With experience in Law Enforcement, including intelligence work and crisis response, it seemed natural for this Army veteran to transition into Cybersecurity, particularly OSINT. In this edition of VetSec Impact Stories, we hear once again about figuring our where we fit in the industry and the impact mentors who get it can have on one’s career journey.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background before joining VetSec?
Before diving into the cybersecurity world, I spent some time in law enforcement, including a stint in the US Army and then with the Lexington County and Batesburg-Leesville PD from 2013 to 2019. That felt a lot like intelligence work and crisis response, coordinating with different agencies and training folks. After that, I worked as a Risk Security Analyst at PwC for a bit, from 2020 to 2021. That’s where I got into using OSINT for fraud investigations and using tools like Python and Alteryx to make sense of big datasets. On the education side, I picked up a Master’s in Criminal Justice from Liberty University and a Bachelor’s in Criminology from the University of South Carolina.
How did you first learn about VetSec, and what motivated you to get involved?
Getting involved was a no-brainer for me. I really wanted to connect with other veterans who were also making the move into cybersecurity or were already in the trenches. Finding mentors and just having a space to ask questions and figure things out was a huge draw.
What were some of the biggest challenges or obstacles you faced in transitioning to a cybersecurity career before joining VetSec?
For me, one of the biggest challenges was honestly figuring out where I fit in the cybersecurity landscape. There are so many different paths, and translating my past experiences into a clear direction felt a bit overwhelming at times.
Can you describe your experience with VetSec’s training and mentorship programs? What specific resources or support did you find most valuable?
While I haven’t been through formal programs, the biggest help from VetSec has been finding mentors and just being able to throw questions out there. I actually used the mentorship request feature and was connected with some great mentors whom I still go to for advice and ask for resume tips. That informal guidance and having people to ask anything to has been super valuable.
How has the VetSec community impacted you personally and professionally?
VetSec has been a game-changer for me personally and professionally, especially by helping me find mentors and some great friends. It’s awesome to be part of a group that gets the veteran experience and the unique path we take getting into cybersecurity. Having that network and being able to ask questions has been key for navigating my career and learning new things.
Can you share a specific moment or achievement during your time with VetSec that you are particularly proud of?
I’m really proud of the connections I’ve made through VetSec that have led to multiple referrals and interviews. It shows the power of this community in opening doors and creating opportunities for veterans.
Where are you currently in your cybersecurity career, and how did VetSec contribute to your success?
Right now, I’m a DevOps Engineer/Intelligence Analyst at ZeroFox. I get to do things like support major public sector clients, make our data pipelines run better, and automate investigations using code. I’m also still involved with Frontsight as an OSINT Analyst/Automation Engineer, working on automating research and building web apps. VetSec definitely helped me get here by connecting me with experienced folks and giving me a place to ask all the questions that come up when you’re building a career in this field.
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?
Honestly, I think it would have been a much tougher road without VetSec. Having mentors and friends who understand the veteran transition makes a huge difference. It’s made the journey way smoother and more enjoyable. Looking ahead, I’m really focused on using my skills in threat analysis, OSINT, and automation, and I’m hoping to move into a Senior Security Operations Analyst role.
What advice would you give to other veterans considering a career in cybersecurity and thinking about joining VetSec?
Jump in and get involved! The people in VetSec are incredibly supportive, and the knowledge you can gain just by connecting with others and asking questions is immense. Don’t feel like you have to figure everything out on your own. This community is here to help you find your way.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience with VetSec or a message to the community?
Just a big thank you to everyone in VetSec. Finding mentors and friends who have been so supportive has been invaluable. It’s a fantastic group that’s truly making a difference for veterans in cybersecurity.