From film production to cybersecurity

Today, just months after earning her Security+ certification through Infosec Institute, Taylor works as a help desk specialist in government contracting. Her hiring manager explicitly told her the certification was why she got the job.

"Taking the Infosec Boot Camp was one of the best decisions I ever made," Taylor says. "It led to getting a job almost immediately after — and a huge boost in my resume. Now I have a budding career in IT and, hopefully, eventually cybersecurity."

The challenge: Career uncertainty and self-study

Taylor's journey into cybersecurity wasn't planned. After years in film production, she suddenly found herself without work and questioning her entire career path. The months of unemployment added urgency to finding a new direction.

Friends in the IT industry suggested cybersecurity as a viable career path. The field offered growth potential, job security and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. For someone seeking stability after the unpredictable nature of film production, cybersecurity represented everything she was looking for.

The Security+ certification emerged as the logical first step. Industry professionals consistently recommended it as the foundation for anyone serious about entering cybersecurity. But when Taylor tried teaching herself, she hit a wall. 

"When I first knew that I wanted to take the Security+ certification, I looked up a bunch of information online and felt completely overwhelmed," Taylor explains. The abundance of study materials created paralysis rather than progress. Every website promised the best approach, but none provided the structure and guidance she needed as someone completely new to the field.

The technical jargon felt foreign. Without context or explanation from an expert, the concepts remained abstract and difficult to grasp. Taylor realized her learning style required more than reading articles and watching random YouTube videos. She needed hands-on instruction and the ability to ask questions when concepts weren't clear.

The solution: Expert instruction and structured learning

The Infosec Security+ Boot Camp offered exactly what Taylor's self-study approach lacked: expert instruction, structured curriculum and comprehensive coverage of exam topics. The five-day intensive format allowed her to focus entirely on learning without distractions.

The boot camp's instructor made the difference Taylor had been seeking. Rather than struggling alone with complex concepts, she had an expert available to explain difficult topics and answer questions in real-time.

The boot camp didn't just teach her the material; it taught her how to think about cybersecurity concepts and apply them in real-world scenarios. This deeper understanding gave her confidence that she wasn't just memorizing answers but actually learning skills she could use in her future career.

The results: Second chances and career breakthrough

Despite feeling well-prepared, Taylor's first exam attempt fell just short of the passing score. Missing by only a few points was frustrating, but Infosec's Exam Pass Guarantee meant she could retake the exam without additional financial pressure.

"With the Exam Pass Guarantee, I was able to go back, ace my exam and complete my Security+," Taylor explains.

Having her Security+ certification in hand gave Taylor's job search new momentum. Within just one month of earning her certification, Taylor received a job offer. "I was offered a role in government contracting as a help desk specialist, and I was told that I was hired because of my Security+ certification."

Looking forward: Advice for career changers

Taylor's current position as a help desk specialist serves as the launching pad for her cybersecurity ambitions. The role provides hands-on experience with IT systems and security protocols while allowing her to apply the knowledge gained from her Security+ training.

For career changers facing similar uncertainty, Taylor's message is direct: "My personal advice for those who want to pursue cybersecurity, honestly, just do it. If you're looking for a sign, this is it."

Taylor was struggling through self-study and questioning her career path. Today, she's building hands-on experience in government IT and working toward her cybersecurity goals. The difference? Structured learning that actually got her across the finish line.