CyberWorks

Bob King’s Journey with CyberWorks

Robert “Bob” King is a technical project manager for Northrop Grumman in Tampa, Florida. He currently develops cyber and space capabilities supporting multiple customers in the Department of Defense. Before this role, he worked on delivering data and intelligence solutions for Special Operations Command (SOCOM) at MacDill Air Force Base.

King’s transition from military service to the private sector led him to Cyber Florida’s CyberWorks training program. After graduating from Florida Southern College and commissioning as an officer in the U. S. Army, he contacted his professional network for guidance on breaking into the cybersecurity industry.

“Cyber Florida stood out immediately as a perfect opportunity to combine my previous experience with relevant industry training to launch a new career in cybersecurity,” King said.

 King enrolled in the New Skills for a New Fight 12-week program, which provided hands-on experience in cybersecurity fundamentals and real-world applications. The curriculum covered crucial topics such as the OSI model, the cyber kill chain, malware analysis using virtual machines, and advanced persistent threat (APT) identification.

“The program provides practical training and familiarization with cybersecurity concepts and tools essential to succeeding in today’s job market,” King noted. “From concepts including the OSI model and cyber kill chain to lab exercises, malware analysis utilizing virtual machines, and advanced persistent threat (APT) identification, the curriculum delivers a solid foundation and engaging experience.”

 The knowledge gained from the program has been instrumental in King’s role as a technical project manager. He regularly uses the concepts learned to plan projects, decompose requirements, and conduct security impact analyses.

“I apply the knowledge gained throughout the program regularly when planning projects and decomposing requirements to incorporate security impact analysis as well as network and security operations considerations,” he explained.

 For those considering CyberWorks, King offers simple advice: ask questions.

“The staff is engaging, experienced, and dedicated to ensuring your success throughout the course and your career,” he emphasized. “The team does a phenomenal job at identifying and incorporating industry trends, new technologies, and current events with each new class to maximize student success.”

CyberWorks served as the catalyst for King’s cybersecurity career, and he highly recommends it to anyone looking to transition into the field.

“The program was the catalyst for my career in cybersecurity,” he said. The program attracts a diverse range of students from various industries, backgrounds, and experience levels, creating a collaborative and enriching learning environment.

Additionally, King encourages professionals to network and participate in industry organizations such as ISC2 and AFCEA.

“I strongly recommend Cyber Florida to anyone looking to make a career pivot into cybersecurity,” he added. “Each class has a diverse student body from multiple industries, ages, and backgrounds. I also encourage networking and participating in professional organizations like ISC2 and AFCEA.”

Cyber Florida’s CyberWorks program is more than just a training course—it’s a launchpad for a successful career in cybersecurity. This program offers a valuable path forward for those looking to break into the industry, gain practical skills, and make meaningful connections.

Are you considering a career change? We can help!
Learn more about the CyberWorks program.

William Mechler, Master Police Officer, Tampa area

William Mechler has worked in law enforcement his entire adult life. During that time, he has observed a significant trend: almost all crimes now have a digital connection.

“Whether the device is the medium for the crime or there’s a piece of evidence that links the criminal to the crime scene via router interrogations and IP address geolocating, almost every crime has a link to something cyber,” he explained.

A few years ago, William turned to the internet to find educational opportunities to enhance his cyber skills, not only to help catch criminals but also to seamlessly transition into his next career upon retirement from law enforcement. He has completed several cyber courses through various organizations and has been given opportunities to teach classes, which he loves. “I have a passion for empowering others with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity,” he said.

Through his experience with Cyber Florida’s CyberWorks program, William gained hands-on cyber skills he could use immediately at work and much more. “The most valuable skill I gained from the program isn’t even related to cybersecurity at all,” he said. “Every one of the programs I attended focused on networking without us even realizing it.” Cyber Florida provided a career coach, dynamic guest speakers, and recruiters to ensure participants had the best shot at securing employment in cybersecurity.

“Everyone in the program invests so much time and effort into helping you succeed,” William said about his CyberWorks experience. “You will not fail unless you don’t ask for help or give up on yourself.”

William is now well-known for his cybersecurity knowledge and teaching abilities, which has led to consulting opportunities and invitations to speak at several conferences. He has received several job offers for when he retires in a few years.

Ready to learn more about CyberWorks? Visit https://cyberflorida.org/cyberworks/.

Amber Waters, Junior Cybersecurity Analyst, Home Depot, Tampa

In 2022, Amber Waters was a full-time student at USF and a full-time employee in health care. The 31-year-old veteran was enrolled in a Health Information Technology degree program with an eye toward entering the cybersecurity field. She knew she needed hands-on experience in cybersecurity to secure a good job but wasn’t sure how to do that when, “Boom! I saw New Skills for a New Fight promoted on LinkedIn,” Amber said.

The 22-week program, now known as CyberWorks, was designed specifically for veterans looking to reskill. With grant funding available to cover the cost for all participants, Amber saw an opportunity she couldn’t pass up.

“I am a lifelong learner and had maxed out my capabilities at work. I was bored!” Amber recalled. From her research, she knew cybersecurity, with its constant need for problem-solving and innovation, was her future career goal.

She applied to the program, was accepted, and added the course to her already heavy schedule. Time management became crucial. Despite difficult times when she fell behind, the support from Cyber Florida staff helped her complete the program and gain confidence to pursue a career in cybersecurity.

In addition to the hands-on experience available through the virtual machines and lab work, the program taught foundational skills and soft skills such as networking and resume building. Amber met and learned from various cybersecurity professionals, hearing about their experiences. She realized there were many career paths in cybersecurity she could pursue.

Securing her first job in cybersecurity did not happen overnight, however. She continued to network, meet with mentors, and research companies that aligned with her own values. It wasn’t until she attended a Cyb(H)er Ally brunch that she really felt at home and made connections that led to her first cybersecurity job offer. The course prepared her well to enter the workforce as a tier 1 security operation center (SOC) analyst. This role suits her perfectly, as she enjoys learning and doing “a little bit of everything.”

Amber now enjoys the flexibility of working from home in a dynamic and rewarding career. She appreciates the security of knowing she will be able to advance in her field as she continues to learn and grow.

Ready to learn more about CyberWorks? Visit https://cyberflorida.org/cyberworks/.