Isaac Parle’s journey into cybersecurity began with a drive to serve others through his work. He saw cybersecurity as a field with opportunities for learning and growth, and CyberUp’s apprenticeship program provided an entryway. With little technical experience at the start, Isaac committed to improvement. He used YouTube tutorials, study groups, and online resources to prepare for his first certification exam, Network+. CyberUp’s support helped him secure an apprenticeship in a company that encouraged both interaction and learning, even in a mostly remote environment. Between virtual trivia nights and Slack channels where coworkers connected, Isaac found himself part of a community that kept him engaged.
The company’s flexible approach allowed him to work remotely while also going into the office a few days each week, which helped him ease into his new role. This experience gave Isaac insights into how remote companies operate, and he learned early on the importance of work-life balance. To maintain a boundary between work and personal life, he adopted the habit of closing the door to his home office at the end of each day. To deepen his industry knowledge, he also followed cybersecurity news through newsletters, Reddit, and a cybersecurity Discord server.
Growing as an Apprentice
The first half of the apprenticeship came with personal challenges, including moments of self-doubt and imposter syndrome. Like many new to cybersecurity, Isaac sometimes questioned his place in the field. But his commitment to improvement and mentorship from CyberUp helped him push through. Reflecting on these moments, Isaac found that people skills and approachability helped him build relationships and gain insights from others on his team.
As Isaac progressed through his apprenticeship, his role expanded. Initially, he focused on help desk tasks, but as he gained skills, he began to support projects, configuring systems and handling integrations. Each assignment provided a chance to understand the field more deeply, and he gained confidence as he learned. By his sixth month, he had started working on system configurations, getting hands-on with cybersecurity operations.
Reaching a Milestone in the 12th Month
At the end of his apprenticeship, Isaac achieved a significant milestone: he was offered a full-time role as a junior systems administrator. This role brought more responsibilities, such as overseeing GitHub organizations and configuring systems. His path from help desk support to junior systems administrator reflects the growth he achieved during the apprenticeship and his commitment to learning at every stage.
Advice for Future CyberUp Apprentices
Looking back, Isaac shared advice for future apprentices entering CyberUp’s program. He noted that imposter syndrome is common, especially for those new to cybersecurity. He reminded aspiring professionals that everyone starts from the beginning, and while the field may seem daunting, perseverance and openness to learning make all the difference. He emphasized the value of people skills, saying that kindness and approachability help build good working relationships and lead to new learning opportunities.
He also found that a growth-oriented mindset was essential for overcoming challenges. Starting with little technical knowledge, Isaac built his skills gradually, proving that each step forward matters. His journey highlights that resilience and a dedication to learning are vital in cybersecurity.
Staying Involved and Looking Forward
Now a CyberUp alumnus, Isaac plans to stay connected with the community by joining the alumni network on LinkedIn and subscribing to the alumni newsletter. He sees this as a way to keep up with industry trends and improve his skills. Looking ahead, Isaac is ready to keep learning and make cybersecurity his lifelong career.
Isaac Parle’s story reflects the impact of CyberUp’s apprenticeship program. From a newcomer to a junior systems administrator, his journey shows the support and growth CyberUp fosters. As he continues in cybersecurity, Isaac’s experience will inspire others entering the field, showing them that with commitment and guidance, a promising future awaits.
