Sara's journey into cybersecurity began as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many others, Sara found herself in a difficult position when her school mandated in-person learning. She needed to find a new job that would allow her to care for her daughter with special needs while also providing a fulfilling career. Fortunately, Sara's passion for continuous learning and her desire to keep moving forward propelled her into the world of cybersecurity.
With a background in teaching, Sara had many skills that could be transferred to the cybersecurity industry. As a teacher, Sara learned how to communicate effectively, work under pressure, and manage her time efficiently. She also had a keen understanding of how to break down complex concepts into more accessible pieces, which proved to be an invaluable skill in the field of cybersecurity.
After attending a training seminar, Sara was inspired by a speech given by our LevelUp coordinator. The coordinator spoke about the numerous career opportunities in cybersecurity, which opened Sara's eyes to the possibilities that lay ahead. She enrolled in our LevelUp Training program, where she learned valuable skills such as risk management, compliance, and information security. With CyberUp's support, Sara landed a remote role performing compliance duties that allowed her to continue caring for her daughter.
Sara's success in cybersecurity did not come easily, as she had to balance her studies with her family obligations. Despite the challenges, Sara remained determined to succeed and stay active. She would go biking or running whenever she could and subscribed to different tech wikis, radio stations, and social media feeds to stay up-to-date with cybersecurity news.
One of the things Sara appreciated most about her experience with CyberUp was the professional development opportunities. She participated in the Monthly Mentor Meetups, which allowed her to network with other professionals in the field. She also valued the monthly check-ins with our apprenticeship coordinator, who provided guidance and support throughout her journey.
Looking ahead, Sara has set her sights on earning her Google IT certification and AWS certification, as well as being promoted from associate to analyst. She knows that cybersecurity is a sink-or-swim field, but she remains steadfast in her determination to succeed. Sara's mantra, "Just keep swimming," serves as a reminder that persistence and continuous learning are critical to achieving success in any field.
Sara's journey into cybersecurity is a testament to the power of determination and continuous learning. Her passion for staying active and her desire to better herself both personally and professionally allowed her to transition into a new career successfully. With the support of CyberUp, Sara was able to overcome the challenges and build a bright future for herself and her family.