How I Went from $33k Helpdesk to $200k Cybersecurity Architect (Self-taught without a Degree)
Boyd Clewis・2 minutes read
The text outlines how the speaker transitioned from a help desk position to a cyber security architect, detailing their journey from $33,000 a year to over $200,000 annually through self-taught skills and strategic job transitions. Starting with basic IT training, the speaker leveraged certifications and rebranded their resume to land higher-paying roles in cybersecurity, eventually becoming an external Qualified Security Assessor earning a six-figure salary, showcasing the power of determination and self-improvement in the tech industry.
Insights
- Transitioning from an accounting student to a cyber security architect, the speaker's journey showcases the power of self-directed learning and leveraging hands-on experience to break into the tech industry successfully.
- By strategically rebranding their resume, accumulating relevant certifications, and consistently pursuing opportunities aligned with their interests, the speaker demonstrates the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and seizing chances to showcase skills in transitioning to higher-paying roles within the cybersecurity field.
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Recent questions
How did the speaker transition from help desk to cyber security architect?
By starting with free IT training, accumulating certifications, and showcasing tech support experience on their resume, the speaker landed a junior network technician role, gradually moving up to server support and security analyst positions. Expressing interest in cybersecurity, conducting risk assessments, and undergoing PCI training led to a lucrative career in cybersecurity, eventually securing a senior security architect position at American Airlines.
What certifications did the speaker obtain on their journey to becoming a cyber security architect?
The speaker accumulated certifications like CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, and Microsoft MCP while working in tech support roles. Expressing interest in cybersecurity, they became certified in PCI DSS and deepened their knowledge of the framework, eventually transitioning to a senior security architect position at American Airlines.
How did the speaker increase their income from $33,000 to over $200,000 annually?
The speaker started by rebranding their resume to highlight tech support experience, landing a junior network technician role that paid $40,000. By accumulating certifications, expressing interest in cybersecurity, and undergoing PCI training, they secured a senior security architect position at American Airlines, earning over $200,000 annually.
What sparked the speaker's interest in tech and cybersecurity?
The speaker's interest in tech was sparked when they learned to fix computers themselves after frustration with computers being shipped for repairs. This led them to pursue free IT training, accumulate certifications, and eventually transition to a lucrative career in cybersecurity, becoming a senior security architect at American Airlines.
How did the speaker's journey from help desk to cyber security architect differ from traditional paths?
The speaker's journey did not involve boot camps or college degrees but instead started with free IT training, accumulating certifications, and showcasing tech support experience on their resume. By expressing interest in cybersecurity, conducting risk assessments, and undergoing PCI training, they secured a senior security architect position at American Airlines, earning over $200,000 annually.
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Summary
00:00
From Help Desk to Cyber Security Architect
- The speaker shares their journey from help desk to cyber security architect without boot camps or college degrees.
- They provide a step-by-step playbook that led them to become a senior security architect for a major airline, earning over $200,000 annually as a cyber security consultant.
- In 2005, the speaker was at the University of North Texas studying accounting but later found themselves working at a copier company in accounts receivable, making $33,000 a year.
- Frustrated with computers being shipped to New Jersey for repairs, the speaker learned how to fix them themselves, sparking an interest in tech.
- After being laid off, the speaker received free IT training from CompTIA's Creative Ventures, leading to an A+ certification within 60 days.
- Despite having certifications, the speaker struggled to land a job until they rebranded their resume to highlight tech support experience over accounts receivable.
- By applying for a junior network technician role on Craigslist, the speaker landed a job that paid $40,000, increasing their income by $7,000 in a few months.
- Transitioning to server support at a software company, the speaker earned $60,000 annually and used their downtime to accumulate certifications like CompTIA Network+, Security+, and Microsoft MCP.
- Expressing interest in cybersecurity to their leadership, the speaker conducted risk assessments that led to a security analyst position and a raise to $76,000 a year.
- After assisting with a critical cybersecurity assessment, the speaker realized their passion for cybersecurity, underwent PCI training, and transitioned to a lucrative career in cybersecurity, earning $150,000 annually.
15:12
Success through PCI certification and job opportunities.
- The individual became certified in PCI and sought PCI-related job opportunities online, eventually receiving a call from American Airlines for a six-figure vulnerability management role.
- Despite not initially securing the job, the individual continued to deepen their knowledge of PCI DSS, leading to a second interview with American Airlines for a senior security architect position, which they aced and were offered on the spot.
- By focusing on mastering the PCI DSS framework, the individual's compensation package increased to $150,000 annually, allowing them to travel worldwide for work and become an internal consultant at American Airlines.
- After three years in this role, the individual transitioned to becoming an external Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) for a consulting company, traveling globally to perform security assessments and earning a salary of around $200,000 per year.
