SANS.edu Success Stories

Q. How did you get interested in cybersecurity?

A. I’ve always had a natural curiosity for technical things like computers, but before joining the Air Force, I didn’t know much about cybersecurity — or even what career path I wanted to pursue. It was my role as an intelligence analyst in the U.S. Air Force that really opened the door and my eyes to the possibilities. I didn’t set out to work in cybersecurity, but being responsible for handling sensitive information and supporting national defense operations made me realize just how critical cyber protection is. That experience sparked a passion that’s only grown stronger over time.

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

A. I’m currently a Google Cloud Security Engineer at Citi. In this role, I design, architect, and implement cloud-native network security controls to protect our cloud environments. My primary focus is on strengthening cloud security — certifying and operationalizing services to ensure they meet our organization’s security standards. At the same time, I work closely with teams to align security initiatives with business timelines, helping to deliver solutions that are secure, scalable, and automated. It’s a dynamic role that blends technical expertise with strategic planning.

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

A. After high school, I went to a community college and earned my associate’s degree in science. Once enlisted in the Air Force and stationed in Germany, I decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Cybersecurity Technology from the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC),

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

A. To be honest, I wasn’t very familiar with SANS at first. I started noticing posts on LinkedIn from my connections who had earned SANS.edu certifications or participated in Capture the Flag (CTF) challenges and other hands-on competitions. That piqued my interest and led me to explore SANS.edu further.

At the time, my employer offered support for continuing education, including covering the cost of certain courses. I was seriously considering pursuing another master’s degree to help me transition into cloud security, but I wasn’t sure whether a traditional degree, a bootcamp, or another path would be the best fit.

Fortunately, one of my coworkers was enrolled in the SANS master’s program. After speaking with him, I was really impressed by how practical and applicable the curriculum was — focused not just on theory, but on real-world skills. That conversation ultimately convinced me to pursue a graduate certificate in cloud security through SANS.

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

A. One of the most valuable aspects of the SANS.edu program is its strong emphasis on real-world application. In a field like cybersecurity, where the landscape is constantly evolving, staying current is critical — and that’s something SANS does exceptionally well. Unlike many academic programs where the material can quickly become outdated, I found the SANS coursework to be highly relevant and aligned with the latest industry trends and threats.

Another standout feature is the quality of the instructors. Many of them are active practitioners in the field, which brings a level of insight and credibility that’s hard to match. Their hands-on experience allows them to teach not just theory, but also practical skills that are immediately applicable on the job. That connection to the real world made a huge difference in my learning experience.

Q. What did you like most about the program?

A. What I appreciated most about the SANS.edu program was its flexibility and practicality. The ability to choose between on-demand learning and the intensive five-day course format was incredibly valuable. I’ve experienced both and having that flexibility allowed me to tailor my learning to fit my schedule and priorities at the time.

I also really valued the inclusion of two practice exams with each course. They were instrumental in helping me assess my readiness and build confidence before taking the actual certification exam.

And once again, I have to emphasize the real-world relevance of the material. The content wasn’t just theoretical — it directly connected to what I was seeing in the field. 

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

A. One of the main reasons I chose to enroll in the SANS.edu program was its strong industry credibility. SANS is highly respected within the cybersecurity community, and I knew that earning certifications from such a reputable institution would carry significant weight in the field.

Beyond the reputation, I was really drawn to the curriculum. When I reviewed the course offerings and the specific skills covered, I could clearly see how the program aligned with my career goals. At the time, I was working as a cybersecurity consultant and looking to transition into cloud security. I had some foundational knowledge, but I needed more advanced, targeted training to make that pivot. The SANS.edu program offered exactly what I needed to bridge that gap and move forward with confidence.

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

A. When I was exploring different options, I looked into several programs — including degree offerings from institutions like Georgia Tech and the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), where I had previously earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. UMGC had recently introduced a cloud computing degree, which caught my attention since that aligned with my career goals. However, none could truly match SANS.edu’s real-world relevance and the quality of its instruction. 

SANS offered a level of immediacy and applicability that is rare in traditional academic settings. SANS stood out as a top-tier program that bridges the gap between academic learning and practical, job-ready skills. I have absolutely no regrets about choosing it.

Q. How has SANS.edu impacted your career trajectory? 

A. SANS.edu has had a significant impact on my career trajectory. When I first enrolled, I wasn’t yet working in cloud security. The program played a crucial role in helping me make that leap.

Through the coursework, I gained a deep understanding of cloud security risks, threats, and vulnerabilities, which not only prepared me for interviews but also gave me the confidence to speak to real-world scenarios. Many of the concepts and tools I encountered during the program were things I hadn’t been exposed to before, and they became essential in helping me land my current role.

Even now, as a Google Cloud Security Engineer, the knowledge I gained from SANS continues to serve me well. While my focus is on Google Cloud Platform, the program also gave me insight into equivalent services in AWS and Azure, helping me understand the strengths and weaknesses across different cloud providers.

In short, SANS was instrumental in helping me pivot into cloud security and continues to support my growth in the field.

Q. How did you finance the program?

A. I used my GI Bill® benefits as I completed the program. Prior to that, while I was working at Google Cloud, I was fortunate to take advantage of their education funding support to help finance my coursework. Having access to both resources has been instrumental in allowing me to pursue advanced training without financial strain.

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

A. My experience working with my advisor Liz has been absolutely wonderful. She’s incredibly communicative and proactive, regularly checking in on my progress and offering support whenever needed. Whether it was adjusting my course start dates due to shifting priorities or just making sure I was on track, she was always there to help.

When I had questions about using my GI Bill® benefits, Liz immediately pointed me in the right direction and connected me with the appropriate contacts at SANS who oversee government assistance and veteran education benefits. That guidance made the process much smoother.

Liz’s level of attentiveness and care has made a big difference in my experience with the program.

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

A. I would absolutely recommend the SANS.edu graduate certificate program to anyone considering it. Whether you're looking to pivot into cybersecurity, deepen your existing knowledge, or build a strong foundation, SANS has something for everyone.

One of the biggest advantages is the combination of flexibility and quality. The ability to choose between on-demand and live courses makes it easier to fit into a busy schedule, and the course content is top-tier — constantly updated and taught by professionals who are active in the field.

I understand that cost can be a concern for some, but in my experience, the value you receive far outweighs the investment. The skills, certifications, and real-world knowledge you gain are incredibly impactful. Personally, this program played a major role in helping me successfully transition from a cybersecurity consultant to a cloud security-focused role.

So, if you're serious about advancing your career in cybersecurity, I’d strongly encourage you to apply.

Q. What's next for Queen? 

A. I plan to continue growing in my role as a Google Cloud Security Engineer by deepening my expertise and staying current with emerging technologies and threats.

The SANS program has also broadened my exposure to other cloud platforms like AWS and Azure, which has sparked my interest in pursuing certifications in those areas as well. My goal is to become a well-rounded cloud security professional with a strong, multi-cloud perspective. Continuous learning and upskilling will definitely remain a key part of my path forward.