Avanna H.’s Post

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InfoSec 👩🏻💻 | Data Privacy, Risk & Compliance Focus | Finance to Cybersecurity Pivot | MSCIA in Progress 🎓 | CySA+, PenTest+ | Emerging Leader | Bold & Driven to Innovate

The Moment I Decided to Chase My Cybersecurity Dreams 💡: a story about preparing for the opportunity. Sometimes, the hardest part of any journey is deciding where to begin. Back in late October 2022, I took a bold step and decided to pivot my career into cybersecurity. Honestly, I wasn’t sure where to start, and I knew this would be no easy feat. I was advised to focus on networking concepts, and though it was intimidating at first, I picked up the CompTIA Network+ study book. Little did I know, this would become the foundation that shaped my path forward. It was overwhelming, and I questioned myself often. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it's this: Preparation is key to unlocking opportunities, even the ones you can’t yet see. 🔑 Why Networking Fundamentals Matter Building a strong understanding of networking is critical in cybersecurity because you can’t secure what you don’t understand. Networking knowledge helps identify vulnerabilities, defend against attacks, and ensure the integrity of data flow. When you understand the blueprint of what you're protecting, your defense strategies become sharper and more effective. 🎯 My Breakthrough: Boeing’s Technical Apprenticeship Fast forward to January 2023, I found myself competing in Boeing’s technical apprenticeship (for cybersecurity). Despite having zero prior technical experience, my foundational knowledge from studying the Network+ took me further than I ever imagined. Out of over 2500 candidates across the nation, I made it to the final round as a top 20 candidate. I didn’t secure one of the six final positions, but I left that experience with an invaluable lesson: Preparation always pays off, even if the outcome isn't what you expect. 🎓 The Next Chapter: Master’s Degree & Beyond After that experience, I knew I had to keep going. Shortly after, I decided to pursue a Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance at Western Governors University. That initial preparation for the Network+ exam was just the beginning, and it paved the way for everything that followed. It gave me the confidence to take on new challenges, like sharpening my knowledge on security analysis, cloud security, penetration testing, and securing certifications like CompTIA CySA+ and PenTest+. 🌟 Final Takeaways If there's anything I’ve learned on this journey, it’s this: Never underestimate the power of preparation. You may not know exactly where your efforts will lead, but if you’re putting in the work, you’re building a foundation for future opportunities. Every step forward counts, no matter how small it seems. Stay persistent. Stay prepared. And trust that the work you do today will bring you closer to the opportunities of tomorrow. #Cybersecurity #CareerGrowth #NetworkingFundamentals #CompTIA #Persistence #Opportunity #CybersecurityJourney #MastersDegree #WGU #TechCareers #Preparation

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Brenda Mburu

📊 Data Governance | Digital Analytics

2mo

Wow this is inspiring!! Thank you for sharing🫶🏾

Avery Rodriguez

IT Migration Support Technician | ServiceNow Certified System Administrator

2mo

Honestly, Kudos on getting that far with the Boeing Apprenticeship process. That’s confirmation you’re aligned to get closer to where you need to be. Your journey speaks to me a lot at this time esp bc I’m currently studying for Network+ so I appreciate you sharing! 💎

Bryan Shields

Aspiring IT Help Desk Specialist | CompTIA A+ Certified | Seeking Entry-Level Opportunities in IT Support, Help Desk Support

2mo

Thanks for sharing your amazing journey. I'm in a similar place; in the midst of a career change and just beginning Network+ studies. Your success gives me hope.

Jessica Smith

NETWORK AND SECURITY STUDENT | @WGU GRADUATE April 2025 | EMPOWERING USERS, ONE SOLUTION AT A TIME - HELPDESK SUPPORT YOU CAN COUNT ON | IT CUSTOMER SERVICE |TECH |

2mo

So happy for you! We go to the same school. I just switch my degree from cybersecurity to network engineering . Seeing post like this really motivates me

Olivier Jean-Baptiste

IT Systems Administrator at The University of Massachusetts Foundation, Inc | B.S. in Cybersecurity

2mo

Love this!

This is great and very similar to what I am currently doing, which is switching career paths in the IT world.

Howell Reid

Cyber Security Professional | Government Insuring Agent | Client Service Specialist | Mountain Biker

2mo

Well spoken! Great story

Great foundational material, layers 2-4. Good luck in all of your future endeavors.

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