Cybersecurity is number one of the top 10 challenge areas for finding qualified talent worldwide,according toGlobal Knowledge's 2020 IT Skills and Salary Report.  

Given thedemand for cybersecurity talent,you could be forgiven for thinking it is a difficult field to enter, butCiscoNetworkingAcademymakes it more accessible thanyou might imagine. 

Seismic shifts to hybrid work and digital transformation across all industries are just some of the reasons for the strong demand for cybersecurity professionals.The good news in all of this is that there are many exciting career opportunities available to people who can demonstrate verified interest and aptitude in cybersecurity to serve inan entry-level cybersecurity role and do their part to fight cybercrime! 

I thought it would be an opportune time-duringCybersecurity Awareness Month-to highlight some student success stories fromaround the world for some inspiration. 

Real people. Real skills. Real jobs.  

Meet Amanda, from massage therapist to Cybersecurity Analyst

Experience in tech is not necessary, asAmanda, from the United States,found. 

Amandagraduated from theAlexandria Technical & Community College with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Cybersecurity, Virtualization, and Networking Program.  

Having achieved the Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate certification-which the Networking Academy CyberOps Associate course aligns with-Amanda was offered a job right away as a Cybersecurity Analyst. 

"Cisco's Networking Academy curriculum helped me succeed in the cybersecurity field by providing many different approaches to each area of networking," says Amanda.  

"As a non-traditional student with no background in technology I was impressed with the hands-on labs and packet tracer. These tools and methods allowed me to see and understand networks at every layer. This,coupled with the security classes,allowed me to grow my interest in cybersecurity and understand how it impacts every part of a functional network. Throughthe confidence and knowledge I gained from these classes I appliedfor andaccepted a cybersecurity analyst position." 

Meet Cihat who now leads a team of 30 cybersecurity professionals 

Networking Academy also caters to learners with a lifelong interest in tech, likeCihat from Turkey.  

As a 16-year-oldCihat started with IT Essentials at Habitat, his local Networking Academy, andsubsequentlybecame an IT Essentials instructor.Hethenwent on to do his Cisco Certified Networking Associate certification, andthenbecame a CCNA trainer.  

He now works for Turkey's largest Cybersecurity company, leading a team of 30 cybersecurity professionals. "Those who want to pursue a career in software, networking, cybersecurity or other areas of technology must learn the basics of networking," he says. "Of course, the most exciting, fun, passionate and inspiring way to learn about these networks is throughCisco Networking Academy. It should be the first stop for everyone on the way." 

Meet Jonathan who is passionate about managing vulnerabilities

Jonathan, from the United States, attended North Carolina A&T State University, the largest historically black college or university in the US. While learning Cybersecurity with Networking Academy, Jonathan worked inthe Helpdesk at the institution, assistingstudents withITissues, which gave him experience working with othersandtroubleshooting. 

During the summer breaks he internedat a health insurance company, workingon data and perimeter securities, and subsequently he transitioned into a full-time role in Vulnerability Management, focusingon emerging threats.  

"It's a day-to-day thing," says Jonathan. "Today may be a typical day, tomorrow a critical vulnerability may emerge that requires immediate action. That is what makes this field so fascinating and rewarding. It keeps us on our toes and to always remain vigilant." 

Meet sisters: Disha (left) and Nisha (right) who now see themselves in cyber  

SistersDisha and Nisha, from India, were in their final year before graduation when the pandemic struck, and they lost the part-time jobs they had in order tosupport their studies andprovide for the family.They learned aboutNIIT Foundationthrough social media promotions and registeredto do the Cisco Networking Academy Cybersecurity course.  

After completing the course, they receivedaplacement opportunityworkingas inbound process team members-jobs that allowed them to work from home. The Cybersecurity course hasallowed the sisters to be financially independent and has provided them with a sense of security. 

"The vast knowledge of Cisco Networking Academy helped me explore different areas in cybersecurity," says Disha. 

"Being from a non-technical background, the hands-on labs completely excited me to understand networks, its layers and security. The confidence and knowledge I gained here helped me to realize my dream of becoming Cyber Secure," adds Nisha.

Meet Vanessa, successful in cyber

Vanessa from Brazil, has also been successful in cybersecurity thanks to Networking Academy. As a first-wavestudent of thecybersecurity??programin Brazil, Vanessacompleted the CCNA and CyberOps Associate coursesin 2020.  

Vanessaparticipated again in the selection process for thesecondwave and graduated in Network Securitythe following year. Afterearning bothCCNA and CyberOps certifications usingthe voucher from the program, Vanessa successfully found work placement through a Cisco Networking Academyemployability program in December 2021and was recently promoted to Level 2 Support Analyst, focusing on Cybersecurity. 

"Because we live in an interconnected world where cybercriminals can thrive, I wanted to learn as much as I can to help myself, other people, and organizations to be aware of this and better prepare to respond to the threats and risks," says Vanessa. 

 "I was able to acquire a very good base and prepare myself to take my certifications and position myself in the job market." 

Do you see yourself in cyber, too?