Don’t think you’re qualified for a career in tech? Think again

Experts have long been projecting (external link)  a bright future for careers in cybersecurity. And as Forbes recently reported (external link) , the demand for trained cybersecurity experts is not slowing down. Naadia Ahsan always wanted to try a career in tech, but didn’t know how to make a career change from a totally unrelated field. 

“I didn’t think anyone would take me seriously without experience or credentials,” they said. “I thought I’d need to already have a lot of technical knowledge or experience.”

But Ahsan would soon learn that their technical mind and interest in making a social impact would set them up for a whole new career in cybersecurity. After reading an article about the demand for cybersecurity experts, they applied for the Accelerated Cybersecurity Training Program (ACTP) through the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst (external link)  at Ryerson.

The program's purpose

The training program is designed to give promising learners from diverse backgrounds the skills they need to launch careers in the cybersecurity sector. It includes intensive training and certification for women, new Canadians, young workers and those who are transitioning out of legacy sectors into new careers in cybersecurity.

“When I heard about how the program prepares students to launch a career in cyber in seven months, it seemed like exactly the support I needed to transition into tech,” said Ahsan, who had worked in urban planning and as a line cook previously. 

They were surprised to learn they scored incredibly high on the application aptitude test.

“There's nothing on my resumé that says that I would be good at tech,” they said. “But this test backed me up and it said that I knew what I was doing.”

As a member of the very first cohort of the ACTP, Ahsan is certified in cybersecurity foundations, essentials and incident response methods. They were also nominated by their peers to be the first-ever valedictorian of the program.

“Naadia received outstanding results in the program and became a leader among their peers, motivating and supporting other students by leading study sessions,” said Charles Finlay, founding executive director of the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst. “They are the perfect example of how the Catalyst supports individuals from diverse backgrounds as they pivot their career into cyber.”

What's next for Ahsan

Ahsan was hired by Rogers even before officially graduating. Their new role incorporates a rotation within complementary cybersecurity teams to further support and develop their skills in cybersecurity.

And with ransomware attacks on the rise, (for example, the attack on Colonial Pipeline in May), Ahsan said it’s been an interesting time to be working in cyber.

In previous urban planning work, Ahsan honed skills such as understanding policy framework and regulatory documents, both critical aspects of cybersecurity compliance work. Ahsan now helps people understand why cybersecurity standards are important.

Now that they are settling into a career as a cybersecurity expert, Ahsan is thankful for the Cybersecure Catalyst’s mandate for training Canadians from diverse backgrounds.

“Even though I'm not a traditional applicant, maybe I don't look like I belong here on paper, [they made me feel] that there was a place for me.”

For more information about the Accelerated Cybersecurity Training Program, visit the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst (external link)  site.