Many TryHackMe users successfully transition to cyber security from a wide range of careers, showcasing the platform's accessibility and effectiveness in fostering new talent.
This is where we’d like to introduce Chrissy, a TryHackMe power user who recently transitioned from a career in nursing to cyber security.
Chrissy’s transition from nursing to cyber security was fueled by her determination to pivot into a field where she could make a significant impact. Recognising that many people successfully shifted to cyber security from various professions, she turned to TryHackMe as her primary learning platform, fueled by curiosity and determination.
We were fortunate enough to invite Chrissy to this year’s TryHackMe retreat in Italy, where the entire team sat down to listen to her journey and advice for others who are also hoping to make the career switch to cyber security.
Join us as we explore Chrissy’s remarkable transition and the empowering role that TryHackMe played in shaping her future!
Chrissy, before we dive in, please can you give us an introduction?
I started in advertising before going into nursing in 2019, but I found myself unhappy in my career, which required a lot of self-reflection and thinking about where I really wanted to take my career.
After using TryHackMe for a little over a year, I'm now a Cyber Security Support Specialist! I really credit my career to the time spent in TryHackMe as that’s where I started, and I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere without it.
When did you first become interested in cyber security?
My husband and dad work in cyber, so I was fortunate to have people guide me in the beginning. I just jumped into it with TryHackMe, where it all began!
Growing up, I was always more tech-savvy than my friends. Once I found myself in a position of wanting a new career, I was already thinking of cyber security as my husband was already there and loved his cyber security career. I then learned that there were many different avenues I could take!
How did you first come across TryHackMe, and what made you decide to give it a go?
My husband pointed me towards TryHackMe! I jumped on one day, intending to spend only a few hours on TryHackMe (taking the Pre-Security learning path) to see if it was right for me, and ended up on the platform for over 12 hours! I just felt so excited about it and knew this was the right place for me.
What were some of the challenges you faced when learning cyber security?
Once I decided cyber security was the route I wanted to take, I found there was a lot out there about there being ‘too many’ people in the cyber security space or that you need 20+ years of experience, so I think a big challenge is the things trying to detract me from the field. Although, knowing that I was feeling so passionate about cyber security and TryHackMe, I felt that I didn’t want to give up and TryHackMe gave me a lot of confidence to want to continue!
What excites you the most about the cyber world?
Definitely the limitless possibilities of where I can go next! When I first started learning about cyber security, my grasp was that it was just red team / blue team, but I’ve realised there are so many different ways you can take this. Most importantly, there’s space for everyone! While there are a lot of people who say it’s too difficult to get into cyber, there are so many more people who are very inclusive and willing to give you an opportunity!
Looking back at transitioning into cyber security, is there anything you would have done differently?
No! I think I somehow managed to perfectly ‘trip’ into some of the situations I’ve been in during my learning journey, and I wouldn’t change it for the world! My journey has brought me a lot of really cool opportunities, and for that, I am grateful.
Are there any other resources you were using besides TryHackMe?
Yes! After spending a month using TryHackMe, I tried to explore other routes, but I kept coming back to TryHackMe because I loved that I could be very hands-on. Even at nursing school, I loved the skilled hands-on elements of it, which you can’t get from just reading a book. Being able to actually test what you’re learning and see how those things work has really helped me grow my skill set. That’s just how my brain ticks!
Can you describe the feeling or moment during your learning journey that made you feel proud?
There’s been a lot of moments! For me, it’s been the case in my day-to-day role when I think “Oh, I just did that?!” and realise I’m putting what I’ve learned into practice. Those moments are really great!
As someone who wasn’t in IT or security, just being able to ‘go in’, complete a lab, and feel like I accomplished something really helped build my confidence. That’s why I kept logging back on and putting the time in!
In your interview, how were you able to talk about TryHackMe?
I’m so lucky to have such a great manager and when she interviewed me she understood my desire for a career change and what I could really bring to the table. I was able to speak to the time I spent in TryHackMe and the hands-on skills that I obtained and really think that helped me get my first job in Cyber.
Can you share exactly what TryHackMe content has helped you in your day-to-day job?
I’m currently taking the SOC Level 1 learning path which I’m really enjoying, but one thing that has really helped me is the content on Active Directory!
Do you ever still use TryHackMe to refresh your skills?
Yes! Even now, if I ever see something that isn’t directly my responsibility, I’ll look up the relevant room in TryHackMe and continuously use the platform to learn new skills and refresh old skills. It’s something that, in my career, I’ve found so helpful!
How has the hands-on learning experience from TryHackMe helped to build your confidence?
TryHackMe has hugely helped me build my confidence, especially as a woman venturing into a very male-dominated industry, which I found very intimidating. Having TryHackMe and speaking to the skills I had learned really helped me. Even if I don’t know something, I know where I can go and get that hands-on experience.
How did you find the first three months in your cyber security career?
It was nerve-wracking, but also so great! I had a very welcoming team, but I didn’t know exactly what they would expect of me as it was my first cyber role. I’ve loved it so far, and I can’t believe three months have gone by. I’m really confident that cyber security is the space for me.
How do you see the skills you’ve acquired (and continue to acquire) with TryHackMe impacting your future career in cyber security?
In the real world, you won’t always have the privilege of acquiring hands-on experience before going in there and starting your career. Knowing these tools and how to use them before you’re necessarily expected to really does relieve so much pressure and helps you learn in a comfortable environment.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Definitely in cyber! I’m not exactly sure where, but I hope I’ll have found my niche area to be a subject matter expert in while helping other people who don’t know where to start in cyber security.
What advice would you give others who are transitioning to cyber security from a completely different field?
Always start with TryHackMe and understand that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. When I started using TryHackMe, I realised there were a couple of different paths to take. I completed one of the learning paths on TryHackMe before a pop-up suggested which learning paths I should take next. Then, before I knew it, I felt like I had someone holding my hand and helping me through the process.
If I had gone to Google and searched ‘how to get into cyber security,’ I would’ve been lost with too much information and not knowing where to start! That’s why I would always recommend TryHackMe to someone starting out in cyber security.
Chrissy, thank you so much for these insights. We'd also like to thank you for not only joining us at our company retreat, but for being a dedicated TryHackMe user! Once again, we'd like to take the time to congratulate you on your career transition. We are all so excited to see where your cyber security career takes you!
Feeling inspired by Chrissy’s story? That’s great! We have many other success stories from similar users who have either switched or progressed in their careers thanks to TryHackMe.
So get ready to take the leap and check out our guided learning paths!
Have your own success story?
We would love to hear from you! Reach out to us at [email protected] and briefly tell us about your journey using TryHackMe.
Ben Spring