While we have a lot of folks in our community that are looking for work, we also have those who have been around the industry for a bit and they are willing to share their knowledge and lived experience with each other. In today’s VetSec Impact Story, we hear from a former IT Specialist in the Army who, with the help of fellow VetSec-ers, found his way to the Blue Team and Digital Forensics.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background before joining VetSec?
I was in the Army as an IT specialist that dealt mainly with networks and some satellite communication terminals. I was in for 5 and a half years, got out in 2016. I went to a local community college for an associates in cybersecurity and completed most of the courses but stopped as I got a job offer. I took the job offer to keep my clearance active and decided to finish college online while working.
How did you first learn about VetSec, and what motivated you to get involved?
I do not recall how I ended up finding VetSec but it was a pretty small community when I joined. Being around people with similar paths and seeing how they navigated their situations seemed like it would be helpful to mine, so I stuck around.
What were some of the biggest challenges or obstacles you faced in transitioning to a cybersecurity career before joining VetSec?
Biggest challenge was to get the first cybersecurity role. VetSec exposed me to more than just the flashy pentest roles and helped me to be able to sell my previous experience to fit roles I was applying to.
Can you describe your experience with VetSec’s training and mentorship programs? What specific resources or support did you find most valuable?
I had the privilege of attending an OSCP bootcamp thanks to VetSec, this would have cost thousands of dollars otherwise or used my GI bill benefits. Taking the course and networking with the instructors helped me to realize that blue team roles would be better suited for what I wanted to do at the time. The most valuable aspect to me is the established members that share their advice and try to stop members from wasting time and benefits.
How has the VetSec community impacted you personally and professionally?
The resume-help and the resume review that is offered at the con (vetseccon.com) helped to structure my resume to receive a lot more responses to my applications.
Can you share a specific moment or achievement during your time with VetSec that you are particularly proud of?
I can’t think of one just yet. I plan to stick around and pay back the advice I’ve gotten over the years.
Where are you currently in your cybersecurity career, and how did VetSec contribute to your success?
I am currently mid-career doing digital forensics. VetSec helped me to sell my previous IT experience and GRC role to land a more technical role.
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 feel like I would have been stuck in the roles I was in longer. I took the advice of changing roles every few years and taking roles that fit me and future aspirations. My future aspirations are to make enough money to never have to look at a computer ever again. (LOL) No but really I think I want to gain enough experience so I can eventually part time consult and then pursue other passions of mine.
What advice would you give to other veterans considering a career in cybersecurity and thinking about joining VetSec?
Join VetSec for sure even if they are not sure they can see experiences from others that we like at some point and guide them to avoid some of the pitfalls.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience with VetSec or a message to the community?
VetSec has given me one of the greatest joys in life, the ability to piss off my spouse by holding fundraisers that sell ranger panties. (hahaha!) Just want to say thanks to the board members for volunteering their time and the great members that hang around.