Cy Says Blog & Podcast

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.

Nate Miller's journey from a military cyber operation specialist to an Information Security Analyst at Swirlds Labs is a testament to his determination and passion for technology. Completing the CyberUp apprenticeship program, Nate's path was filled with learning, challenges, and significant achievements.

Discovering CyberUp

Nate began his career in the military, gaining foundational cybersecurity knowledge. As a National Guard member for the Army, his dedication was clear. Although he didn't have a degree, Nate earned a Cisco Certified Networking Associate certification, showcasing his technical skills. Nate chose CyberUp to further enhance his cybersecurity skills; the support and guidance from CyberUp made the field more accessible for him. His enthusiasm for learning and technology made cybersecurity a natural progression.

During the initial three months of his apprenticeship, Nate found himself enthralled by the learning opportunities at CyberUp. He appreciated the structured support system, which made the complex world of cybersecurity more accessible. This period laid the groundwork for his future advancements and achievements within the program.

Evolving Skills and Responsibilities

Nate's role at Swirlds Labs quickly advanced from basic tasks to more complex solo projects, such as phishing campaigns. He began working independently, gaining confidence and competence. His standout accomplishment was executing a phishing campaign using voice AI technology to clone the CEO's voice. This innovative approach not only demonstrated his technical skills but also earned him recognition and a bonus from the company. It showcased his ability to leverage new tools and technologies effectively.

Throughout the apprenticeship, Nate continued to acquire new skills and knowledge. He learned to use tools like KnowBe4 for training and phishing campaigns, gaining hands-on experience that integrated these tools into the company's processes. His evolving responsibilities and solo projects highlighted his growing expertise and readiness for more advanced tasks.

Balancing Work and Life

Nate maintained a healthy work-life balance throughout his apprenticeship. The flexibility of remote work allowed him to integrate his professional responsibilities with personal commitments, such as accompanying his girlfriend to a conference in Orlando. This balance was crucial in enabling him to pursue additional certifications outside of work hours, further enhancing his expertise.

Nate's ability to manage work-life balance effectively contributed significantly to his success. By working remotely, he could work from various locations, ensuring that his personal life did not interfere with his professional commitments. This flexibility also allowed him to focus on completing certifications, fully engaging in work tasks during work hours.

Advice for Future Apprentices

With the apprenticeship program behind him, Nate aims to delve deeper into red team cybersecurity, focusing on cyber attacks and prevention methods. The foundation laid during his time with CyberUp and Swirlds Labs will benefit this pursuit. Nate advises future apprentices to be trainable, flexible, and ready for challenges. His journey is a reminder that success in cybersecurity is about continuous learning and growth.

Nate Miller's story through the CyberUp program shows how structured learning and real-world experience can transform a passionate individual into a cybersecurity expert. His journey from soldier to cybersecurity professional is an inspiring example of how dedication and the right support can lead to success in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity.

 

Beginning a New Chapter

Laura Ohanian's transition into cybersecurity began with a strong foundation in psychology and web design, and a determination to find a more stable and lucrative career to support her role as a single mom. Before joining CyberUp, Laura worked as an engraver at Scott Air Force Base and held diverse roles including a licensed esthetician. Her decision to shift careers was fueled by the growing demand in cybersecurity and the support structure provided by CyberUp’s apprenticeship program. Laura's journey in cybersecurity started with gaining her CompTIA Security+ certification, which equipped her to take on her new role as an associate information security analyst.

Growth and Learning

By the three-month mark, Laura had already taken charge of critical tasks such as managing the phishing email inbox and handling service requests for access to applications and workstations. Despite feeling occasionally behind her peers with IT degrees, Laura’s dedication and constant learning kept her job enjoyable and fulfilling. Six months into her role, she appreciated the never-ending learning curve in cybersecurity and expressed a desire to delve deeper into Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), reflecting her passion for understanding the broader implications of cybersecurity measures.

A Year of Achievements and Aspirations

Approaching her one-year anniversary with CyberUp, Laura highlighted the emotional support and hands-on training that were instrumental in her professional development. Her ability to overcome challenges, especially in solitary study, was significantly aided by the resources and mentoring provided by CyberUp. Looking ahead, Laura aims to deepen her expertise in the GRC field and acquire further certifications to advance her career.

During this transformative year, Laura also made significant contributions to cybersecurity initiatives at SSM Health, where her role involved safeguarding sensitive medical data and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations. Her involvement in developing and implementing security measures has been critical in protecting patient information and enhancing the organization's overall security framework. This experience at SSM Health not only sharpened her skills but also reinforced her commitment to the field, setting a solid foundation for her future aspirations in cybersecurity.

Contributing Back to the Community

Laura is not just committed to her own growth but is also eager to give back to the community that supported her. She has expressed interest in mentoring within CyberUp’s youth and alumni programs, hoping to guide others through their cybersecurity journey.

Laura’s story is a compelling example of how resilience, continuous learning, and community support can transform careers and lives. Her experience inspires current and prospective CyberUp candidates to pursue their goals with determination and seek the support they need to succeed.

 

Embarking on a Cybersecurity Adventure

Tia Harris began her cybersecurity journey with experience in security from roles at Boeing and the Illinois Army National Guard, despite having no degree. Her pivot was sparked by a CyberUp career development session, highlighting the alignment between her experience and the demands of cybersecurity. Tia valued the transparency and relevance in CyberUp’s training, quickly applying her new skills at the Federal Reserve Bank, embracing projects across various sectors.

Early Realizations and Growth

Within three months, Tia excelled in her role, supported by CyberUp in areas like resume building and interview prep. Her enthusiasm for cybersecurity grew, viewing the field as full of opportunities for professional advancement. By six months, Tia had embraced her role not just as an analyst but as an educator within her organization, teaching cybersecurity awareness with creativity.

A Year of Transformation and Achievement

Approaching one year, Tia's role evolved to Associate Information Security Analyst, focusing on compliance and awareness. Her projects involved cross-team collaboration, enriching her experience.. Tia found that CyberUp’s study tips and professional development played a pivotal role in her success today. Her goal is to continue growing in the Federal Reserve Bank’s security assurance team.

In reflecting on her first year, Tia is particularly proud of her contributions to a major compliance project that improved the company’s security posture. Her ability to bridge technical knowledge with practical application has not only enhanced her team's capabilities but also positioned her as a key player in her department. This success, coupled with her ongoing commitment to learning and development, underscores the significant strides she has made in her career and the potential she has to influence the future of cybersecurity.

Legacy and Mentorship

Committed to giving back, Tia is enthusiastic about mentoring in CyberUp’s youth program and participating as a volunteer speaker. Her journey demonstrates the power of seizing opportunities in cybersecurity.

Tia’s story is an inspiration to those considering cybersecurity, showing that success is achievable with the right guidance and resources.