Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background before joining VetSec?
My name is David Rusher and I am a USMC 2x combat GWOT Veteran. My transition to civilian life was turbulant, with little to no preperation for what was ahead. I struggled initially to find my footing and naturally gravitated towards careers that paralleled my MOS’s. I learned through those career pivots that the veteran transition process is more of a journey than a one time act and that I was placing limitations on myself and my capabilities.
How did you first learn about VetSec, and what motivated you to get involved?
I was sitting in the oil fields of Alaska far from home and missing family. In pursuit of a better quality of life for myself and my family, I finally decided on a career pivot to cybersecurity. I did what most do and summoned the almighty Google. It was there I found VetSec and I was drawn to the familiar brotherhood and the raw straightforward insight I needed to plan my next steps.
What were some of the biggest challenges or obstacles you faced in transitioning to a cybersecurity career before joining VetSec?
There is a lot of information about Cybersecurity out there, and most of it was bad intell. Between bogus bootcamps, GI Bill sharks, and promises of no experience six-figure entries on every YouTube thumbnail, it was hard to find the truth among the noise. There are a lot of great resources available to Veterans that offer training and certifications. VetSec offers the same and managed to build out a robust community that is absent of gatekeeping and intent on seeing other veterans succeed in this industry.
Can you describe your experience with VetSec’s training and mentorship programs? What specific resources or support did you find most valuable?
VetSec provided me with free access to Coursera and Cybrary. Coursera came with pre-selected courses hand picked by experienced VetSec leaders to upskill anyone breaking into the industry. I found this to be an immense benefit as it narrowed my focus to training that was going to add true value. Wanting to apply theories and concepts through labs, VetSec granted free access to Cybrary Insider Pro. Both Coursera and Cybrary are but two of the many resources that VetSec offers. The most valuable resource I found was through the guidance and insight from my mentor. Each mentor has extensive knowledge and experience in various Cyber disciplines. The mentee is paired with a mentor after careful consideration, ensuring industry experience directly aligns with the mentee’s career path.
How has the VetSec community impacted you personally and professionally?
VetSec provided a place where genuine community and camaraderie provided a sense of belonging to the veteran community. The ability to ask questions and access invaluable shared resources enabled me to overcome imposter syndrome. This community welcomes any experience level and intentionally acts for the benefit of its members.
Can you share a specific moment or achievement during your time with VetSec that you are particularly proud of?
I achieved my CompTIA Security+ certification, worked with my mentor on realistic employment opportunities, and successfully landed a career for a Gov’t. contractor within 3 months of obtaining certification and no prior experience. While wide-eyed and employed, I continued to work with my mentor and was able to rapidly settle in to my new position.
Where are you currently in your cybersecurity career, and how did VetSec contribute to your success?
Like many others, I am currently unemployed due to DoD budget cuts. Honestly, the loss of my first Cybersecurity job hit hard, as there were many sacrifices made by my family and myself to get to that point. I am thankful that I have a community like VetSec to lean into during times like these. I’m able to focus, train and hone my craft for the next opportunity.
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?
Without VetSec I would have wasted a lot of time by not establishing a clear path forward and not knowing which certifications to obtain.
What advice would you give to other veterans considering a career in cybersecurity and thinking about joining VetSec?
You will find commonalities between your military service and a career in cybersecurity. Through VetSec, you will find community.