Veterans in Tech: Turning Passion into a Rewarding Cybersecurity Career

After leaving the military, Miss Kim had many options, including continuing a career in operations or heading to college. However, she chose a different direction by embarking on a career in cybersecurity thanks to help from the Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamp.

“Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing industries, and it’s always intrigued me,” recalled Miss Kim. “I’ve always advocated for keeping personal identifiable information (PII) secure, considering how many identities are so easily stolen these days, including my own.”

Eager to kickstart her cybersecurity career, Miss Kim knew she needed a trusted education provider to help her quickly gain the knowledge she needed. Miss Kim enrolled in the Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamp using her VET TEC benefits. Miss Kim developed in-demand cyber skills in just 12 weeks, with no prior experience.

The curriculum for the Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamp covers a wide variety of topics, including Blue Team, Red Team, network systems, programming with Python, penetration testing, and more. Plus, Fullstack Academy prepares students for industry-recognized cybersecurity certifications. The range of industry topics covered in bootcamp allowed Miss Kim to find her niche.

“Bootcamp itself was fun,” Miss Kim said. “ It challenged me, but not in a way that made me want to rip my hair out. All the instructors were kind, patient, and extremely knowledgeable. They stayed after hours to help us out, answered all our questions, and trust me, there were a LOT of them. Most importantly, they made the bootcamp fun. I think our energy and excitement fed them every day to want to push themselves to become better instructors, and it showed.”

Miss Kim worked with classmates who came from a variety of different backgrounds and experience levels. During bootcamp, she was able to leverage the experiences of classmates to enhance her learning. She also developed a vast network and lifelong friends to support her throughout her cybersecurity career.

While Miss Kim was initially concerned about landing her first cybersecurity role, her worries were eased when she began working with Career Success Coach, Kim Wood.

“The only reason, and I stress the ONLY reason, I was able to land a job in that time frame was because of Kim,” explained Miss Kim. “If it weren’t for her expertise and passion to help students find a job, I would’ve struggled big time on my own. Kim even stayed in touch with all the students months after graduation. Even though I have a job now, I know I can contract her down the road and should be more than happy to continue her mentorship. For that, I consider her a good friend.”

During bootcamp, Career Success Coaches meet with students weekly to help them better understand the hiring process. They cover topics like resume writing and interview preparation and bring in prior Fullstack Academy graduates to help advise current students. Support and mentorship from her Career Coach, Kim Wood, helped Miss Kim land her current position as a Security Assessor, and she couldn’t be happier.

“Deciding to go to the Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamp has been one of the best decisions of my post-military career,“ said Miss Kim. “When you leave this bootcamp, you’ll be leaving it with a solid foundation that was earned not only by learning the cybersecurity principles but by truly understanding them in a way that will highlight your personality and will only wet your palate for what the future will bring.”

Start Your Cybersecurity Career at Fullstack Academy

At Fullstack Academy, we’re committed to making education more accessible for all — which is why our Cybersecurity Bootcamp is designed for beginners. With industry-experienced instructors, an immersive online learning environment, and supportive Career Success Coaches, we’ll arm you with the in-demand skills employers seek from cyber talent. Ready to start your cybersecurity journey? Apply today!