How a Cybersecurity Bootcamp Graduate Turned Passion Into Technical Prowess

For career changers, investing in education versus practical, on-the-job training can seem like a challenging choice. That’s why tech bootcamps are designed to combine traditional and hands-on learning: you no longer have to choose between the two. Even so, prospective students often want to know exactly how that balance is struck.

When Cybersecurity Bootcamp graduate Xenisha Hawkins first enrolled, she was curious about the ways in which online bootcamp learning could prepare her for real-world cybersecurity scenarios. Her classes proved to feature a range of hands-on learning opportunities:

“The bootcamp experience was very practical. Our instructors did a great job of pacing the information we were learning. The in-class activities were excellent, as they allowed us to exercise our knowledge in each subject and bounce ideas off of other students. It was also an opportunity to ask questions.”

Continuous interaction with both peers and the instructional team is a core component of the Virginia Tech Cybersecurity Bootcamp. That’s because these interactions foster a culture of collaboration, which is integral to learning new technical skills. Students in any given cohort may represent a range of starting skill levels, but most bootcamp enrollees—like Hawkins—are beginners.

“Before starting the bootcamp, I had zero cybersecurity knowledge. My only tech experience was basic computer skills, such as program installation, knowledge of the Office suite, and an understanding of firewalls and their purpose,” recalls Hawkins.

Thanks to the bootcamp’s rigorous pace, industry-simulated scenarios training, and built-in career success support, it wasn’t long before she went from beginner to career-ready cybersecurity bootcamp graduate:

“So far, the most helpful skills I have learned are how to better protect myself and the companies I work for. [I learned] the importance of prevention and mitigation plans (and how to communicate those ideas to leadership), how to use tools such as Splunk and Wireshark, and phishing awareness to assist in the prevention of cyberattacks. Bootcamp has enabled me to not only learn a variety of programs and their purpose, but it has prepared me for real-world application of parsing data and identifying suspicious activity.”

Having completed her bootcamp training, Hawkins is confident that she made the right choice for herself and her future career journey. She shares her experience in hopes that prospective students can gain an understanding of the value of the Virginia Tech Cybersecurity Bootcamp through her example.

“I was unsure about whether to invest in a cybersecurity bootcamp and whether this program was the right choice for me,” Hawkins recalls. “Now, I feel more confident about entering the workforce because I can bring the education I gained from the bootcamp. I chose this bootcamp due to its exceptional reviews, high graduation rates, and the successful job placements of its graduates. I now understand their success and believe that anyone transitioning to a new career should consider attending a bootcamp before entering the workforce.”

Hawkins is a perfect example of a bootcamp student investing in herself to power a future in tech. With live online bootcamp training, she was able to turn that investment into tangible, in-demand tech skills. Congratulations!

If you’re considering bootcamp training in cybersecurity, you can learn more about the Virginia Tech Bootcamps difference by exploring the Cybersecurity Bootcamp or applying today to connect with a student advisor.