Varun’s Journey From A Mechanical Engineer To A Cyber Security Specialist!

Our dependency on the internet and digitally-driven services has increased tremendously in the last few months because of the COVID-19 pandemic. While it facilitates easy access to basic necessities, the increased usage of the internet and digital platforms has also led to a sudden rise in cyberattacks. Likewise, the demand for trained Cyber Security professionals has also seen a hike, making it a recession-proof career. As per the Data Security Council of India’s (DSCI) report, the Indian Cyber Security market is predicted to grow up to $7.6B in 2022. Thus, Cyber Security is becoming the next booming domain in the IT industry.

Companies are heavily investing in security infrastructures to enhance their organizational networks and data security. Also, organizations are on a continuous lookout for expert Cyber Security professionals to join their teams. The Cyber Security domain offers a promising career with lucrative remuneration to everyone interested. Upskilling in Cyber Security opens doors of opportunities for fresh graduates and professionals working in the IT as well as the non-IT industries. We, at Jigsaw Academy, have helped several learners from non-technical backgrounds shift their careers successfully to Cyber Security. One of such amazing career transformations is of Varun K S.

Varun completed his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and started his professional journey in the same space. However, he sought for a career that could teach him something new and exciting every day! After some research and deliberation on the Cyber Security industry and the relevant courses available in the market, he decided to pursue the Master Certificate In Cyber Security (Red Team), directed by HackerU (Israel’s Premier Cyber Security Training Institute), in association with Jigsaw Academy.

After completing the course, Varun got his first stint as an Associate Security Analyst at NetEnrich Inc. We had a chat with Varun about his upskilling journey. Let’s hear his thoughts on this transition from Mechanical Engineering to Cyber Security!

1. What made you consider upskilling in the Cyber Security domain?

Before entering the Cyber Security domain, I worked as a Mechanical Engineer and wasn’t satisfied with the kind of work I was doing daily. My career was lacking the ‘thrill.’ I wanted a career that could pay me satisfactorily while also allowing me to learn something new every day to beat the monotony of a 9-5 job. Cyber Security is one of the very few domains where you get the opportunity to learn new technologies and challenge and upgrade yourself as per current demands; plus, it is one of the most popular professions in today’s changing technical landscape.

2. What are the highlights of your upskilling journey with us?

The initial days required immense hard work. Since I was from a non-technical academic background and had no prior coding knowledge, it took me around a month to get used to the lectures and keep up with the lecturers’ pace. What I liked the most about my upskilling journey is that no one gave up on me, including myself. There were phases where I wanted to quit, but I continued learning with the faculty’s help and motivation.

3.  Would you recommend the Master Certificate in Cyber Security (Red Team) to your friends? Why?

Yes, I would definitely recommend the Master Certificate in Cyber Security (Red Team) to everyone who wants to give their career a new dimension. I was truly impressed by the teaching methodologies and the curriculum, which helped me find a great job opportunity. I told a few of my friends about my upskilling journey, and two of them have enrolled already!

4. How did you like online live classes?

The online classes ran seamlessly. There were several assignments in each module that helped me gain real-time practice on the concepts. The Master Certificate in Cyber Security is conducted in three phases. Phase 3 was scheduled as an in-person session, but it was conducted online due to the pandemic. Since we were all stuck at our houses, I had ample time to practice and study on my own, which turned out to be very fruitful towards the end!

5. How has the Master Certificate in Cyber Security (Red Team) helped you grow/transition in your professional journey?

The comprehensive course is exhaustive and will teach learners almost everything about Offensive Technologies. Soon after the completion of the program, I reached out to various companies who were actively looking for Cyber Security Specialists. I sat for an interview, and to my surprise, most of the questions asked during the technical round had already been covered in this 7-month Cyber Security program! After five days, I was given the job opportunity with the desired remuneration and job profile. I’m very proud of my upskilling decision and glad that I chose the finest program in India.

6. What advice would you give to a learner from a non-technical background who wishes to build a career in this domain?

Firstly, I would like to tell them that they can do it. It doesn’t matter if you have the sound technical knowledge or not; you must have the desire to learn. And once they’ve taken the upskilling decision, one must not look back. This domain requires a lot of patience and hard work, but it will be all worth it. Learning and upskilling become fun when it is done in the right manner; hence, my advice will be to choose a comprehensive and holistic program, like the Master Certificate in Cyber Security (Red Team).

Varun took the right decision to upskill in one of the very few recession-resilient careers. If you too are interested in entering the world of Cyber Security, then our Master Certificate in Cyber Security (Red Team) will help you gain the relevant knowledge and build a desired career path!