Shequil James’ Post

"[Work ED] instilled in me the value of connections ... we met a lot of people, and then learned about more people through those people." ☝ Our Cybersecurity Apprenticeship grad Tyrese gets it. Having connections, and the ability to make them, is career rocket fuel. We put together other actionable tips in our career readiness guide for CTE or WBL program students. Check out the blog: https://lnkd.in/gN7_Gg7q #careerreadiness #afterschool #workbasedlearning #cybersecurity #infosec

For most of us going back to school, it means that it is the end of summer. Today is the start of classes at Temple University. While it means the #endofsummer, it also means that there is another opportunity to help others #learn their way around this crazy world we call #cybersecurity. #teaching college students is not just about imparting #knowledge; it's about #empowering them with the #skills and mindset to conquer the ever-evolving challenges of their future careers. Like #technology, their potential is limitless, and through #education, we ignite the spark that illuminates their path to #success in a rapidly changing world. Keep learning!

Exciting news! A new chapter begins for me, as I officially graduate with a B.tech in cybersecurity! I'm grateful for the lessons, friendships, and growth that came during this chapter of my life. With graduation behind me, it's time to embrace new challenges and exciting opportunities. Cheers to a bright future! #graduation #gradlife #graduationday

Today I took the #simplycybercommunitychallenge baton and I’m excited to share my journey into the dynamic field of Cyber Security with the amazing #simplycyber Community! My passion for Cyber Security traces back to 1998, during my teenage years when I first dived into the world of computers and technology. Always driven by curiosity, I liked to take apart electronic devices to understand how they functioned. This hands-on exploration also led me to learn programming languages like QBASIC and C, and I even created my own webpage on GeoCities with a touch of HTML. In 2004, a unique opportunity arose to join the U.S. Army, leading me to momentarily set aside my computer interests for the challenges of military service. Over the years, I embraced various professional development opportunities, attending esteemed schools such as Air Assault School, Pathfinder School, leadership development programs, the U.S. Army instructor course, and the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant School. After retiring in 2022, my passion for technology reignited. The allure of Cyber Security, with its mission to defend systems against malicious actors, resonated deeply with me. A turning point came during a college fair where I discovered the Nexus program at Columbus State University. The boot camp style and cohort-based structure perfectly matched my learning style, and the incredible support from the local community was overwhelming. I earned certifications in CompTIA ITF+, Network+, Security+, and the eJPT through this transformative program. The culminating event of my Nexus journey was the internship, a rewarding experience at Global Payments' GSOC. This hands-on opportunity allowed me to work with SIEM platforms, EDR tools, and documentation systems while collaborating with seasoned Information Security Analysts. Today, my commitment to self-improvement is unwavering. Currently enrolled in the Practical Malware and Analysis course by TCM Academy, I recently completed the Practical Windows Forensics Course. A dedicated follower of the Simply Cyber Daily Cyber Threat Brief, my ultimate goal is to become a SOC analyst, contributing to the defense against the 2,200 cyber attacks that occur daily. Here's to the exciting road ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of Cyber Security! #cybersecurity

Did you know that February is CTE month? CTE stands for Career & Technical Education, and it prepares students for career readiness in a wide array of industries, including #cybersecurity! In fact, according to ACTE, "US employers are looking to fill more than 663,000 jobs that require cybersecurity skills and pay between $61,500 and $166,000 annually." Why not start students on the path to a high-wage, high-demand job while they're still in high school? Did your high school have programs like this? If not, what do you wish they had to prepare you for your life after high school? #CTEMonth #AdvanceCTE

“I like to learn about computers, and I’ve built a few myself. Sure, it’s cheaper than buying one completed from the store, but I also like learning about all the little things that you can do with computers, both hardware and software. This is my first year in the cybersecurity program at the Bay-Arenac ISD Career Center and it’s great. It's a lot easier to be myself around a bunch of other people that also like the same things as I do and think the same way that I do. I wasn't sure how I would like it at the beginning of the year, but once I got into it, I loved it. I hang out with one of the people in my class four or five times a week now, because we think the same way and like a lot of the same things. These are my people: I don’t have to hide being a nerd and I can be as nerdy as I want. Cybersecurity is huge for everything from the website we use every day to the government protecting sensitive information. In the future, everything you can think of is going to have some kind of cybersecurity implemented into it. Along with the training and experience, I’m able to get actual certifications for real jobs, all before I graduate high school. The first year you can take three or four, and then you can also take three or four your second year. That’s six to eight different certifications you can gain. Not only does that give you a head start, but in college you’d have to pay for these certifications yourself, where here at the Career Center, you get them all for free while helping you get a job in the field you want.” –Kyler Klein, Cybersecurity program at the Bay-Arenac ISD Career Center, student at John Glenn High School

🚀 Passion over Background: Pursuing a Career in Pentesting Today at the 10XICT event, I had the pleasure of meeting a young student who expressed his desire to pursue a career in pentesting, despite lacking a formal IT or programming background. This inspired me to write this post. It's a reminder that in the evolving field of cybersecurity, passion often outweighs traditional qualifications. While technical skills are undoubtedly important, they can be learned and mastered over time. What truly sets individuals apart is their drive to learn, adapt, and innovate. To all aspiring pentesters out there: don't let your current background deter you. With countless online resources, communities, and mentorship opportunities available, there's never been a better time to dive into this field. Remember, "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill #Cybersecurity #Pentesting #CareerJourney #NeverStopLearning

I am almost halfway through my MS. While I do not have a class this summer, that doesn't mean I can't do some preparation for my fall class. When you are working full-time and pursuing a degree with hopes of making a career shift, every moment counts. The learning doesn't stop, nor should it even once I've graduated. The one thing I have learned, though, is that if you're excited about and really interested in what you're learning, you look forward to each thing that comes next. #cybersecurity #careerchangers #internetgovernance #enjoythejourney #lifelonglearning

Check out the latest post on McDonald’s Technical Blog to learn more about the program from one of our apprentices! #McFamily #PoweredByMCDTech #CyberSecurityAwarenessMonth

Did you know that October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month? One of the things you may have heard about cybersecurity is that there’s a talent gap - the demand is outpacing the availability of cyber skills. That’s why McDonald’s launched the Cybersecurity Apprenticeship program in partnership with the City Colleges of Chicago. Find out more about the program and meet one of our apprentices in the latest post on McDonald’s Technical Blog. #McFamily #PoweredByMCDTech #CyberSecurityAwarenessMonth https://lnkd.in/g7dR3Zuu