Studying to code so that you could land a job in tech can really feel daunting. That’s why we’re sharing inspiring tales from Codecademy’s neighborhood — to indicate how individuals such as you (sure, you!) can embark on a studying journey and find yourself with a completely new profession. We hope these tales function a reminder that there’s no single path to a extra fulfilling work life.
Right now’s story is from Jimmy Sorto, a 30-year-old SOC Safety Specialist at Expel, dwelling in Washington DC-Baltimore. Learn extra tales from Codecademy learners here — and make sure to share your story here.
Why I selected to study to code
“Profession-wise, I’ve about 7 to eight years of selling expertise. That was my bread and butter for the longest time, primarily on the content material creation aspect. I used to be additionally concerned in social media and electronic mail advertising and marketing. Final 12 months, my good buddy Neiko stated, ‘Cybersecurity is now greater than ever a extremely demanding industry, and it’s solely going to be extra demanding down the road.’ I heard what he was saying, however my ardour was content material creation and being behind the digital camera. I used to be apprehensive at first, however he gave me the chance to dive into it and perceive a bit of extra.
He defined the gamification of cybersecurity, saying, ‘Consider it like Name of Responsibility. There’s an opposing aspect and an goal to attain. Relying on which aspect you’re on, you must cease the opposing crew from reaching their goal. In cybersecurity, there’s a blue crew and a crimson crew. The adversaries attempt to acquire credentials or entry to an atmosphere.’ That made sense to me, and it piqued my curiosity. He launched me to Codecademy, which was my stepping stone into cybersecurity.
Codecademy performed into the entire gamification facet due to how user-friendly it’s and the completion of programs and modules. Finishing a module felt like an achievement, and it helped me have a pathway to dive into cybersecurity, coming from a totally completely different world.”
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How I made time to study
“I received laid off in October, and my final day was in December. It was a horrible time, and I used to be between jobs, so I gave myself some grace. I believed, Hey, the vacations are proper right here. Simply benefit from the time with household and buddies. Then, round January, I made a decision to select up the tempo and go full throttle. That’s when Codecademy got here in as that stepping stone.”
How I saved up cash to modify careers
“For the primary 2-3 months, I used to be simply cranking out these modules and actually, utilizing any assets I might come throughout. Codecademy was additionally budget-friendly, which was a giant factor for me, looking for as many assets as I might. I used to be positively using lots of free trials for varied assets. I feel my background in freelancing additionally made it a bit simpler for me; I might do a video gig for an occasion one week, after which I’d be good for the month, permitting me to dedicate extra time to learning.”
How lengthy it took me to land a job
“I began in January 2024 and received my first job in October.”
How I received within the door
“In June, just a few months into studying every thing, I received my CompTIA Security+ certification. That was a giant achievement in itself. It gave me the boldness that I do know some stuff. For me, it was like, Hey, I handed on the primary strive. I spotted, I can positively do that.
In September, I used to be on the street engaged on a documentary when my buddy Neiko was like, ‘Hey, there’s this chance at my firm, and I already advisable you. They’re going to be hitting you up in a day or two.’”
Do you know we now supply ability paths to organize for trade certifications? Try our CompTIA Security+ path, and the remainder of our cybersecurity, IT, and cloud certification prep programs.
How I nailed the interview
“The questions in my first interview weren’t as technical as I anticipated for the primary spherical. It was extra about who I’m as an individual and a person. They weren’t testing me on whether or not I might decipher a malicious script. They had been extra considering whether I can work in a team environment, take constructive criticism, and use it to get higher. I feel these qualities are one thing I’ve carried all through my profession. One of many issues that additionally stood out was my love for storytelling.
In cybersecurity, and significantly the place I’m now, there’s a stage of storytelling the place you must paint the image. Whether or not it’s for the subsequent SOC [Security Operations Center] Analyst or the client themselves, you might want to clarify the investigation. You must paint an image for them and write out the story of what occurred. For instance, it began off as an electronic mail, then the person clicked on that hyperlink. Having the ability to information them via the method is essential.
I solely had one technical interview, which concerned understanding technical vectors, particularly inside emails. I needed to learn via electronic mail headers and perceive electronic mail spoofing, how attackers can cover or change their IP to make it appear like it’s coming from google.com or Microsoft. I wanted to know spoofing and skim via it. I had a fundamental understanding of it, simply sufficient to get by. They noticed some good qualities and potential in me and determined to take an opportunity.”
How day one and past went
“My day-to-day mainly revolves round phishing emails. I’m just about flying via the queue of alerts from our clients, whether or not it’s a rip-off, blackmail, or social engineering. The spectrum of assaults we see could be very broad. Perhaps it’s the gamer in me, however the enjoyable ones are the precise malware the place we see, Oh, this can be a Trojan. If you happen to click on on this, it downloads, and somebody goes to realize entry to your laptop. I say that laughing, however it’s severe stuff the place you must watch out. I jokingly say to my buddies, ‘Hey, I’m combating evil behind my laptop.’”
What I want I knew earlier than I began studying
“Don’t be scared to achieve out to individuals. By that, I imply someone on LinkedIn or somebody you suppose is a guru within the trade. An excellent chunk of individuals within the trade are keen to assist. I’ve realized that the neighborhood in cybersecurity particularly could be very down-to-earth and keen to increase a serving to hand.
At first, I used to be very apprehensive. I used to be a shy particular person, already altering careers and getting into a complete new world. However the extra I realized and met individuals, the extra snug I grew to become. Everyone needs to assist as a result of they’ve been in your footwear sooner or later. So, I feel not being scared to achieve out, ask for assist, or simply talk with somebody is essential. That may be the one piece of recommendation I might give myself: don’t hesitate to speak to somebody.”
Unsure the place to start out? Try our personality quiz! We’ll allow you to discover the most effective programming language to study primarily based in your strengths and pursuits.
Wish to share your Codecademy learner story? Drop us a line here. And don’t overlook to join the discussions in our neighborhood.