Cy Says Blog & Podcast

Finding a New Path

Elliott Thompson had already spent years working in logistics management in the United States Air Force. His background was one of precision, coordination, and efficiency—traits crucial for the work he did daily. After his service, Elliott found himself facing a familiar question that many veterans experience: what's next? He held a Bachelor's degree in Management, which was certainly valuable, but he yearned for a new direction. He wanted something challenging, dynamic, and relevant to the evolving needs of today’s world. When Elliott discovered CyberUp, a program that provides accessible cybersecurity career pathways for veterans, he saw an opportunity to pivot toward a promising career in cybersecurity.

Elliott chose CyberUp not only because he was curious about cybersecurity but also because he needed a new career path—one that catered to his experience and the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life. He valued that CyberUp’s programs specifically supported veterans, offering them a chance to not just retrain but to thrive through apprenticeships and hands-on opportunities.

Navigating the Transition

Elliott began his journey with CyberUp through their LevelUp Training program, immersing himself in the world of cybersecurity over the course of several months. The training helped him build foundational knowledge, and Elliott appreciated the structured approach it provided. He did, however, see room for more hands-on learning, suggesting that additional labs could be an excellent addition to the curriculum. His feedback was a testament to his desire to actively engage with every learning opportunity, eager to apply his skills practically, and make the most of his training.

Elliott’s determination paid off when he landed an apprenticeship at Centene Corporation as a reporting analyst. His new role focused on analyzing portfolio management processes and supporting budgeting decisions. For Elliott, it wasn’t just a new job—it was a place to bring together all the skills he’d developed: problem-solving from his Air Force days, data analysis from his training, and a desire to be a part of something bigger.

Challenges and Perseverance

The journey wasn’t always easy. Elliott faced a number of personal challenges while working to complete his required certification, an important milestone in his career progression. He experienced delays in taking the exam, both due to technical issues and personal circumstances. Despite these setbacks, Elliott remained focused, rescheduling his exam multiple times and even adjusting his plans to take the test closer to where his mother lived so he could balance his professional responsibilities with personal commitments. The process tested his patience, but it also underscored Elliott's resilience—a trait he had cultivated in the Air Force and now brought to his burgeoning cybersecurity career.

Throughout the apprenticeship, Elliott also had to navigate the challenge of proving his technical skills and establishing his place within his team. Initially, he encountered technical issues and struggled with integration, but he didn't let these challenges deter him. Instead, Elliott demonstrated his capabilities through consistent effort, engaging in all aspects of his role, and showing that he could adapt and grow.

Elliott's manager and team lead noticed his determination. Midway through the apprenticeship, discussions about extending his contract started to surface, and the possibility of being hired full-time became a realistic goal. Elliott worked hard to balance these expectations, his ongoing certification process, and the personal hurdles life threw his way. He learned that effective communication with his team was key—keeping them informed about the delays he was experiencing and managing expectations regarding his progress.

A Milestone Achievement

At the end of his apprenticeship, Elliott's persistence paid off when he was offered a full-time position with Centene. Reflecting on his journey, Elliott recognized the importance of not underestimating his own qualifications. He came to realize that the skills he had developed in the Air Force and during his apprenticeship were highly valuable, even if they weren't all purely technical. He learned that showcasing a wide range of skills—problem-solving, adaptability, teamwork—was just as critical as the technical knowledge he had worked so hard to build.

Paying It Forward

Elliott’s experience at CyberUp had a profound impact on his view of mentorship and community. He credits much of his success to the supportive network he built—mentors who offered guidance, teammates who provided encouragement, and a community that understood the unique challenges of transitioning to cybersecurity. Elliott decided that once his apprenticeship was over, he wanted to stay involved with CyberUp, offering mentorship to new apprentices. He believed that sharing his story, along with the lessons learned about perseverance, adaptability, and communication, could help others navigate their own paths.

He advises future apprentices to embrace every opportunity that comes their way, to stay involved, and to not give up when faced with difficulties. Building connections, Elliott says, is crucial—not just for professional opportunities but also for personal growth and support. He encourages apprentices to highlight the diversity of their experiences, understanding that technical skills are just part of what makes a great cybersecurity professional.

A New Future

Today, Elliott Thompson stands as a testament to the transformative power of CyberUp’s mission to create accessible career pathways. From his time in logistics management in the Air Force to becoming a full-time cybersecurity professional at Centene, Elliott’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and growth. He’s a reminder that career transitions, while challenging, are entirely possible with the right support, dedication, and willingness to learn. As he looks toward the future, Elliott is committed to continuing his professional development, mentoring others, and helping to make the cybersecurity industry a place where everyone, regardless of their background, can find their place and thrive.

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.

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.