In this edition of VetSec Impact Stories, we learn that not all paths are straightforward, but when you have a crew at your back, you can make it through any winding path and find yourself on top and in a much better place.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background before joining VetSec?
Prior to joining VetSec I had recently gotten out of the Navy as an Aviation Electronics technician, and was looking for a way to get into IT work. I was working in the Oilfield as a Field Service technician, because you need to make money. I went through a *bad* boot camp, then learned about VetSec through a friend on Linkedin. From there I joined and have had pretty solid success in the field thanks to everyone in the community.
How did you first learn about VetSec, and what motivated you to get involved?
As stated, I was referred here by Heath and immediately felt like it was a great place to be. I’ve been in and out of IT as my life pulled me all around the country for various reasons, but one thing that has always been consistent is the community and brotherhood that I’ve had here at Vetsec. There are wonderful people offering time, mentorship, by the way moments of insight, and a place where we can talk, bitch, grow, and learn.
What were some of the biggest challenges or obstacles you faced in transitioning to a cybersecurity career before joining VetSec?
There was so much to it, and it was impossible to know up from down. The military in no way *really* helped with giving me a pathway to getting in or even giving me ideas on where to start. The folks at VetSec helped with Resume review, interview tips, and honestly just encouragement as I was dealing with time and time again really difficult job markets.
Can you describe your experience with VetSec’s training and mentorship programs? What specific resources or support did you find most valuable?
I have only tried a few of the active benefits in VetSec. I did run through some of the Lets Defend platform and found their stuff to be good as a refresher or an introduction to topics I was unfamiliar with. I haven’t taken advantage of much more than that, and a CompTIA voucher which helped me when I tested for my CySA+ and passed it. The support I’ve found most valuable is the people and the wealth of Tribal knowledge within VetSec.
How has the VetSec community impacted you personally and professionally?
Through Vetsec I’ve found friends to help me through hard times. I’ve found 3 jobs in IT and gone from making 50k / year in a job I hated to making 150k / year in a position I love. I’ve gained my CySA+, my CISSP, and a host of SANS certificates which have made my transition around and into my current role possible. The community has always been there to listen, provide advice, or give a referral. It truly is a place that has been a blessing to me.
Can you share a specific moment or achievement during your time with VetSec that you are particularly proud of?
I was very proud of obtaining my CISSP after a lot of self-study and advice from the crew at Vetsec. I was given a perspective that was infinitely valuable as I studied and put myself into the correct mindset for the test.
Where are you currently in your cybersecurity career, and how did VetSec contribute to your success?
I am currently I’d say mid-career and am working as a consultant, which is somewhere I have always wanted to be. VetSec contributed to me finding a place in cybersecurity that I truly flourish in, where cybersecurity, policy, and business all intermingle. I got here through discovery of GRC, through the wisdom and knowledge of my peers, and through referrals to the firm I am now working for. VetSec is a place where we believe all of our fortunes rise when one of us succeeds. That has been something I missed dearly since leaving the service.
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 don’t think I’d have ever gotten to where I am in the timeline I have done so. I’d probably still just be working a dead-end job as a maintainer somewhere as opposed to being active and engaged in my career choices. I have actually found myself in a place I am content in terms of my aspirations. I *do* want to continue to grow, maybe learn digital forensics or cloud architecture. No matter where I go though, I know that the people at VetSec will have my back.
What advice would you give to other veterans considering a career in cybersecurity and thinking about joining VetSec?
Look, Cybersecurity is hard. It’s not a beginner’s field, but you can find ways in with tangential experience. If you want to be here, you will have to work and dedicate yourself to being a forever student. No matter what though, you will be able to find your home if you enjoy computers and being infinitely curious. If you need guidance though, or camaraderie, or just want to grow your knowledge and advance your career, I can honestly say I don’t know of a better org for Vets.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience with VetSec or a message to the community?
Our people genuinely do care. We can’t all be there all the time, but there is always *someone* there. The meet ups, conferences, and just place to exist has been super helpful. I want to thank our board members, and everyone for all the work and time they put into this community and project. Tom, Tyler, Warren, John, Jake (don’t tell him though), Drew, Jason, Gabe, Sam, Mike, and Michael all have always been there and are wonderful people to speak to and learn from. Thanks for everything, and all the fish.