SANS.edu Success Stories

Q. How did you get interested in cybersecurity?

A. My interest in cybersecurity took root during my time in the U.S. Army, where I worked in military intelligence. After leaving the Army in 2012, I joined a digital forensics team as a contractor for the Department of Defense. That role exposed me to the technical side of cyber investigations, and enrolling in my first SANS course further deepened my curiosity. What started as a spark quickly grew into a lasting passion that continues to drive my career today.

Q. What is your position and what does it entail?

A. I currently work at AIG as the Lead Content Engineer for their SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) solution. My role involves creating queries that analyze aggregated log data — such as email, login attempts, and chat activity — to detect potential security incidents. I develop alerts for stakeholders when certain thresholds are met, like multiple failed login attempts or suspicious email activity.

Q. What was your educational experience before joining SANS.edu?

A. Before joining SANS.edu, I earned three bachelor’s degrees in history, political science, and classics from Boston University. I also completed two associate degrees — one in Arabic from the Defense Language Institute and another in Intelligence Operations from Cochise College in Arizona.

Q. How did you find out about SANS Technology Institute?

A. I first learned about SANS while working as a contractor with the DoD. Many of my colleagues had taken SANS courses, especially in forensics and networking. My employer had a voucher program, which allowed several of us to enroll in SANS training. I took my first course, Windows Forensic Analysis (FOR500), around 2012.

Q. What do you think was most valuable about the SANS.edu graduate certificate program?

A. The most valuable aspect was the combination of multiple industry-recognized certifications within each graduate certificate program. The hands-on labs and practical applications — especially in areas like penetration testing — were incredibly useful. These experiences allowed me to apply real-world skills rather than just learning theory.

Q. What did you like most about the program?

A. I especially appreciated the practical labs. They allowed me to use tools and techniques in realistic scenarios, which helped solidify my understanding and made the learning process engaging and applicable to real-world situations.

Q. Why did you choose to enroll in the SANS.edu program?

A. I chose SANS.edu because I had already taken SANS courses and knew firsthand the quality and value they offered. When I learned I could use my GI Bill® benefits to cover the cost, it was an easy decision. The opportunity to access top-tier cybersecurity education without paying out of pocket made it both practical and worthwhile.

Q. From your research, what differentiated SANS from other programs of its kind?

A.  I didn’t need to do much research; I was already very familiar with SANS.edu’s quality and reputation. What truly sets SANS apart is the breadth and depth of its course offerings. 

Another key differentiator is the flexibility of the program. SANS allows you to complete a small number of high-impact courses over a two- to three-year period and still earn a recognized credential. That kind of agility is rare in graduate-level education. Combined with its strong standing in the cybersecurity community — especially within the military — SANS was the clear choice for me.

Q. Can you tell me about your experience working with your advisor?

A. My experience with the SANS advisors was excellent. In the beginning, they were incredibly helpful in guiding me through the program structure, timelines, and course selection. Their support made it easy to get started with confidence. As I became more familiar with the process, I needed less hands-on guidance, but they remained responsive and available whenever I had questions or needed assistance. It was reassuring to know I had a knowledgeable resource to turn to at any point in the program.

Q. How do you think your SANS education has impacted your career trajectory?

A. My SANS education has had a significant impact on my career. It broadened my technical knowledge and gave me the confidence to pursue more advanced roles. In fact, I’ve already transitioned into two new positions since starting the program — roles that likely wouldn’t have been accessible to me without the skills and expertise I gained through SANS. I’m now preparing to move into a third role focused on security automation, and I credit SANS with helping me grow into each of these opportunities.

Q. What's your advice for someone who's considering the SANS.edu graduate certificate program?

A.  Absolutely go for it — but be ready to put in the work. The first couple of courses can feel intense as you get used to the structure and workload, but once you find your rhythm, it becomes much more manageable. Some classes, especially in areas that are new to you, might require extra time and focus — but that’s part of the growth. If you're serious about building real-world skills in cybersecurity, the investment is well worth it.

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