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.

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.

 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.

Learning, Leading, and Listening: Ally Lynch's Apprenticeship Journey

When Ally Lynch stepped into her cybersecurity apprenticeship through CyberUp, she knew she was walking into a brand new world. She had moved to North Carolina, shifted away from more manual work, and joined a field where challenges never really stop. Instead of being intimidated, she treated each new task as a puzzle to solve. Over the course of the year, that mindset helped her grow into someone her team now turns to for guidance and support.

From building canvas apps to tracking cybersecurity metrics, Ally’s work has been both technical and people-centered. She has learned how to manage complex projects, navigate busy seasons, and stay steady after unexpected life events. Along the way, she discovered that growth is not just about skills on a resume. It is also about how you show up for others and how they show up for you.

From First Learner to Trusted Mentor

One of Ally’s proudest accomplishments was becoming the first person on her team to dive into the Canvas app assessment. Self-guided learning laid the foundation for everything that came next.

As the project grew, new teammates joined and needed help ramping up on canvas apps. Because she had been there from the beginning, Ally was able to mentor them and troubleshoot their questions. She shifted from being the newest learner to someone others looked to for direction. That experience showed her that expertise can come from curiosity and persistence, not just years of experience.

Ally also found real joy in working with coworkers from different backgrounds and personalities. Every teammate brought a different style, pace, and way of thinking. Learning how to collaborate with so many types of people became a major growth moment for her. It helped turn the workplace into a community where she felt like she truly belonged.

Her day to day work spans more than one project at a time. She helps collect cybersecurity metrics every quarter and is working with a coworker to automate the data collection process. Many of the projects in her department are ongoing, and some will never have a clean finish line because the data needs change all the time. That long term nature has pushed her to think like a builder, not just a box checker, especially as she begins building out Power BI dashboards.

Balancing Workload, Time, and Confidence

One of the toughest parts of Ally’s apprenticeship has been learning how to manage her time. Her work involves several long-term projects, ongoing support requests, and busy periods when the workload grows fast. It took time to figure out how to organize her days, protect space for deep work, and still be available when others needed help. Practicing those habits every day has made a noticeable difference in how she feels at work.

Daily standups and regular check-ins with her team have also helped her stay grounded. Ally feels well supported by her colleagues and manager, who give her room to ask questions and share updates. At times, she has felt overwhelmed, especially when projects pile up or timelines stretch longer than expected. Yet she continues to learn from those moments instead of backing away from them.

Like many people in tech, Ally has wrestled with imposter syndrome. Even with strong performance and positive feedback, it can be easy to doubt your place in the room. Constructive feedback from her manager helped her see her strengths more clearly and identify specific ways to grow. She has been intentionally speaking up more in meetings, sharing her ideas, and reminding herself that her perspective matters.

Life outside of work has brought its own challenges. After a car accident during a vacation that totaled her car, Ally faced not only physical recovery but also the mental and emotional impact of getting back on the road. Her manager responded with understanding and gave her the time she needed to focus on healing. Conversations with Syanne from CyberUp offered extra empathy and space to process what happened. That support reinforced the idea that a healthy work culture cares about the whole person, not just their output.

Building a Future Through Learning and Support

Throughout her apprenticeship, Ally has enjoyed the daily challenges that come with working in cybersecurity. Her role is more cybersecurity adjacent than directly offensive or defensive, yet she still feels connected to a larger mission. She works with data that supports the cybersecurity team, and solving problems in that space feels meaningful and rewarding. Knowing that her work ties into the bigger picture of protecting the organization keeps her motivated.

Ally is also thinking ahead about where her career might go next. She appreciates her current position and feels like she is still learning and being challenged every day. She plans to request the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification and sees that as one way to deepen her technical foundation. At the same time, she is curious about shifting into software development inside the company so she can use more of her coding skills, especially Python, and see what that world looks like up close.

Taking care of herself has become an important part of her professional growth. Ally has learned the value of sticking to a schedule, communicating clearly with her boss, and taking breaks throughout the day. After transitioning from a more physically demanding job, she is now in a role that gives her room to focus on long-term health and happiness. That balance has helped her see a future in tech that feels sustainable.

She also understands how important it is to stay informed in a fast-moving industry. Ally listens to podcasts, reads blogs, and explores resources shared through CyberUp emails and alumni portals to keep up with trends like artificial intelligence. She knows that staying curious about what is happening in the world will help her remain relevant and confident in her career. Outside of work, she makes time for hobbies and even volunteers to plant trees in a national forest, which reflects her desire to contribute beyond her desk.

Looking back, Ally sees that the most valuable lesson from her apprenticeship is the power of mutual support. She has learned how to step into more of a project management role while remaining someone others can trust for guidance. At the same time, she has allowed herself to receive help, whether through mentorship, team check-ins, or understanding after a difficult life event. Her advice to new apprentices is simple. Be patient with the training process, remember that your contributions matter even when you are still learning, build strong time management skills early, and look for chances to connect so you can grow together.

At CyberUp, we believe the cybersecurity workforce grows stronger when people are given the chance to learn, contribute, and grow into leaders. Ally’s journey shows what can happen when curiosity, persistence, and support come together. From tackling new technical challenges to mentoring teammates, she’s built skills that make a real impact on her team and organization.

Congratulations, Ally. We’re proud to have you in the CyberUp community and look forward to seeing where your career takes you next.

Ready to Build a Stronger Cybersecurity Workforce?

If you're an employer looking for driven, hands-on cybersecurity talent like Vermele, 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 Military to Cybersecurity: How Alex Beat Built a Career with Curiosity, Grit, and CyberUp

Breaking into a new industry is never easy—especially one as complex and fast-paced as cybersecurity. But for Alex Beat, a recent graduate of CyberUp’s apprenticeship program, the journey has been one of growth, determination, and transformation.

Alex didn’t come from a traditional cybersecurity background. In fact, before he joined CyberUp’s LevelUp Training program, his professional path looked very different. But he brought something far more valuable than technical experience: a strong work ethic, a passion for problem-solving, and a willingness to learn from the ground up.

Through CyberUp’s training and apprenticeship, Alex found the structure, support, and real-world experience he needed to make a lasting pivot. Today, he’s proudly serving as an Infrastructure Security Engineer One at Centene Corporation. It's a role that didn’t just fall into his lap but was built step-by-step through consistent effort and a clear vision for his future.

Learning by Doing

Alex’s apprenticeship experience wasn’t without challenges. He described the early days as a “massive learning curve,” especially navigating the scale and complexity of Centene’s networks and systems. But instead of being discouraged, he leaned in. He credits his ability to adapt to two key strategies: focusing on the fundamentals and staying meticulously organized.

“I took a lot of notes using OneNote,” he shared. “Then I’d go back, reorganize them, and build on what I learned. It helped me track tasks and avoid getting lost in the complexity.”

It’s this type of discipline—paired with a mindset focused on continuous learning—that helped Alex stand out. Managers praised his ability to pick things up quickly and valued his contributions to team research and project support.

Growth Beyond the Keyboard

While gaining technical knowledge was a core part of Alex’s journey, the personal and professional growth he experienced went beyond hard skills. He became more confident in his communication, more strategic in how he approached problems, and more comfortable with not knowing all the answers right away.

He also found meaning in the work itself. “Helping protect the company feels like I’m doing something important,” he said. “It’s been rewarding to see how all of my training is coming together.”

When asked about future goals, Alex is clear: he’s aiming to advance to an Engineer II role and is already taking on new responsibilities like production scans and participating in the on-call rotation. It’s all part of a broader plan to keep growing in a career he’s passionate about.

Paying It Forward

As he begins the next phase of his career, Alex remains committed to the community that helped him get here. He’s open to staying involved with CyberUp as an alumni mentor or speaker, and wants to help others who are just starting their journey.

His advice for new apprentices? “Be okay with not knowing everything right away. Take good notes. Stay curious. And don’t be afraid to ask questions—just make sure you think them through first.”

At CyberUp, we believe the cybersecurity industry should reflect the world we live in—diverse, driven, and filled with people like Alex who bring new perspectives and a hunger to learn. His story is a powerful reminder that with the right guidance and opportunity, breaking into cybersecurity isn’t just possible—it’s transformative.

Congratulations, Alex. We're proud to have you in our alumni community and can’t wait to see where your path leads next.

Ready to Build a Stronger Cybersecurity Workforce?

If you're an employer looking for driven, hands-on cybersecurity talent like Jermaine, 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.

Jermaine Buckels: A Journey of Growth, Grit, and Giving Back

For Jermaine Buckels, stepping into the world of cybersecurity was more than a career move—it was a bold leap into a future full of possibilities. After completing a 12-month apprenticeship with Washington University in St. Louis through CyberUp, Jermaine leaves the program with hands-on experience, industry-recognized certifications, and a strong desire to give back.

A Nontraditional Path, A Focused Future

Jermaine didn’t come from a traditional tech background. His journey into cybersecurity began through Per Scholas, a nonprofit that provides IT training, and was accelerated by CyberUp’s apprenticeship program. At WashU, Jermaine joined the Enterprise Applications team, where his responsibilities grew from coding tasks to high-impact projects in service and asset management.

From Learning to Leading

Early in the apprenticeship, Jermaine balanced coding in C# with gaining an understanding of ITIL practices and hardware/software asset management. He worked on real-world challenges, like organizing infrastructure spending and streamlining processes using tools like Power BI, ServiceNow, and Splunk.

“I went from learning to code to managing multi-layered projects that impacted the organization’s operations,” Jermaine shared. “It pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t expect.”

He also earned his Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification and continues to study for additional credentials, including ITIL, to deepen his cloud and operations knowledge.

Collaboration and Confidence

Jermaine’s projects often involved working across teams of 8–15 people. He learned the value of collaborative thinking, communication, and navigating the nuances of meetings and workflows. Despite the volume of work, he consistently brought structure and energy to every challenge.

“Collaboration helped me think more broadly—about how security, service management, and user experience all connect.”

Real Talk: Career Advice from Jermaine

Throughout his apprenticeship, Jermaine became passionate about demystifying cybersecurity for newcomers. He encourages future apprentices to focus on the basics—reading the book, completing labs, and asking questions.

“You don’t need to know everything. Focus on awareness. Emails, USB drives—those small things can create big threats. Simplicity matters.”

He also recommends free learning platforms like Try Hack Me, Hack The Box, and LinkedIn Learning for anyone looking to expand their knowledge outside of the classroom.

Giving Back and Moving Forward

Jermaine is still exploring his next professional step after completing the program but remains active in job interviews and conversations within the industry. He’s interested in roles that blend cloud computing, security, and service management—and he’s open to mentorship, too.

“This experience changed how I see work and purpose. I want to stay connected to CyberUp and help others find their path.”

More Than a Program—A Community

Jermaine’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and heart. Through structure, support, and determination, he built a new foundation for his career and opened the door to future growth. As a proud CyberUp alum, Jermaine is already looking for ways to support the next wave of cybersecurity talent.

“The apprenticeship was a breath of fresh air. It made me feel like I belonged in this field—and now I’m ready to build on that.”

Ready to Build a Stronger Cybersecurity Workforce?

If you're an employer looking for driven, hands-on cybersecurity talent like Jermaine, 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.

Miguel Hurtado: From Apprentice to Infrastructure Security Engineer

When Miguel Hurtado began his cybersecurity apprenticeship with CyberUp, he brought curiosity, motivation, and a willingness to learn. Twelve months later, he’s stepped confidently into a full-time role as an Infrastructure Security Engineer at Centene, equipped with real-world experience and a clearer sense of his future in cybersecurity.

Building Technical Confidence

Throughout his apprenticeship, Miguel strengthened both his technical and professional skills. He sharpened his attention to detail, learned to follow structured procedures, and became more confident navigating Linux systems. He also gained experience troubleshooting connectivity issues and using industry-standard tools like Nessus for vulnerability scans.

“I’ve learned how important it is to follow steps, rely on reference materials, and ask questions,” Miguel shared.

Discovering the Power of Automation

One of Miguel’s most impactful projects involved writing batch files and supporting automation tasks. This experience sparked his interest in scalable, efficient security practices—and showed him just how vital automation is in the cybersecurity field.

“It really opened my eyes to the role of automation in making cybersecurity stronger and more streamlined,” he said.

Overcoming Challenges with Support

Like many apprentices, Miguel encountered challenges—especially when interpreting complex vulnerability tickets. But he leaned into his team for guidance, learning to problem-solve with support from more experienced colleagues. This willingness to seek help became one of his greatest strengths.

Looking Ahead: Continuous Growth

With encouragement from his mentors and CyberUp, Miguel began exploring cloud certifications. He’s currently working toward the AWS Solutions Architect certification and using CyberUp’s alumni resources to stay focused. Though still early in this journey, Miguel is eager to keep learning and expanding his knowledge.

What the Apprenticeship Meant to Miguel

Miguel describes the apprenticeship as an experience that gave him access to tools, language, and environments he wouldn’t have encountered elsewhere. Getting paid to learn, being surrounded by knowledgeable teammates, and having a clear path forward made the experience invaluable.

Paying It Forward

Now in a full-time engineering role, Miguel is continuing to grow while also looking for ways to give back. He’s expressed interest in becoming a mentor through CyberUp’s youth programs and staying active in the alumni network.

“This apprenticeship gave me a foundation I couldn’t have built on my own,” Miguel said. “It showed me what’s possible—and now I’m ready to keep going.”

Are You Ready to Start Your Cybersecurity Journey?

If you're inspired by Miguel's story, CyberUp’s apprenticeship program can help you take that first step. Let’s build a more diverse, skilled cybersecurity workforce—one apprentice at a time.