In this edition of VetSec Impact Stories, Jason E. shares a bit about how the community of VetSec has had a profound impact on his personal career journey.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background before joining VetSec?
Before Vetsec I was already on my current career trajectory, I was just figuring things out on my own and experiencing things by myself and I didn’t have like-minded people to talk to nor did I have people to mentor or share my experiences with quite like what we have with the Vetsec community.
How did you first learn about VetSec, and what motivated you to get involved?
I honestly don’t remember how I heard about VetSec, but it was likely from someone mentioning it on LinkedIn a couple years ago. I was motivated to join because I identified as one of the people VetSec was created to support: I was a former military member working my way into the field of cybersecurity. I wanted to be around people like me and VetSec provides that for me.
What were some of the biggest challenges or obstacles you faced in transitioning to a cybersecurity career before joining VetSec?
It was slower building my professional network before I joined VetSec. I had my college and I had LinkedIn that I was leveraging successfully. I broke into the field leveraging my military experience and getting my education and putting myself in a position to be noticed at my college. I found VetSec 7+ years after I did this though and wish I had know about it and joined it sooner.
Can you describe your experience with VetSec’s training and mentorship programs? What specific resources or support did you find most valuable?
I am an active mentor with VetSec. I support Monday zoom/huddle calls. I like to read what others are talking about. I haven’t used much of the VetSec training programs because I found my way, the hard way, years earlier. I love being a mentor for VetSec and I like to be able to chat with other mentors at VetSec.
How has the VetSec community impacted you personally and professionally?
VetSec has a firm position in who I am right now. It’s a community of people see myself as a part of. That’s huge. I proudly put that I’m a part of VetSec on my LinkedIn and my mentoring has become a significant part of my life now that I’m older. I’ve been doing IT and Information Security for 30+ years and VetSec is the perfect fit of where I can be the professional I want to be. I like to give back to others and who better than other former former military veterans working in the same industry!
Can you share a specific moment or achievement during your time with VetSec that you are particularly proud of?
I’ve changed jobs once since I joined VetSec. I was at a point in my life where I could choose what I wanted to do next in cybersecurity, and I’m doing what I like to do right now for an employer I’m proud to work for. I get to share that story with VetSec members and I wouldn’t have the ability to share the story if I wasn’t a member.
Where are you currently in your cybersecurity career, and how did VetSec contribute to your success?
I’m a senior member of the cybersecurity community. I started in IT before the military, shifted to Communication Security (ComSec) and Information Assurance (IA) during the military. I transitioned starting in 2013 to Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity. I have done several roles going up the leadership and experience ladder over the last 10 years. VetSec contributed by being a forum for me to teach and mentor and comment on things, which keeps me sharp. Staying sharp is important in my career.
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 think my career was already on a good trajectory before VetSec but VetSec helped to confirm it by being able to talk with others over time. For personal growth, I would not have had the many mentees that I’ve had of people so similar to my own path into the industry. My future in the field is coming to an end. There is no other role I want to do at this point, but maybe someone at VetSec will give me an idea I haven’t considered.
What advice would you give to other veterans considering a career in cybersecurity and thinking about joining VetSec?
You have to be willing to learn, forever. Be a lifelong learner. There’s a bit of a learning curve that you have to be willing to tackle. Have a goal. Learn what’s out there. Find a mentor at VetSec and be a good mentee to get the maximum benefit of the the relationship.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience with VetSec or a message to the community?
If the field of cybersecurity were easy, everyone would do it. It’s technical because it involves computers. The best practitioners live cybersecurity every day and are always learning. Be a good student and apply yourself. VetSec is a community of people that know how this is important. They view it from common ground (military experience). Figure things out on your own like I did, or make a great career choice and join VetSec as a force multiplier for your transition mission’s success.