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.

---

 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.