A Renaissance Technologist on a Mission

My Strategic Journey into IT and Cybersecurity

Building a Strong Foundation for a Future in Cybersecurity

Introduction

I'm an aspiring IT professional with a focused drive towards cybersecurity. My journey is marked by a commitment to building a solid foundation in IT support and infrastructure, recognizing that practical experience is crucial for long-term success in cybersecurity.

My career transition is driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact in technology, with a long-term goal of specializing in cybersecurity.

From Finance to Boxing to IT

For about 10 years, I worked on financial transactions for various investment firms. I reconciled trading activity, booked deals, and managed contracts.

My path has been unconventional, leading from finance to coaching boxing, and now to leveraging Wireshark for network analysis.

A Drive for Deeper Understanding

As a back-/middle-office analyst, I went beyond my role's requirements to gain a comprehensive understanding of the financial ecosystem.

I dedicated three years to self-study, mastering graduate-level finance and earning the CFA charter, which provided me with a deep understanding of the investment industry.

Despite my efforts, I realized that the finance environment wasn't aligned with my professional aspirations.

Exploring New Avenues

After leaving Wall Street, I explored data analytics, completing significant graduate-level coursework. However, I sought a career beyond spreadsheets and cubicles. I then turned to web development, drawn to its creative and problem-solving aspects.

Around this time, I reconnected with boxing, and I offered my services to a local gym for social media marketing. The pandemic presented a challenge, forcing the gym to close.

Adapting and Leading

I collaborated with the owner to launch virtual training sessions, which helped maintain client engagement.

When the gym reopened, I connected with clients, and one encouraged me to start my own gym.

I accepted his offer of seed money, secured a location, and equipped the gym. Unexpectedly, my partner left, leaving me to manage the business independently.

I embraced the opportunity, teaching boxing technique and focusing on helping people overcome mental obstacles and build discipline.

This experience reinforced the importance of mindset, resilience, and adaptability for success.

Returning to Tech with a Focus

Having completed a web development bootcamp, I recognized the need to strengthen my foundational knowledge, particularly in data structures and algorithms.

A podcast about cybersecurity and ethical hacking sparked my interest in the field, highlighting the growing importance of digital security.

Inspired, I earned the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate and enrolled in a Bachelor of Cybersecurity and Information Assurance program at WGU.

Present Day: Building a Foundation in IT Support

Cybersecurity demands the qualities I've cultivated throughout my career: critical thinking, vigilance, and strategic action.

I'm now focusing on gaining practical experience in IT support to complement my cybersecurity studies. I believe this hands-on experience is essential for a successful transition into cybersecurity.

Certifications and Achievements

My approach to IT and cybersecurity has been methodical and focused. To ensure a strong foundation, I've earned the following certifications:

📱 CompTIA A+

🌐 CompTIA Network+

🔒 CompTIA Security+

☁️ Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)

🛡️ Google Cybersecurity Professional Certification

🚀 (Currently Pursuing) CCNA Certification

🕹️ (Currently Pursuing) BTL1 - SOC Analyst Certification

In addition to certifications, I'm making good progress towards a B.S. in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance at WGU.

I've also engaged in extensive lab work, built a digital reference library, and worked on industry-relevant projects.

Documenting the Process: YouTube and The Renaissance Technologist

My career transition is more than a personal journey — it’s a guide for others entering cybersecurity. Through my YouTube channel, The Renaissance Technologist, I document my progress, from certification prep to hands-on projects.

The channel serves two purposes:

Showcasing Skill Acquisition: Demonstrating practical skills, problem-solving, and continuous learning in IT and cybersecurity.

Inspiring Career Changers: Providing guidance and encouragement to those seeking to change their career paths.

By sharing my experiences, I aim to show that transitioning into tech is achievable with the right mindset and strategy.

Vision for the Future: Renaissance Technologist & The John Connor Project

The Renaissance Technologist embodies a philosophy of blending technical expertise with personal growth and adaptability.

With The John Connor Project, my broader vision is to:

Elevate IT and Cybersecurity Professionals, recognizing their crucial role in protecting digital systems.
Protect ‘Main Street’ from AI-Driven Threats by making cybersecurity expertise accessible to individuals and small businesses.
Educate the Public on digital security, data privacy, and self-hosted AI solutions.
Democratizing proxy voting through the use of self-hosted LLMs.
Connect People with Professionals through a directory that matches cybersecurity experts with those needing security solutions.

This is about fostering digital sovereignty, security, and informed decision-making.

Looking Ahead

My immediate focus is:

Secure an IT Support or Help Desk role to gain practical experience and apply my skills.
Complete CCNA and BTL1 - SOC Analyst certifications.
Continue developing Renaissance Technologist and The John Connor Project to educate and empower others.