SANS.edu Success Stories

Q. How did you get interested in cybersecurity?

A. When my husband was studying chemical engineering, I had a lot of free time — so I revisited my favorite childhood video game: the Nancy Drew mysteries. To play them, I figured out how to create a Windows partition on his Mac, and I had a blast. That little tech challenge stuck with me. Over time, I realized I genuinely enjoyed tech. After working in marketing and social media for a barbershop for six years, I started feeling burned out and unfulfilled. That’s when I got serious about cybersecurity — it had been in the back of my mind for years, and I finally decided to go for it.

Q. Where are you in your cybersecurity career journey right now?

A. With the tremendous support of SANS.edu’s career center, I recently landed a job as a security analyst at Fortra. I’m excited to build on the experience I gained during my internship at GuidePoint Security, where I worked as a Security Engineering and Automation Intern. It was an incredible experience — I loved every minute of it, and I’m thrilled to get back to that kind of work.

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

A. I earned my high school diploma and went on to receive an Associate of Science in General Studies from Georgia Highlands College in 2014. It gave me a solid academic foundation, but I didn’t discover my passion for cybersecurity until nearly a decade later.

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

A. While working at a local barbershop called Mercer Supply Co., I struck up a conversation with a client who worked in computer science. I told him I was exploring a career in tech, and he recommended looking into SANS. I had already been researching bootcamps and programs, but it was hard to find one that felt credible — so many promised quick results but had mixed reviews. When I found SANS.edu, I was impressed by their accreditation and strong industry reputation. That’s when I knew — I’d found the right path.

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

A. The most valuable part of the SANS.edu undergraduate program was the hands-on experience. Yes, there’s a lot of reading and foundational learning, but what really sets it apart is how much time you spend actually doing the work — getting comfortable in terminal environments, working with virtual machines, and applying what you learn in real-world scenarios. When I started my internship, I realized how rare that is. Many of my peers from other programs hadn’t even touched a terminal. That practical exposure gave me a huge confidence boost and made me feel truly prepared.

Q. What did you like most about the program?

A. Honestly, the SANS community was my favorite part. People who’ve been through the program love SANS — and they love talking about it. It creates this instant connection. The courses are consistent, the instructors are amazing, and because many of the classes are recorded, you share similar experiences with others. It makes networking fun — when you meet someone with a SANS certification, you immediately have something in common to geek out over. I also really appreciated how hands-on the program was and that I could work at my own pace. It was challenging, but I didn’t have to give up my job or hobbies to pursue my dream career.

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

A. What really set SANS apart for me was its accreditation and reputation. A lot of bootcamps promise fast results, but SANS felt like a safer, more credible investment — especially when you’re making a big financial and career commitment. Their industry recognition gave me confidence that I’d be learning skills that truly matter.

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

A. My advisor, Delisha Hodo, was absolutely amazing. She was always quick to respond, super clear, and incredibly supportive. Anytime I had a question — whether I was panicking about scheduling or unsure about how my internship would affect my coursework — she was right there with a calm, ‘We’ll figure it out.’ Even when she was on vacation, she still responded to my emails. That level of dedication meant the world to me. Delisha consistently showed up when I needed her most, and I truly can’t thank her enough.

Q. Can you tell me about your experience working with the SANS.edu Career Center?

A. Working with the SANS Career Center has been such a steady source of support, especially as a career changer. My career counselor, Grace Geyer, has been incredible — kind, encouraging, and always there when I’ve felt nervous or unsure. Changing careers can be overwhelming, especially when you’re investing so much in your future and wondering if you’re qualified enough.

Grace helped me prepare for my GuidePoint interview with practical, actionable advice — and it worked. I nailed it. She also advised me to reach out to my contacts on LinkedIn and I was able to score a job because a connection was willing to put in an internal referral for me. I’ve also had the chance to work with Caroline Jennings, who’s been equally supportive. I’m so grateful for both of them.

Q. Can you tell me about your internship?

A. My internship with GuidePoint Security was truly life changing. I can’t say enough about Kevin Woods, who leads the program — just one meeting with him gave me the clarity for which I’d been searching. I knew I loved cybersecurity, but I didn’t know where I fit. Kevin placed me in a security engineering and automation role, and everything clicked. I learned so much, gained real confidence, and for the first time, I could see exactly where I wanted to go in my career. That experience didn’t just shape my path — it inspired me to one day help others the way Kevin helped me.

Q. Was your internship with GuidePoint Security something SANS helped facilitate, or did you find it independently?

A. SANS didn’t directly arrange my internship, but I absolutely got it because of them. I received an email about a GuidePoint Security webinar through SANS, and even though I wasn’t actively job hunting, something about it just clicked. I attended, asked a few questions, and put myself out there. Having SANS on my resume got me noticed and helped me to secure the position.

I’d already registered for classes, but SANS went beyond to help me make it work. They were incredibly supportive, jumping through hoops to ensure I could take the internship and stay on track with my education. That kind of support made all the difference.

Q. Can you tell me about the open-source class you created?

A. During my internship at GuidePoint Security as a Security Engineering and Automation Intern, I worked closely with the director of GuidePoint Security University, creating technical content. That experience sparked something I didn’t expect — a real passion for building educational resources for beginners. That’s what led me to create my open-source course, Intro to Home Labs.

When I first started at SANS.edu, I was overwhelmed. I was 30, returning to school after a decade, and navigating a career change. While the SANS team was incredibly supportive, I noticed a gap in beginner-friendly resources for building home labs — something that’s essential in cybersecurity education. Everyone says, ‘Build a home lab,’ but the guidance out there is often fragmented or too advanced. I’d watch ‘beginner’ videos featuring full server rooms and feel completely lost.

As I talked to classmates and later, peers during my internship, I realized I wasn’t alone. Many of us didn’t feel confident in the terminal or in setting up virtual environments. That frustration stuck with me. So, when it came time for my capstone project, I pitched the idea of creating a learning management system (LMS) course focused on building a home lab from the ground up — something truly beginner-friendly. My mentor, Kevin Woods, was incredibly supportive and encouraged me to run with it.

The course is still in the editing phase, but the goal is to release it as an open-source resource for anyone who wants to learn how to build a home lab in a safe, approachable way. I hope it helps others feel less intimidated and more empowered — especially those just starting out, like I was.

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

A. Making a big career move — especially into something as challenging as cybersecurity — can feel intimidating. But my biggest advice is trust yourself and just start. There will be moments when you’re tired, scared, or frustrated, and it might feel easier to quit. Don’t. Keep going. I had plenty of those moments, and I’m so glad I didn’t give up. You’re more capable than you think.

Q. What are you working on now, and where do you hope to take your cybersecurity career next?

A. I’ve just started a new position as a security analyst at Fortra and have been volunteering with The Diana Initiative. I’ve submitted a proposal to present my home lab course at their upcoming event in Vegas — something I created to help beginners, especially those who feel overwhelmed, build confidence in cybersecurity. I’m also writing for my Substack, Cyber Stylist, where I combine cybersecurity, fashion, and support for women in STEM.

I’m excited to have landed a deeply technical role where I can keep learning and growing alongside others in the field. I’d also love to continue creating content and eventually mentor newcomers. One of my biggest dreams is to design fun, approachable home labs for girls — tools that make tech feel exciting, not intimidating, and help them forget their doubts while they build something amazing.

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