Embarking on the path from a help desk position to a prominent role as a cyber security architect may seem like a daunting endeavor, especially without the aid of boot camps or college degrees. But let me take you through my inspiring journey that led me to become a senior security architect for a global airline, earning a substantial six-figure income. Ready to dive into my playbook? Let's get started.
Crafting a Career Metamorphosis: The Blueprint Unveiled
Greetings, cyber heroes! If you're new here, I'm Boyd Clewis—an internationally recognized cyber security expert. I'm here to guide IT professionals in elevating their careers to the six-figure realm and beyond. If you're keen on joining this transformative journey, don't forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell for illuminating content aimed at propelling your cyber security career.
Stepping Stones to Success: Paving the Way
Join me as I journey back to 2005—a time when I was leaner and enrolled as a freshman at the University of North Texas. My track and field pursuits aligned with my accounting major. Little did I know that a few years down the line, unforeseen circumstances would thrust me into the corporate world. Working in accounts receivable at a copier company, I earned a modest $33,000 annually—a paycheck that scarcely met the needs of my growing family.
Unleashing the Problem-Solving Instinct: A Catalyst for Change
The world of billing reconciliation wasn't my calling, and I despised every moment of it. The company's modus operandi of shipping malfunctioning computers to headquarters for repair proved to be inefficient and cumbersome. Recognizing this glaring inefficiency, I embarked on a self-taught journey to mend the computers myself. This marked my foray into the realm of information technology, sparking my interest and subsequently leading me to delve into the iPhone's intricacies.
Navigating Through Challenges: A Divergent Path
As fate would have it, the company's decision to relocate operations to California resulted in a layoff—a move that initially seemed devastating. However, a stroke of luck arrived in the form of "Creative Ventures" by CompTIA—a program offering free IT training for laid-off individuals. Armed with the opportunity, I harnessed the self-paced online training to earn my A+ certification—an achievement that didn't guarantee immediate employment.
Facing Rejections with Resolve: Certifications as the Catalyst
Despite securing my A+ certification, the job hunt was marked by a series of rejections. This stark reality shattered the myth that certifications alone paved the way to coveted job positions. This realization spurred me to navigate my own unique path, blending certifications with practical skills.
Intrigued to know more about my transformative journey? Stay tuned for the continuation of this remarkable narrative in the next installment. This tale of triumph showcases how determination, skills, and a strategic approach can propel even those without boot camps or college degrees into the coveted realm of cyber security architecture.
Stay tuned for the next chapter in this incredible journey, where I unravel the strategic steps that led me to my ultimate role as a cyber security architect, all without the conventional paths of boot camps or degrees.
Rebranding and Rising: Transforming My Career Trajectory
Continuing from where we left off, my journey from an accounts receivable role to the realm of cyber security architecture was marked by strategic decisions and transformative shifts. Let's delve into the pivotal steps that propelled me into a thriving career.
Crafting a Cohesive Narrative: Aligning Experience and Aspiration
As the realization hit that a direct transition from accounts receivable to tech support was challenging, I embarked on a crucial step: rebranding myself on paper. I meticulously evaluated my resume, asking whether the person described aligned with the position I was targeting. Recognizing the incongruence, I overhauled my resume, strategically highlighting my tech support accomplishments within my previous role. This involved reframing my job title and showcasing how my responsibilities and accomplishments were synonymous with tech support roles.
The Power of Rebranding: Unlocking Opportunities
By revamping my resume, I managed to create a harmonious alignment between my certifications, skill set, and the job roles I aspired to fill. This strategic move yielded promising results—I observed a surge in traction and engagement from potential employers. Emboldened by my rebranded profile, I decided to take a bold step: applying for a junior network technician role via Craigslist. Although I lacked the skills initially sought by the company, my attitude and determination captured their interest. Their decision to hire me and provide training marked a pivotal moment, finally propelling me from a 90-day unemployment period to a $40,000 job offer.
Certifications Alone Aren't Enough: Seeking Practical Knowledge
While my A+ certification played a role in my journey, it was the practical knowledge gained during training that truly empowered me to secure the junior network technician role. This realization dismantled the myth that certifications alone guaranteed job offers. Instead, a combination of relevant skills, an aligned resume, and a determined attitude proved instrumental.
From Tech Support to MSP: A Formative Phase
Transitioning into a junior network technician role, I joined a managed service provider (MSP) tasked with providing IT services to numerous companies. This engagement exposed me to diverse technologies across various business domains, offering invaluable insights into my role. While initially overwhelming, I quickly embraced the challenges, harnessing them to acquire a plethora of skills and technologies. As the main technician, my responsibilities encompassed troubleshooting, virus removal, cable installation, and more—a comprehensive experience that shaped my journey.
The Evolution Continues: Shifting to Server Support
Building on my tech support foundation, I transitioned to server support—a pivotal shift that led me to a software company. Earning $60,000 annually, this role brought forth an opportunity to further enhance my expertise. Working overnight in the network Operating Center, I seized the night hours to learn and pursue certifications, fueling my desire for professional growth. Utilizing online resources, I studied extensively, accumulating certifications that augmented my qualifications.
Negotiating the Certification Trail: A Strategic Approach
My pursuit of certifications came with a unique strategy—I negotiated with my employer. Armed with the commitment to self-study, I convinced my company to sponsor my certification exams. CBT Nuggets emerged as my preferred training platform, guiding me through certifications like CompTIA Network+, Security+, CompTIA Project+, Microsoft mCP, and more. Over a span of three years, these certifications fortified my skill set, enhancing my prospects in the field.
Paving the Way for Strategic Progression
With an enriched skill set and an impressive array of certifications, I was determined to elevate my career. However, submitting my enhanced resume and qualifications didn't immediately yield desired outcomes. Recognizing the need for a strategic approach, I embraced the notion of internal promotion as a means to ascend the career ladder. Expressing my interest in cybersecurity to leadership, I initiated risk assessments within the company—a move that proved immensely valuable. The recognition garnered paved the way for an upward trajectory within the organization.
Stay tuned for the next installment of my journey, where I delve into the strategic decisions and pivotal moments that led me from a software company to senior security architect roles, all while bypassing traditional boot camps and degrees.
Unveiling Transformations: Embracing Challenges and Thriving in Cybersecurity
My journey towards becoming a senior security architect was an evolution of self-discovery, strategic maneuvers, and continuous growth. In this segment, I'll recount how my pivot from a security analyst to a sought-after cybersecurity professional unfolded.
Navigating the $100K Mark: A Steady Climb
As I progressed in my cybersecurity journey, the $100,000 milestone seemed within reach. Moving from a security analyst position, I transitioned into a newly created role of security analyst—a shift that came with a pay raise, elevating my income to $76,000. While this was a step in the right direction, I felt a nagging discrepancy between my expanding skill set and my current income.
Certifications Galore, Yet Puzzling Earnings
With an impressive array of certifications including CompTIA Network+, Security+, Project+, Microsoft mCP, Microsoft MTA, and even a SolarWinds certification, I still found myself earning $76,000. Despite this accumulation of credentials, I realized that a comprehensive skill set and a string of certifications alone weren't guaranteeing the desired financial breakthrough.
An Unforeseen Opportunity Beckons: The Turning Point
A pivotal moment in my journey materialized when a seemingly innocuous call from my manager led to an unforeseen opportunity. While working the night shift in the Network Operating Center (NOC), I was asked to assist with a cybersecurity assessment. What unfolded next was both amusing and enlightening. Entering the conference room, I discovered the person responsible for the assessment snoring loudly in front of the security auditor—an unexpected spectacle that hinted at the assessment's critical state.
Seizing the Challenge: From Auditor to Cybersecurity Expert
My inclination to tackle challenges head-on prompted me to step in and lead the cybersecurity assessment. While I had no prior experience in such assessments, my passion for learning and my aptitude for consuming knowledge proved to be my guiding lights. Recognizing that my self-study approach had fueled my progress thus far, I delved into the PCI DSS framework, a standard I had never encountered before. Over a single weekend, I immersed myself in comprehending its requirements, determined to make a difference.
The Catalyst for Change: Unforeseen Directions
Armed with newfound knowledge and an intimate understanding of the PCI DSS framework, I took the reins of the assessment. My dedicated efforts ensured the company's success in the assessment, leading to a pivotal realization—the potential of a career shift into cybersecurity auditing. With an emerging interest in this niche, I negotiated with my company to fund my PCI training, a commitment that solidified my expertise.
Exploring the Market: Embracing Cybersecurity Auditing
Buoyed by my PCI certification and an intensified passion for cybersecurity auditing, I embarked on a research journey. I explored the market demand for cybersecurity auditing roles, deciphering the skill sets required and the opportunities available. Empowered by this understanding, I recognized that I held the capabilities to excel in this realm.
The Uncertain Pursuit: A Glimpse of Frustration
While I was excited about my prospects in cybersecurity auditing, an encounter with American Airlines for a six-figure vulnerability management role didn't pan out as expected. Despite possessing ten certifications, including CISSP and PCIP, I was left disheartened by the rejection. Frustration set in as I confronted the gap between my qualifications and my desired income.
Perseverance Amid Challenges: A Deeper Dive
Undeterred, I resolved to deepen my expertise. My immersion in the PCI DSS continued, encompassing active participation in forums and events. This relentless pursuit of knowledge strengthened my understanding of the domain and my ability to contribute effectively.
Stay Tuned: Navigating the Ascent
As my journey continued, a triumphant transformation awaited—a journey shaped by resilience, strategic choices, and a relentless passion for learning. My transition from a security analyst to a cybersecurity auditor was just the beginning of my ascent to greater heights in the field.