Turning Curiosity into Confidence: Jessica Hewitt’s Apprenticeship Success Story

Jessica Hewitt’s path into cybersecurity started with a problem at home: removing viruses from computers after her children downloaded gaming modifications and clicked unsafe links.

As Jessica learned how to remove the viruses and trace where they came from, she realized how much she enjoyed the problem-solving process. That experience sparked her interest in pursuing cybersecurity as a career.

“I liked fixing what was going on and trying to get rid of the source,” Jessica said.

That curiosity led Jessica to online cybersecurity courses and technical labs, but learning on her own was often frustrating. When instructions skipped steps or labs did not work, she had no one to turn to for specific guidance.

After Hiring Our Heroes introduced her to CyberUp, Jessica saw LevelUp as the structured, supportive learning environment she had been looking for.

Finding the Right Learning Environment 

After learning some cybersecurity on her own, Jessica was unsure what to expect from a group-based program. But LevelUp quickly gave her something independent courses could not: people she could turn to when she got stuck.

Instead of searching online for answers, she could ask questions in real time, work through challenges with her classmates, and receive direct guidance from instructors Kyle and Eddie.

“I could talk to the group and have a teacher there to say, ‘This isn’t working. I’m not quite understanding this,’” Jessica said.

That support helped make difficult material feel more manageable. Her classmates brought encouragement and humor to the experience, while her husband helped at home so she could stay focused during demanding weeks. Together, that support system gave Jessica the confidence to keep moving forward.

Working Through the Difficult Parts 

As Jessica moved deeper into the program, some topics came more easily than others. Policies were especially challenging, and she worried about whether she would remember the material when it was time to take the certification exam.

Rather than moving on and leaving students to work through those gaps alone, instructor Kyle built review into the learning process. Interactive quizzes and group activities gave Jessica and her classmates opportunities to revisit difficult concepts, identify what they were still struggling with, and practice until the material began to make sense.

“We would review what we couldn’t remember the week before and focus on what we were struggling with,” Jessica said. “That really helped make things click.”

Over time, the repetition and direct feedback began to change how Jessica saw herself as a learner. She became more comfortable answering questions, more willing to work through unfamiliar material, and more confident in what she knew. What had once felt overwhelming became manageable with the right instruction, practice, and support.

Putting Her Skills to the Test

As Jessica prepared to move from training into the workforce, mock interviews became one of the most challenging parts of LevelUp. She worried about what employers would expect her to know and whether she could communicate her skills confidently under pressure.

The mock interview practice gave her a chance to work through those fears before facing a real hiring team. That preparation was put to the test when she interviewed for a cybersecurity apprenticeship with a local employer.

The interview included nearly an hour of technical questions. Jessica left convinced that she had not done well, but the hiring team saw something she had not yet fully recognized in herself: the knowledge, preparation, and potential to succeed in the role.

She was selected for the apprenticeship, giving her the opportunity to apply what she had learned through LevelUp in a professional environment.

“I’m excited to actually put everything that I’ve learned through the program and the different labs into practice,” she said.

Recognizing How Far She Has Come

Through LevelUp, Jessica earned her CompTIA Security+ certification, built professional connections, and gained greater confidence in her ability to succeed in cybersecurity.

Before the program, she often questioned whether she truly understood the material. Now, she feels more secure in her knowledge and better prepared to answer technical questions, communicate what she has learned, and continue developing her skills.

Jessica is especially interested in vulnerability management, but she is also eager to explore other areas of cybersecurity and gain a clearer understanding of where her interests and strengths may lead.

When asked what the version of herself from before LevelUp would think about where she is today, Jessica said:

“Two thumbs up. Way to go! You actually did it.”

Her experience also taught her that struggling with unfamiliar material does not mean someone is incapable of succeeding.

“It’s okay to allow yourself to struggle,” Jessica said.

She encourages others to keep going when they encounter something they do not understand and to seek support from the instructors, mentors, and peers around them.

A New Chapter Begins 

Jessica’s journey shows what can happen when curiosity is supported by structured training, dedicated instructors, and a community willing to help. What began with troubleshooting computers at home grew into the knowledge, confidence, and opportunity she needed to begin building a career in cybersecurity.

Congratulations, Jessica! We’re proud to have been part of your journey from curiosity to confidence and excited to see you put your skills into practice as you begin your cybersecurity apprenticeship.

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 Ready to Build a Stronger Cybersecurity Workforce?

If you're an employer looking for driven, hands-on cybersecurity talent like Jessica, CyberUp’s Apprenticeship Program can connect you with candidates who are trained, motivated, and ready to contribute on day one.

 

From Career Changer to Cybersecurity Apprentice: Louis Sinn's Cybersecurity Journey

A Career Path Built on Curiosity

Before CyberUp, Louis Sinn was already developing the skills cybersecurity demands. He had worked in retail management, earned a master’s degree in business finance, spent time in financial advising, and taught himself programming while exploring what came next.

His career path had not followed a straight line, but every step gave him something valuable: business knowledge, problem-solving experience, discipline, and the ability to keep learning when the path ahead was unclear.

Cybersecurity started to feel like the right fit because it matched the way Louis already thought.

“I’ve always loved a game or a challenge,” Louis said. “And I love puzzles.” But for Louis, cybersecurity was not just about solving technical problems. It was about protecting people. He saw how scams, data breaches, social engineering, and cyber threats had become part of everyday life, and he wanted to help change that.

Finding the Right Bridge

When Louis moved back to St. Louis, he began looking for a way to turn his interest and self-taught technical skills into a real career opportunity. Traditional job searching was not getting him where he wanted to go. Then he found CyberUp.

At first, Louis wondered if the opportunity was real. CyberUp seemed to offer exactly what had been missing from his job search: structure, support, and a connection to the cybersecurity industry.

“They sound like they’re offering a lot,” Louis said. “Then I realized it was a nonprofit.”

For Louis, that made the opportunity feel different. CyberUp was not just offering training. It was built to help people connect their potential to real career pathways.

Building Skills, Context, and Confidence

Through CyberUp’s LevelUp Training, Louis gained more than preparation for cybersecurity concepts. He gained real-world context. Before the program, he had mostly thought about cybersecurity from a technical standpoint. LevelUp helped him understand what businesses are actually dealing with, which threats are affecting organizations, where to find reliable information, and how technical knowledge connects to practical workplace needs.

Louis already had the curiosity and technical drive. CyberUp helped him strengthen the professional tools around it, including his resume, interview readiness, and confidence speaking with industry professionals. He credits resume support as one of the most valuable parts of the experience.

“I wasn’t getting any interviews anywhere,” Louis said. “It was nice to have someone sit down and really talk through all the finer points of it.”

The mock interview experience also made a lasting impact. Louis said the volunteers took the process seriously, and the experience helped him build connections with real industry professionals. It gave him a clearer sense of what employers were looking for and helped him feel more prepared for future conversations.

For Louis, CyberUp’s support came from many directions. Instructors helped break down technical concepts, industry professionals brought real-world examples into the classroom, and classmates challenged each other through discussion, review, and hands-on practice.

That mix mattered. Louis was not just memorizing information for a certification exam. He was learning how to think through problems, explain what he was seeing, and apply the material in ways that felt connected to real cybersecurity work.

“There were all these different approaches,” Louis said. “We got hands-on practice, so every type of learning was covered.”

Continuing the Journey

Now, Louis is continuing his cybersecurity journey through an apprenticeship opportunity and staying connected to CyberUp by volunteering with PowerUp, where he helps introduce younger students to cybersecurity and online safety.

His advice for anyone considering cybersecurity is to stay curious, keep learning, and give yourself permission to pursue a path that may not look traditional. For Louis, the first step was not having every answer. It was being willing to keep going until the right opportunity came into focus.

“You may not know whether cybersecurity is the right fit until you try it,” Louis said. “It’s a broad field, and there may be a path in it that matches your strengths.”

Cybersecurity Talent Comes From Many Paths

Louis’ story is a reminder that cybersecurity talent is not limited to one background, one degree, or one traditional path. CyberUp graduates often come from other industries with years of professional experience already behind them. They have led teams, served customers, solved problems under pressure, managed responsibilities, and learned how to adapt.

CyberUp helps them connect that experience to cybersecurity, build the technical skills employers need, and move into opportunities where their full background becomes part of their value.

Congratulations, Louis. We are proud to have been part of your journey and look forward to seeing the impact you continue to make in cybersecurity and in the CyberUp community.

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 Ready to Build a Stronger Cybersecurity Workforce?

If you're an employer looking for driven, hands-on cybersecurity talent like Louis, CyberUp’s Apprenticeship Program can connect you with candidates who are trained, motivated, and ready to contribute on day one.

 

Thinking About a Career in Cybersecurity?

If you’re curious about cybersecurity but don’t yet have your CompTIA Security+ certification, CyberUp’s LevelUp Training program might be the perfect place to start. We provide accessible, self-paced training to help you earn your certification and prepare for apprenticeship opportunities.

 

 

From New Tools to New Confidence: Jessica Lee's Cybersecurity Journey

When Jessica Lee began her apprenticeship with CyberUp, she was stepping into a new professional environment with unfamiliar tools, terminology, and expectations. In her apprenticeship role, she started learning how analysts review information, respond to customer needs, and investigate security activity.

The work required her to process a lot of new information quickly. Jessica had to become familiar with cybersecurity language, internal tools, and the details that go into understanding tickets. Instead of backing away from the challenge, she focused on learning, applying feedback, and improving over time.

Learning Through Real-World Experience

During the first few months of her apprenticeship, Jessica began building the core skills needed to understand the work of a cybersecurity analyst. She strengthened her ability to analyze data, read and process information, understand customer needs, and become more familiar with cybersecurity terminology.

One of the most impactful parts of her experience was learning how to work within professional cybersecurity systems and processes. Through that work, Jessica gained a better understanding of log sources, IPS, customer needs, and host and user investigations. As she worked through tickets, she practiced analyzing information, seeking clarification, and applying feedback from engineers.

Over time, that repetition helped Jessica connect the dots between what she was learning and how the work applied in practice. Each ticket gave her another opportunity to review information more carefully, strengthen her investigation skills, and build confidence in the process.

At first, adjusting to new programs and processes felt intimidating. Jessica had to adjust to new tools, company-specific terminology, and the expectations of working inside a cybersecurity company. Instead of letting that uncertainty stop her, she used it as a reason to keep learning. With guidance from her team, she worked through challenges and continued improving.

Building Confidence Through Support and Persistence

Jessica’s apprenticeship was not only about technical growth. It was also about building confidence in a professional cybersecurity environment.

As she continued learning, Jessica became more comfortable explaining her work, helping others, and contributing to her team. She developed stronger problem-solving skills and learned how to stay open-minded when facing challenges. Feedback from supervisors and mentors helped her identify areas for improvement, and she used that guidance to keep growing.

Her team environment also played an important role in her experience. Jessica built strong relationships with team members and engineers, and she felt welcomed and supported throughout her apprenticeship. That sense of community helped her stay engaged as she continued learning and taking on new responsibilities.

CyberUp also provided support along the way. During her check-ins, Syanne Fontanilla, CyberUp’s Apprenticeship and Alumni Coordinator, encouraged Jessica to reflect on her progress and recognize how much she had accomplished since beginning the apprenticeship.

Growing into a Security Analyst

By the end of her apprenticeship, Jessica’s role and responsibilities had evolved. She was gaining confidence in explaining her work, helping others, strengthening her skills, and meeting the expectations of her role.

That growth led to an important career milestone: Jessica completed her apprenticeship and accepted a full-time role as a security analyst.

For Jessica, the transition from intern to security analyst marked an important step forward in her cybersecurity career. It reflected the skills she built, the feedback she applied, and the persistence she showed as she worked through new tools, terminology, and expectations.

Jessica is especially proud of the certifications and assessments she passed during her journey, including earning her Security+ certification. Those accomplishments reflected what she had learned and her commitment to continuing her education.

Looking back, Jessica described the experience as impactful. The apprenticeship gave her a clearer understanding of cybersecurity work and helped her recognize the progress she had made since starting the program.

Continuing to Build Toward the Future

Jessica’s cybersecurity journey continues with a strong foundation. After completing her apprenticeship, she shared that she plans to keep learning and continue pursuing additional certifications as she grows in her role.

Her experience gave her more than technical knowledge. It helped her build confidence, apply feedback, strengthen her problem-solving skills, and better understand the day-to-day work of cybersecurity analysts.

Advice for Future Apprentices

Jessica’s advice to future apprentices is simple and honest:

        “Push through the challenges and enjoy the journey.”

That advice reflects the reality of starting a new career path. There will be new terminology to learn, tools that take time to understand, and moments when the next step feels uncertain. But Jessica’s experience shows that those moments are part of the process.

By staying engaged, applying feedback, and continuing to learn, she turned uncertainty into confidence and an apprenticeship into a full-time cybersecurity career.

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Jessica’s apprenticeship shows how much growth can happen when someone has the opportunity to learn on the job, receive support, and keep improving through each new challenge.

Congratulations, Jessica. Your hard work and persistence helped you take an important step forward in your cybersecurity career, and we’re proud to share your story.

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 Ready to Build a Stronger Cybersecurity Workforce?

If you're an employer looking for driven, hands-on cybersecurity talent like Jessica, CyberUp’s Apprenticeship Program can connect you with candidates who are trained, motivated, and ready to contribute on day one.

 

Thinking About a Career in Cybersecurity?

If you’re curious about cybersecurity but don’t yet have your CompTIA Security+ certification, CyberUp’s LevelUp Training program might be the perfect place to start. We provide accessible, self-paced training to help you earn your certification and prepare for apprenticeship opportunities.

 

 

Leveraging Communication and Persistence: Jacob Fulgham's Apprenticeship Journey

When Jacob Fulgham began his cybersecurity journey, he was part of one of CyberUp’s final self-paced training cohorts before the program transitioned to its current instructor-led format. The self-paced classes required a lot of discipline and time management to complete, but Jacob was up for the challenge. With a background in help desk support and a strong interest in building a long-term career in cybersecurity, Jacob was drawn to the field for its problem-solving nature, stability, and opportunities for specialization. He was specifically drawn to CyberUp’s training class for the flexibility it allowed him to work a full-time job while also studying for his CompTIA Security+ certification.

From the beginning, Jacob approached his career with intention. He maintained consistent communication with CyberUp staff, actively seeking opportunities and preparing himself for the next step. His persistence and willingness to advocate for himself set the tone for his success early on.

Learning Through Hands-On Experience  

During his apprenticeship with a managed IT company, Jacob expanded his technical skill set while gaining exposure to a variety of responsibilities. Working in a smaller organization allowed him to contribute across multiple areas, from supporting cybersecurity operations to improving documentation and system processes.

His ability to adapt and take initiative became one of his strongest assets. Rather than waiting for direction, Jacob leaned into challenges, using each experience as a chance to grow. This mindset allowed him to continuously build knowledge while making meaningful contributions to his team.

Overcoming Challenges Through Communication and Persistence

Like many entry-level cybersecurity professionals, Jacob faced challenges as he navigated evolving responsibilities and worked to define his role more clearly. What set him apart was how he handled those challenges.

He remained proactive in communicating with both his employer and CyberUp staff, ensuring he stayed aligned and continued progressing. In addition, he dedicated months to preparing for interviews, refining his skills, and building confidence.

“Communication is key. Keeping that communication open helped resolve a lot of things and allowed me to understand my role better.”

This combination of persistence, preparation, and communication played a critical role in his development and eventual success.

Building Toward the Future

Throughout his apprenticeship, Jacob stayed focused on long-term growth. He worked toward additional certifications like CompTIA’s CySA+ certification while strengthening his technical foundation and exploring different areas within cybersecurity.

His hands-on experience helped him identify a growing interest in governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) roles. By the later stages of the program, he had developed a clear understanding of how his strengths aligned with this path.

His contributions focused on improving systems, strengthening documentation, and supporting secure, efficient operations. Work that has added lasting value to his organization.

Advice for Future Apprentices

Jacob’s journey highlights the importance of taking ownership of your path. His advice to future apprentices reflects the mindset that helped him succeed:

"Keep your initial goals in mind. This is your breakout role, and whatever you get out of it is beneficial. Lean into the experience.”

He emphasizes the importance of staying engaged, continuously learning, and actively pursuing opportunities rather than waiting for them.

Jacob’s story is a strong example of how self-advocacy, persistence, and preparation can open doors in cybersecurity. By staying committed and proactive, he was able to turn opportunity into a clear career direction.

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At CyberUp, we believe strong pathways into cybersecurity careers are built through opportunity, persistence, and support. Jacob’s journey demonstrates how initiative and continuous learning can create lasting career momentum.

Congratulations, Jacob. Your dedication, persistence, and commitment to growth have set a strong foundation for your future in cybersecurity, and we’re proud to have you in the CyberUp community.

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Ready to Build a Stronger Cybersecurity Workforce?

If you're an employer looking for driven, hands-on cybersecurity talent like Sean, CyberUp’s Apprenticeship Program can connect you with candidates who are trained, motivated, and ready to contribute on day one.

 

Thinking About a Career in Cybersecurity?

If you’re curious about cybersecurity but don’t yet have your CompTIA Security+ certification, CyberUp’s LevelUp Training program might be the perfect place to start. We provide accessible, self-paced training to help you earn your certification and prepare for apprenticeship opportunities.