SANS.edu Success Stories

Q. How did you get interested in cybersecurity?

A. Honestly, it started pretty young for me. I was always fascinated by the idea of hacking — probably because of the movies and shows I watched growing up. Mr. Robot hit me at just the right time—middle school. That show really pulled me in.

From there, I just kept digging deeper. I started reading, experimenting, and learning everything I could. It wasn’t just about the cool factor anymore — it became about solving puzzles, thinking like an attacker, and building defenses. That’s what hooked me.

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

A. Before joining SANS, I was studying at a university in Utah. I actually started out in mechanical engineering, then switched to bioinformatics, and eventually landed on cybersecurity. That’s when I realized — this is what I’m passionate about, so why not fully commit to it?

I spent about two years pursuing my undergraduate studies and completed all my general education requirements.  I was just about to dive into the core cybersecurity courses. But I started noticing that many of the instructors didn’t have real-world experience in the field. That was a red flag for me. So, I started looking into other programs and that is when I found SANS.edu.

Q. Are you working now? If so, what is your position and what does it entail?

A. Yes, I’m currently working as a penetration tester — also known as a “pen tester” — at an international defense company. In simple terms, my job is to think like a hacker — but for the good guys. I simulate cyberattacks on systems, software, and products to find vulnerabilities before real attackers do. It’s a mix of creativity, technical skill, and problem-solving. I basically try to break things in order to make them stronger.

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

A. I had known about SANS for a while through their GIAC certifications and training — they’re very well-known and highly respected in the cybersecurity world. Once you start exploring the field, you inevitably come across their webinars, instructors, or content.

But I didn’t realize they offered degree programs until I saw an ad online. That’s what prompted me to dig deeper. When I found out they had accredited bachelor’s and master’s programs, I was immediately interested.

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

A. What really sold me on SANS.edu was their unique approach to teaching. Every instructor is an active cybersecurity professional, so you're not just learning theory — you’re learning from people who are applying these skills in real-world environments every day. That kind of hands-on, experience-driven instruction was exactly what I was looking for.

Another major factor was the dual value of the program. With SANS, I wasn’t just earning an accredited bachelor’s degree — I was also earning industry-recognized GIAC certifications along the way. I graduated with nine certifications, which gave me a strong edge in the job market. There’s always debate in cybersecurity about whether degrees or certifications matter more, and with SANS, I didn’t have to choose — I got both.

Q. What do you think was most valuable about the SANS.edu bachelor's degree program?

A. For me, the instructors were the most valuable part of the SANS.edu program. Every single one of them is an active cybersecurity professional — not just someone who studied the field, but someone who’s actually working in it day to day. That made the learning experience incredibly relevant and practical.

Another huge advantage was the structure of the program. Since SANS doesn’t offer general education courses, I was able to transfer in my previous credits and dive straight into the technical content. It’s a streamlined, focused path that really worked for someone like me who already knew what I wanted to do.

The combination of real-world instruction and a no-fluff curriculum made it the perfect fit.

Q. What did you like most about the program?

A. What I appreciated most about the SANS.edu program was the flexibility. Being able to take classes fully online saved me a ton of time — not having to commute or stick to a rigid schedule made a huge difference.

Even better, this format let me learn at my own pace and fit coursework around my full-time job. That kind of flexibility isn’t easy to find in a high-quality cybersecurity program, and it made balancing work, life, and school much more manageable.

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

A. Beyond the real-world experience of the instructors — which was a huge factor — what really stood out to me was the diversity of the student body. In my classes, I was learning alongside people from all walks of life: one student had never worked in IT before, another was a CISO at a Fortune 100 company, and then there was me — already working in cybersecurity but still early in my career.

That kind of mix created a really dynamic learning environment. You’re not just learning from instructors — you’re learning from your peers, hearing different perspectives, and building a network that spans the entire industry. That level of connection and community is something I didn’t see in other programs, and it’s been incredibly valuable.

Q. How did you fund your SANS.edu education and do you feel the program was worth the investment?

A. I self-funded my education at SANS.edu, and while it was a significant financial commitment, it was worth it. One SANS course cost more than a full semester at my former university — but the value I got in return was unmatched.

What made it worthwhile was the quality of instruction and the real-world relevance of the material. The flexibility to study remotely while continuing to work in cybersecurity was also a huge advantage. I started the program working full-time, then shifted to part-time work in my second year to better balance the workload.

The skills and credentials I gained through SANS helped me land a new role as a penetration tester — while still completing the degree. That kind of career mobility and credibility in the field made the investment more than worthwhile.

Q. What was your experience working with your advisor?

A. It was one of the standout parts of the program. At SANS.edu, the academic advisors are incredibly proactive. I’d get check-in emails every couple of weeks, just asking how things were going and if I needed support with anything — from course planning to career resources. That level of personal attention was a huge contrast to my previous experience at BYU, where it could take weeks to get an appointment, and the guidance wasn’t always accurate. At SANS, it felt like my advisor genuinely knew my goals and was there to help me succeed.

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

A. I worked with the career center for resume reviews and job search support. The resume they helped me craft definitely played a big role in landing the position I have now.

Q. In your opinion, what role did SANS play in your career trajectory?

A. SANS played a pivotal role in accelerating my career. Breaking into penetration testing can be tough — especially landing that first role — but the combination of hands-on training, GIAC certifications, and real-world credibility from SANS gave me a serious edge.

Even though I had prior experience in IT and cybersecurity, SANS helped elevate my resume and skill set to a level that made employers take notice. I truly believe I wouldn’t have landed my first pen testing job as early as I did without the foundation and reputation that came with the SANS program. It didn’t just open doors — it moved my name to the top of the resume pile.

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

A. My advice would be to start by thinking about where you want your career to go. If you're serious about working in cybersecurity and want a program that’s laser-focused on real-world skills, SANS.edu is hard to beat.

You’re not just getting a degree — you’re getting hands-on experience, mentorship from professionals actively working in the field, and industry-recognized certifications along the way. That combination really sets you apart in the job market.

It’s a challenging program, no doubt, but if you’re motivated and ready to put in the work, it can open a lot of doors. So, if your goal is to hit the ground running in cybersecurity, this is a great place to start.

Q. What's next for Noah?

A. I really love my current job and plan to stay here for at least a few more years. That said, I’m already looking ahead — and the SANS.edu master’s program is definitely on my radar. One of the great things about having completed the bachelor’s degree through SANS is that they allow you to transfer in half the credits toward the master’s degree. That’s a huge benefit — it saves me 18 credits and thousands of dollars in tuition. I’m planning to start the program later this year once my employer’s tuition assistance kicks in this September. They’ve been really supportive, which makes the decision even easier.

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