From Sales to Cybersecurity: One Fullstack Academy Alum's Journey

Have you ever felt like your chosen career path isn't the right fit, or your current job doesn’t align with your goals and aspirations? Korbin Lopez, a graduate of a Fullstack Academy cybersecurity bootcamp, experienced this firsthand. While studying for a business degree and working in sales, a conversation with a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) sparked a newfound interest in the dynamic field of cybersecurity. Recognizing the potential for growth and personal fulfillment, Lopez decided to take a bold step and forge a new path. He opted for a bootcamp to gain the necessary skills and transition into this exciting, in-demand industry.

“A connection of mine, who is a CISO, recommended taking a bootcamp to better understand the field and introduce myself in an in-depth environment of cybersecurity,” said Lopez.

Getting Started with Minimal Coding Experience

Lopez started a Fullstack Academy cybersecurity bootcamp with minimal coding experience, having taken a coding course in high school but not retaining much information. The bootcamp provided Lopez with a wealth of resources to truly immerse himself in the world of cybersecurity. He would be learning from industry-experienced instructors and classmates with prior technical backgrounds. This collaborative environment proved invaluable, as Lopez gained a solid understanding of essential coding, networking, and IT fundamentals.

While there was a lot to learn and the pace was rapid, the bootcamp offered ample opportunities to solidify his knowledge in key areas with hands-on projects and assignments, equipping him with the skills needed to confidently enter the cybersecurity field.

“Cybersecurity is definitely tough, but it's even tougher without any prior knowledge,” said Lopez. “My key takeaway [of bootcamp] was understanding basic coding, networking, and technology. This bootcamp was able to provide a strong foundation on which I can build upon.”

Challenges and Triumphs: Embracing the Learning Curve

According to Lopez, the biggest challenge of bootcamp was staying consistent and focused. Cybersecurity is a demanding field, and the bootcamp's rigorous curriculum required dedication. However, with the encouragement of his fellow students, instructors, and family, Lopez persevered.

“I was fortunate to have amazing classmates, proven leaders/instructors, and family members who urged me to finish strong and stay focused," shared Lopez.

On the path to a cybersecurity career, there are many challenges along the way. The job search presented its own hurdles for Lopez. Despite reaching the final stages in numerous interviews, the cybersecurity job market was competitive. But he didn't give up. The Fullstack Academy alumni network proved instrumental in Lopez’s job search, offering valuable resources that helped him refine his resume and interview skills. Finally, his persistence paid off. He landed a Desktop Application Support role at The CMI Group.

“I'm very glad to have taken the bootcamp and it was a big plus on my resume to my current employer,” said Lopez. “They enjoyed seeing my continuing education, dedication to the field, and were impressed by the [curriculum] coverage the bootcamp has!”

Landing the Right Role: Persistence Pays Off

According to Lopez, his salary increased and overall his career has been forever altered for the better.

“I was able to find a field I truly love and see myself growing in,” shared Lopez. “I struggled, previously, to feel like I was making the ‘right’ choice with business. Now I feel fully confident in my abilities in IT, knowing that the field is forever growing and changing, and it is something I am passionate about.”

Determined to keep climbing the cybersecurity ladder, Lopez plans to further his education by pursuing additional certifications. The hands-on cybersecurity skills he acquired during a Fullstack Academy cybersecurity bootcamp have equipped him to confidently pursue industry-recognized credentials. His current CompTIA A+ certification is a prime example, and he's already set to tackle the Network+ exam, followed by the Security+ certification. These certifications will validate the skills he honed in the bootcamp and open doors to more advanced opportunities in the field.

“It's always a marathon, never a race,” said Lopez. “I highly encourage those who are looking for a new opportunity to look into a Fullstack Academy bootcamp, as a foundation built on rock is surely a sturdy one.”

Lopez's message to potential students is clear: don't hesitate to make the change. He emphasizes that his prior lack of IT experience didn't hold him back. A Fullstack Academy cybersecurity bootcamp provides a launchpad to enter the world of cybersecurity and develop the skills needed for success. He stresses the importance of passion and perseverance while pursuing a career change.

“I would encourage people to make the change! I had no idea how much I would fall in love with cybersecurity and IT,” Lopez explained. “The bootcamp was a great opportunity to dive in, without knowing how to swim, and figure it all out. It will never be sunshine and rainbows, nor will a job be guaranteed, but as long as there is passion and persistence, anyone can learn the material in a Fullstack Academy Bootcamp!”

Inspired by Lopez's story? Looking for a career shift in cybersecurity? A Fullstack Academy cybersecurity bootcamp may be the program for you. Just like Lopez, you can build a strong foundation in cybersecurity, develop essential skills, and embark on a rewarding career path. The cybersecurity bootcamp provides students with the necessary skills and hands-on experience to navigate the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. From mastering the Linux command line to exploring penetration testing methodologies, a Fullstack Academy cybersecurity bootcamp prepares students to be job-ready for an exciting career in this in-demand field.