Todd Johnson’s journey through the CyberUp Apprenticeship Program demonstrates the impact of perseverance, continuous learning, and the support of a community in cybersecurity. With a background in desktop support and a strong interest in technology, Todd joined the program to transform his career and secure a future in a fast-evolving industry through skills-based hiring.
The Beginning: A Shift from Entertainment to Technology
Before CyberUp, Todd had worked in desktop support and as a field technician. However, his career started in an unexpected place—stand-up comedy. For nearly 20 years, Todd traveled across the country performing. While the entertainment industry provided unique experiences, Todd realized that the instability of life on the road wasn’t compatible with the stability he sought in married life.
Transitioning from entertainment to cybersecurity was a significant change, but Todd found it a natural progression. His long-standing interest in computers made cybersecurity an attractive and secure field, one that evolves quickly and offers new challenges. “Technology evolves while you're sitting there,” Todd noted, explaining what drew him to the industry.
Three Months In: Gaining Confidence
At the three-month mark of his apprenticeship, Todd reflected on CyberUp’s training program. He found it essential in building the knowledge and skills needed to transition into cybersecurity. “It got me where I needed to be,” Todd said, highlighting how the program not only provided a certificate but also taught him the importance of being proactive in his learning. The training encouraged him to research on his own and deepen his understanding, a habit that proved crucial throughout his apprenticeship.
This phase also emphasized the importance of skills-based hiring, a practice CyberUp supports. Instead of focusing solely on degrees or past job titles, skills-based hiring allowed Todd to showcase his practical abilities, which were further developed through the apprenticeship. This approach was key to Todd’s successful transition into cybersecurity, proving that with the right skills, career advancement is achievable regardless of past professions.
Outside of work, Todd is a writer, with a book and several screenplays. His creative side adds a unique dimension to his role in cybersecurity, highlighting his ability to think creatively—an important skill in solving problems in the field.
Six Months In: Overcoming Challenges
At six months, Todd’s passion for cybersecurity continued to grow. He enjoyed learning new things, especially the acronyms and technical language of the field. “Investigating and digging into things is enjoyable,” Todd shared, comparing his work in cybersecurity to his previous experiences in entertainment.
The support Todd received from CyberUp was critical to his development. He appreciated the professional development opportunities and the encouragement from the community. Working from home, Todd found a balance between his personal life and his career, allowing him to fully engage in the learning process. Despite the challenges, Todd described his experience as a “roller coaster ride,” with ups and downs but ultimately rewarding as he continued to improve his skills.
Twelve Months In: Reflecting on Growth
By the end of his apprenticeship, Todd had experienced significant growth. One of his major successes was mastering the security language, which helped him become his own advocate in learning. Transitioning from desktop support to cybersecurity was like moving from high school to college—requiring Todd to navigate a more complex environment. He described this transition as one of the most challenging parts of his apprenticeship but also one of the most rewarding.
Todd’s professional goals extend beyond the apprenticeship. He plans to obtain more certificates to strengthen his security skills and improve his ability to address security issues. His desire to continue learning reflects his commitment to the field.
In reflecting on his journey, Todd offered advice to new apprentices: “Don’t be too hard on yourself. Everyone had a day one, so it’s okay to ask questions and seek help.” This advice underscores the importance of perseverance and the willingness to learn, qualities that have been central to Todd’s success.
The Road Ahead: Giving Back
Looking to the future, Todd is eager to participate in CyberUp’s alumni and mentorship programs, where he hopes to help others navigate the cybersecurity field. His willingness to mentor new apprentices reflects the support he received and his desire to give back.
Todd Johnson’s journey through the CyberUp Apprenticeship Program shows the impact of opportunity, community, and continuous learning. From his early days in desktop support to his current role as a cybersecurity analyst, Todd’s experience highlights the importance of skills-based hiring and staying committed to personal and professional growth. His story serves as inspiration for those looking to make a similar transition, proving that with the right support and mindset, success is within reach.
