Andy's journey from a life of melodies and military discipline to cyber defense is both inspiring and instructive. A pivotal part of this transition has been his engagement with Immersive Labs, which has been instrumental in equipping him with the skills necessary for his new career.

From Yorkshire to the world stage

Growing up in a small Yorkshire village, his life was infused with music from an early age. With a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Music Technology from the University of Hull and a significant stint as a teacher, Andy’s career in music initially seemed set on a steady path. His time as a musician in the British Army, where he traveled the globe and performed in prestigious venues, was a dream realized. Yet, a diagnosis of a tumor and the demands of family life made him reconsider his future.

A new chapter: entering cybersecurity

The decision to pivot to cybersecurity was driven by a desire for a more stable career that could provide a better quality of life for his growing family. With Army life often demanding and unpredictable, Andy sought a field that offered the flexibility of remote work and the intellectual challenge he craved. Cybersecurity caught his attention, particularly after a personal experience where he fell victim to a phishing scam, losing £7,000 — a loss that sparked a deep interest in protecting against such threats.

Immersive Labs: a game changer in skill development

Andy’s first introduction to Immersive Labs occurred at a TechVets event. TechVets is a partner of Cyber Million, Immersive Labs’ global initiative dedicated to boosting diversity and skills in cybersecurity. Immersive Labs, known for its hands-on, interactive approach to cybersecurity training, quickly became a cornerstone of Andy’s learning journey. The platform offered more than just theoretical knowledge; it provided practical, real-world skills through engaging labs and simulations.

Andy found Immersive Labs to be both stimulating and comprehensive. The platform's focus on practical, actionable skills helped him dive into areas such as compliance and governance, which are crucial for a career in cybersecurity consultancy. He particularly enjoyed exploring tools like NMAP and Splunk, which are essential for network security and incident response.

Balancing act: learning amid life’s demands

Balancing his learning with Immersive Labs and his personal life wasn’t easy. With a newborn at home and a busy schedule, Andy dedicated late hours to his studies. Despite the challenges, he found the immersive, interactive nature of the platform to be a motivating factor. Unlike traditional courses, Immersive Labs’ practical approach kept him engaged and made learning an exciting, problem-solving exercise rather than a passive experience.

From learning to applying

As Andy prepares for his transition from the Army, he’s already taking significant steps toward his new career. He’s actively applying for roles and has even lined up interviews. Immersive Labs has not only helped him acquire the necessary skills but also provided a way to demonstrate his progress to potential employers. By including his Immersive Labs progress report in his CV, Andy aims to showcase his commitment and hands-on experience in cybersecurity.

Advice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals

For those contemplating a career change, particularly into cybersecurity, Andy’s advice is clear: embrace hands-on learning. The real-world scenarios and practical exercises they offer can significantly enhance your learning experience and better prepare you for the challenges of the field. “Get on Immersive Labs as soon as possible, explore different pathways, and find where your interests lie,” Andy suggests. “It’s a valuable resource that can help you identify the right career path and gain the skills needed to succeed.”

If you’re interested in upskilling in cybersecurity and are searching for your next role in the industry, register for Cyber Million now.