoints me but let me say this as someone who’s applied for and been rejected several times for those things… I’m glad you rejected my app. It clearly wasn’t my time for those opportunities am glad someone who needed the training was selected over me and I hope they’ve communicated their thanks as well. Those rejections encouraged me to “shoot my shot” at work and pursue similar training there where it was, to my surprise, approved. Win-win as someone who needed VetSec resources got it and someone like me, who had an alternate path, didn’t essentially steal it from that someone who did need it. It also means I’m not applying for further opportunities until I finish what’s already on my plate. Hopefully with enough outreach we can continue to identify the people that need these opportunities.