From exam failure to career success

"I was already doing some training for it. I was in school, and I had basically taken it through them and didn't pass," Eddie recalls. The setback was frustrating, but it wasn't the end of his certification journey.

When MassMutual's partnership with Infosec Institute opened the door to a Security+ Boot Camp opportunity, Eddie saw his second chance. What followed was a transformation that reshaped his confidence, expanded his career opportunities and deepened his understanding of cybersecurity. 

The challenge: When self-study isn't enough

Eddie's initial struggle reflected a common challenge in cybersecurity education. Self-study materials and traditional classroom settings often fail to effectively convey complex security concepts.

His role at MassMutual required a deep understanding of cybersecurity frameworks and risk management, but the traditional study approach wasn't connecting the dots. The gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application was particularly frustrating for someone already working in the field.

The opportunity came through MassMutual's existing relationship with Infosec. When Eddie learned that Security+ training was available through the partnership, he saw his chance to supplement his independent study efforts with structured, expert-led instruction.

The solution: Expert-led training that makes concepts click

The Infosec Boot Camp experience exceeded Eddie's expectations, largely due to the instructor's background and teaching approach. Led by an experienced penetration tester from North Carolina, the sessions combined deep technical knowledge with a laid-back, personable style that made complex concepts accessible.

"The hands-on training was the best part," Eddie explains. "You have an instructor you can actually reach out to and ask questions — not only on the material, but also about things out in the wild with cybersecurity."

The instructor's real-world pentesting experience brought practical context to theoretical concepts. This wasn't just about memorizing frameworks — it was about understanding how security principles apply in actual threat scenarios.

"He was very personable, very knowledgeable," Eddie recalls. "The way the instructor helped us understand all the core concepts really resonated with me. Reading the material was good on my own, but having the instructor there to kind of break that down for me and break down the concepts, it really worked to my advantage."

The training included supplementary materials and study guides, with some concepts from the boot camp appearing directly on Eddie's certification exam. “What he taught us really helped me understand the exam," Eddie notes. “It worked out perfectly.”

The results: Immediate career impact and lasting transformation

Eddie's successful exam pass marked the beginning of broader career changes. The certification immediately strengthened his professional profile, leading to measurable career benefits:

The certification also expanded Eddie's understanding of career possibilities within cybersecurity and gave him the confidence to pursue them. "It opened up my eyes to other opportunities in the field," he says. "It gives me a leg up in the hiring process, which was really a great advantage, especially trying to get a break into cybersecurity, which can feel daunting at times."

Lessons for aspiring cybersecurity professionals

Eddie’s advice for those pursuing a career in cybersecurity: make sure you understand the field's scope.

“Read as much material as you can. Understand all the different concepts. Find the area that you want to be in,” Eddie says. "The boot camp will definitely give you a better understanding of the world of cybersecurity.”

The combination of expert instruction, hands-on learning and practical application created the breakthrough Eddie needed, proving that sometimes the difference between failure and success isn't just about studying harder, but about studying smarter.

“Taking the Security+ Boot Camp was a no-brainer for me,” Eddie says. “I would definitely recommend an Infosec Boot Camp to anyone trying to break into cybersecurity.”