See It To Be It Spotlight

I got into cyber through…I was incredibly fortunate to pivot from a large consulting firm to a smaller technology-focused business last year. My current boss took a chance on me and hired me as a leader for client delivery overseeing many contracts with responsibility for direct delivery on a newly won Red Team contract where I would serve as the program manager (I had zero experience in anything cyber-related). To many, this may sound like just another career change; however, this was significant for me and helped me gain confidence over the next several months that I could be successful in a more technical role. I look back on the transition, and while this is still relatively new for me, I am proud to say that I am part of the cybersecurity community!

For me, a positive cyber mindset is…continuing to innovate and think about what’s next. Asking questions, connecting dots, and collaborating with the broader cybersecurity community.

The skill that helped me transition to a career in cyber is…the skill that helped me transition to a career in cyber is program management. I was able to use that as a foundational skill to advance a Red Team program. I found that being part of the Red Team environment was really energizing, and I knew I wanted to do more. I’m actively learning and growing and happy to share my transition lessons learned with others.

My top tip to those interested in transitioning to a career in cybersecurity is…borrowing Nike’s ‘Just Do It’, I would say the same. Depending on where you are in your career, some transitions may be more challenging than others. Embrace the change, stay positive, and believe in yourself.

What I thought I wanted to be when I grew up was…I remember in early elementary school wanting to be a veterinarian. This was definitely influenced by friends and peers in the classroom as many others also listed this as a top career choice. When I look back on that, I realize how fortunate I’ve been by being exposed to new ideas and careers that I never would have considered growing up in a small town in the Midwest. I initially served as a Naval aviator, then pivoted to consulting, and am now beginning a journey in cybersecurity.

What has been your favorite part of being a RISE Protégé?
As a protégé, I have access to incredibly talented and experienced mentors as well as cybersecurity events across the DC community and beyond.  I made progress on the two goals I set for myself as program requirements in the mentor agreement. 1) Build my cybersecurity network, and 2) Develop an understanding of foundational training and complete the associated coursework. With encouragement from my mentors, I am beginning a Cybersecurity Master’s program in the fall. I don’t think I would have leaned into my training goal this much without their support – I’m so grateful for their time and perspective!