The training opportunities available through VetSec are some of the biggest draws for new members. In this edition of VetSec Impact Stories, the transition is ongoing but the impact of our program is still powerful. One member shares the value they have received in their journey moving from a software developer to a more security focused role.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background before joining VetSec?
In the US Army, I was a 25S, Satellite Communications Technician. I changed paths to engineering and software development in college and a developer boot camp. I unfortunately ended up undegreed, but I make up for that in certifications and experience. I have 3 years of experience as a Full-stack Python Developer, and 5 years of experience as a Salesforce Developer / Consultant. I hold 15 Salesforce certifications, and I am working to gain more to become more competitive in the job market, as I am currently unemployed for a year now.
How did you first learn about VetSec, and what motivated you to get involved?
I learned about VetSec from an old Army friend of mine. I was visiting her, and I was unemployed (still am), and she suggested that I look into VetSec to pursue a career in cybersecurity.
My main motivation is that I am unemployed. If I wasn’t, I wouldn’t be encouraged to branch out, and I would focus my efforts on my current career, and the needs of my clients. Because I had bad luck gaining employment through a 6-month job search, I am upskilling, both to become more competitive in the job market, and to explore job opportunities outside of my previous career path.
What were some of the biggest challenges or obstacles you faced in transitioning to a cybersecurity career before joining VetSec?
My main challenge is that I’ve never pursued cybersecurity as a career before, so I have a lot of catching up to do, in terms of knowledge, skills, and experience. The great thing is that I have a developer background, and I am self-taught, so I am able to pick up the material easily.
Can you describe your experience with VetSec’s training and mentorship programs? What specific resources or support did you find most valuable?
So far, VetSec has opened up many opportunities for training and mentorship, mainly Fortinet Networking Basics, Level Effect CDA Live, and access to the Cybrary. I am finding all of them valuable in their own separate ways: Fortinet for networking training, Level Effect and Cybrary for general cybersecurity, but in great detail, and hands-on experience through labs.
How has the VetSec community impacted you personally and professionally?
So far, the VetSec community has impacted me in terms of training and education opportunities (I lurk in the #education channel often). I hope that my training and hard work will pay off, and I hope to ultimately utilize the VetSec community by obtaining employment through some kind soul in the community.
Can you share a specific moment or achievement during your time with VetSec that you are particularly proud of?
Within VetSec, although I had to purchase Level Effect’s SOC100 courses myself, I worked hard enough to take advantage of the opportunity to join their CDA Live Winter cohort, whose $5,000 cost is covered by the partnership between Level Effect and VetSec. Through that course, I am learning a lot, gaining valuable hands-on experience, and I am able to keep up and in some ways exceed the expectations of the course so far.
Outside of VetSec, I was able to earn the Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer certification. This was particularly difficult because I do not have any on-the-job experience with Google Cloud, and it is recommended that people pursuing that certification have at 3+ years of industry experience, and 1+ years of Google Cloud-specific experience before attempting the exam. So I had to generate that experience in the span of 2 months, in which Fortinet’s Networking Fundamentals course played a small part.
Where are you currently in your cybersecurity career, and how did VetSec contribute to your success?
I am at the very beginning of my cybersecurity career, meaning that I do not have a job yet, and I don’t have job experience at this time. According to Level Effect teachers though, I am well on my way to being able to do SOC Tier 2 analyst work.
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, it would have been harder for me to find the training opportunities that I have obtained so far. I did not have knowledge of Fortinet, Level Effect, or the Cybrary before.
I intend to pursue a job within cybersecurity, once I have finished enough training, and I have put together both a resume and a portfolio.
What advice would you give to other veterans considering a career in cybersecurity and thinking about joining VetSec?
I don’t have much to say about getting a career in cybersecurity, as I haven’t tried yet. But, if you are interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity, definitely take advantage of the training, mentorship, and community that VetSec provides. We are here to help you in any way that we can, and don’t worry if you are learning the material slowly, as you will get it in time as long as you put in the work required, much like many other pursuits.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience with VetSec or a message to the community?
All I can think of is that I am very thankful for the opportunities that VetSec has helped me obtain so far, and I hope to give back in some way, once I do gain employment eventually.