From City College to Cybersecurity Analyst: Matthew Pim's Career Journey

The cybersecurity field needs individuals with hands-on experience, not just theoretical knowledge. The journey of Matthew Pim, a graduate of Fullstack Academy's Cybersecurity Bootcamp, demonstrates how focused, skills-based training can pave the way from a tech background to a successful cybersecurity career.

Building on a Tech Foundation

Matthew Pim had a bachelor's degree in Computer Science from La Sierra University. He also had a year of experience in the tech department at Los Angeles City College. Although Matthew's background provided a great starting point for his career, he realized that cybersecurity had a vital role to play in the future of the industry. He wanted more specialized skills to advance his career. This desire led him to Fullstack Academy's Cybersecurity Bootcamp, an immersive online program designed to rapidly equip students with in-demand skills.

A Transformative Learning Experience

The Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamp proved to be a challenging yet ultimately rewarding experience for Matthew. The program was full-time, rigorous, and enabled him to learn a lot in just 12 weeks. “This pace was beneficial, as it pushed me to immerse myself into cybersecurity.” shares Matthew. “I found the learning environment to be highly supportive, with invaluable support inside and outside of regular lecture hours.” According to Matthew, the harder he worked in the bootcamp, the more he got out of it.

Capstone Project and Real-World Simulations

Matthew highlights, “The most challenging and beneficial aspect of the bootcamp were the career simulation projects. These simulations offered a realistic scenario for problem-solving, which significantly boosted my confidence in applying my newly acquired skills.” He liked being able to try real challenges in a safe learning environment. All this hands-on work led up to a final capstone project that showcased his new cybersecurity skills and knowledge of the industry.

Unwavering Support: Inside and Outside the Classroom

Matthew received great support during the bootcamp. He highlighted that his instructor and teaching assistant were very helpful in class. They addressed all his questions about projects and lessons and ensured he understood the core concepts. Beyond project-specific inquiries, they also went above and beyond to answer broader questions about red and blue team activities and techniques, significantly broadening his understanding of the cybersecurity landscape. Matthew recalls that “their support was instrumental in broadening my understanding of cybersecurity and keeping my motivation to learn high.”

Proficient in the Cybersecurity Tools: A Comprehensive Skillset

Regarding the skills acquired in the bootcamp, Matthew says, “The most beneficial skills I acquired during this bootcamp include proficiency with tools such as Wireshark, Metasploit, Nessus, Splunk, John the Ripper, Hashcat, OSINT, Burp Suite, Active Directory, SEIM, and Meterpreter.”

In addition to the proficiency in cybersecurity tools, Matthew says “I gained deep knowledge in operating system specifics like Linux log files, Windows Group Policy Objects (GPOs), IDS/IPS, Nmap, firewalls, and registry files.” The bootcamp's emphasis on practical application, including access to virtual machines, allowed Matthew to not just learn about these tools but to truly master their use in real-world scenarios.

Matthew’s Recommendation to Cybersecurity Aspirants

Matthew recommends, “The Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamp is an ideal choice for those highly motivated to explore cybersecurity. It provides more than just memorizing cybersecurity knowledge; it equips you with the practical skills and current tools actively used in the cybersecurity industry today.” He believes that active engagement and seeking help when needed are crucial for maximizing the bootcamp experience and achieving cybersecurity success.

If you're driven to launch a career in this high-demand field, Fullstack Academy provides the launchpad you need. Explore the Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamp today and begin your own cybersecurity career journey.