From Construction Sites to Cybersecurity: The Power of Persistence
 |
| Student Success - Frederick Waters-Hastie |
IT is a field that people from every walk of life can enter, particularly given its growth and potential for wealth generation. The rapid expansion of technology creates a wealth of opportunities, making it accessible for those who may not have a traditional background in the sector.
Making a career change can be a daunting task, but for some, the desire for stability and the chance to make a real impact in a rapidly growing field drives them. At Robust IT, we’re proud to support such individuals as they navigate their journey, offering comprehensive training, expert guidance, and a welcoming community that encourages growth.
Frederick Water is one of those inspiring individuals. With determination and a clear vision for his future, he took the leap into cybersecurity and has been rewarded with a fulfilling career. Here’s his story.
Frederick's journey into cybersecurity began far from the tech world, while working in construction and craving to do something better with his life, he questioned his career choice, he adds: “I remember getting up, getting on site at around, like, I don’t know, five in the morning, freezing cold, and thinking, like, this is not for me”. Despite being a high earner in his field, a turning point in 2017 led Frederick to reassess his path.
A Life-Changing Event
Shifting from the construction industry Fredrick, signed up with a driving agency, where he quickly became a courier for DPD, but his career aspirations shifted after a car accident in 2017, prompting him to consider new paths. “I genuinely believe, like it was around software development, cybersecurity, that sort of area,” he explains.
Selecting the Certification Route
Looking into traditional degrees, Frederick realised the financial and time demands were daunting. “University is, of course, a certain route, but it’s expensive… And, I was a high earner doing what I was doing, so it would obviously mean, how am I going to pay if I’m studying?” he recalls. Aiming for a manageable career shift, he decided to pursue certifications.
Choosing Robust IT
While looking at certifications Fredrick came across an Instagram post from Robust IT that caught his attention. Soon after, he was contacted by the sales teams, who provided guidance on the available certification paths and assured him of the support he’d receive. Fredrick ended up joining the cybersecurity bootcamp, after a few months of back and forth discussions;
“I wanted to make sure I had all my ducks in a row, and I could afford it as well.”
The Training
While training, Frederick encountered moments of doubt and challenge. “That’s where the biggest challenge for me was—the sense of overbearing. It’s like learning a new language,” he explains. But he stayed motivated by connecting with others who were further along in their journeys, who advised him to “take small bites and be consistent.”
Frederick also credits his mentors, particularly Jeremy, for making a significant impact on his learning experience. “Jeremy’s style of teaching was brilliant; he really cut through all the fluff and got right down to what you need to know while making it fun,” he shares. He spent most of his time with Jeremy, who was instrumental in drilling down the important concepts.
Reflecting on this, he emphasises, “Just be kind to yourself. And just, like I said earlier, bite size. Just keep picking away at it and don’t lose that hunger.”
Support in Job Search
Navigating the job market can be challenging, Frederick emphasises the importance of preparation: “You need to have everything. You can't just wing it. You need the CV, the cover letter, and the certifications, your website, and links to your work—all the essentials for a successful interview.”
Frederick recalls a pivotal moment in his first interview when the interviewer highlighted his CV (Jake's template) and included certification badges as recommended. The interviewer said, “This is really impressive,” underscoring the importance of a strong presentation. He acknowledges the support he received from Robust IT and other resources that aided his job search. “With your help, there are many avenues to explore. LinkedIn was crucial for building my professional presence and connecting with others.”
Achievements and New Beginnings
Frederick completed his bootcamp in just 18 months, showing dedication to his new career. The first job he landed, was a GDPR role, gaining valuable insights into data protection.
In a month, Frederick will begin his new position as a Cybersecurity Testing Assurance Analyst in the critical national infrastructure industry, where he can apply his skills in a meaningful way.
He is also pursuing the CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) certification, continuing his professional growth. Frederick’s journey is a testament to how determination and the right support can lead to success in the tech field.
Frederick’s story serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to transition into a rewarding career in cybersecurity. If you’re ready to take the first step, visit Robust IT to explore our programmes and start your own journey in cybersecurity.
For an in-depth look at how our Cyber Security Traineeship can help you kick-start your IT career, check out Frederick’s YouTube review. He shares his experience, insights, and how the program supported his journey into the industry. Don’t miss his honest take—click here to watch!
The path to a fulfilling career in IT may be closer than you think!
Comments
Post a Comment