Veterans In Tech: Turning Cybersecurity Theory Into Real-World Experience

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities in the cybersecurity sector are expected to grow 31% by 2029. As one of the fastest-growing industries, it’s no secret why many are eager to break into cybersecurity — but is a degree enough to land a role?

Based on the 2022 ISC2 Cyber Workforce Study findings, cybersecurity employers prioritize practical skills and experience over formal education. Traditional education pathways may lack the hands-on learning and skill-building necessary to fully prepare students for their first cybersecurity job — and that’s where a bootcamp education can help. Hear how military veteran Amanda enhanced her resume to land a government role in cybersecurity.

Leveling Up A Resume

After leaving the military, Amanda knew she wanted to pivot careers. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity but wanted to learn practical applications for cybersecurity and gain valuable experience to propel her career.

Amanda enrolled in the Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamp to further her cybersecurity acumen. During bootcamp, she gained additional knowledge of critical concepts and hands-on experience that she could showcase in her resume.

“Bootcamp was fun, and the pace is manageable. I had no experience going into it, and I learned so much,” Amanda recalled. “There are instructors online after class to help you with topics and homework so you can understand it more fully. They were always there with answers and kind words to encourage me.”

Amanda worked with a career coach to tailor her resume and LinkedIn and learn how to network. Even after graduation, Amanda’s Career Coach helped her refine her resume several times and answer any questions she had during her job search. Amanda landed a government role as an Information System Security Engineer for Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and SCADA systems — which she loves!

Even though Amanda changed career paths, she leveraged her military experience to help break into tech and encouraged fellow service members and veterans to do the same.

“Veterans have so many opportunities open in tech. Do some research, talk to people already in the field, and network more than you think you need to,” Amanda advised. “Only you know what you will enjoy doing as a career. But I encourage you to be open to tech. It may be difficult to start a new career path but lean into it, be disciplined in learning, and you may just find you love it!”

Further Your Tech Skills with Fullstack Academy

At Fullstack Academy, we help you build on prior knowledge and experience through immersive, live online learning. Our students graduate with hands-on, real-world experience that they can showcase to potential employers. Ready to launch your tech career? Apply today!