My Unexpected Journey into Information Security

My Unexpected Journey into Information Security

When it comes to entering the field of information security, there is no one-size-fits-all path. Each person's journey is unique, shaped by their individual experiences and circumstances. In my case, my path into the world of information security was anything but traditional. It was a roundabout journey that took me from a small town in eastern Montana to the bustling world of cybersecurity.

A Small Town Upbringing

I grew up in a small town in eastern Montana, where the idea of a career in information security was virtually unheard of. Back then, the internet was still in its infancy, and the concept of protecting digital information seemed like something out of a science fiction movie. As a young adult, I had no inkling that my future would be intertwined with this rapidly evolving field.

From the Marines to the Open Road

After graduating high school, I made the decision to join the Marines. It was a bold move that took me far away from the familiarity of my small town and into a world of discipline and adventure. As a truck driver in the Marines, I traveled to various parts of the world, experiencing different cultures and gaining valuable life experiences along the way.

Little did I know at the time, but my time in the Marines would lay the foundation for my future career in information security. The military instilled in me a strong sense of discipline, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to new situations - all skills that would prove invaluable in the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity.

Life Happens: A Detour into Banking

After my time in the Marines came to an end, I returned to civilian life and found myself getting married and settling down. Like many people, I needed to find a stable job to support my growing family. That's when I landed a job at a community bank.

Working at the bank was a completely different experience from my time in the Marines. Instead of driving trucks and navigating foreign lands, I was now dealing with numbers, transactions, and customer service. While I enjoyed the stability and the opportunity to help people with their financial needs, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing.

A Desire for Growth: The College Years

Feeling a strong desire to better myself and expand my horizons, I made the decision to go to college. It was a daunting prospect, considering I had been out of school for several years and had never pursued higher education before. But I knew that if I wanted to truly find my passion and make a difference in the world, I needed to take that leap of faith.

During my first class at college, I stumbled upon a class on information security. The subject matter intrigued me, and I found myself captivated by the idea of protecting digital information from potential threats. There was something that connected to my military background.

Falling in Love with Information Security

From that moment on, my journey took a sharp turn towards the world of information security. I immersed myself in my studies, devouring every piece of information I could find on the subject. I learned about the various threats and vulnerabilities that exist in the digital world, as well as the strategies and tools used to mitigate those risks.

As I delved deeper into the field, I realized that information security was not just a career choice for me; it was a calling. The more I learned, the more passionate I became about the importance of securing digital information and protecting individuals and organizations from cyber threats.

A Wild Journey

Since discovering my passion for information security, my journey has been nothing short of wild. I have faced numerous challenges and obstacles along the way, but I have also experienced incredible moments of growth and accomplishment.

From obtaining certifications in cybersecurity to attending industry conferences and networking events, I have embraced every opportunity to expand my knowledge and skills in this rapidly evolving field. I have had the privilege of working with talented professionals who have mentored me and pushed me to reach new heights.

Looking back, I am grateful for the twists and turns that led me to information security. While my path may not have been traditional, it has shaped me into the person I am today - someone who is passionate about protecting digital information and making a difference in the world of cybersecurity.

So, if you find yourself on a non-traditional path towards information security, embrace it. Your unique experiences and perspectives will only enhance your ability to tackle the challenges of this ever-changing field. Trust in your journey and never stop learning and growing.