Think Positive Cyber

Blog

Job searching with a Master of Science in Cybersecurity, which I earned in November 2023, has been an unexpectedly challenging and emotionally draining experience. Despite the hard work and late nights I poured into my degree, I’ve spent the past year struggling to find a position that reflects my skills and aspirations. Working at Rosa Parks Elementary in San Diego, CA, while meaningful, often feels like a world apart from the cybersecurity field I’m so passionate about. Each rejection email chips away at my confidence, leaving me feeling stuck and questioning if I’ll ever land the job I’ve worked so hard to qualify for.

This blog is my way of channeling those feelings into something constructive. Writing about my journey—the highs, the lows, and everything in between—helps me process the weight of these emotions and remind myself that I’m not alone in this struggle. Sharing my thoughts here also gives me hope: hope that by reflecting on my progress and connecting with others, I’ll rekindle my belief that I have what it takes to succeed in cybersecurity. Someday, I know I’ll look back at this as just one chapter in my story—a stepping stone on the path to a fulfilling career.

  • Security+ Progress and Focused Job Search Update

    Today at R80E63FB5-T2Phal-002-71, I focused my time on two major areas: continuing my Security+ training and advancing my job search toward cybersecurity positions that match my long-term goals. For my study session, I watched Professor Messer’s SY0-701 Security+ Video #90, which covered Web Filtering (Domain 4.5). The video explained how organizations rely on firewalls, URL…

  • Applying for DOJ IT Role While Advancing Security+ Skill

    Today I applied for the Information Technology Specialist position with the Department of Justice in San Diego, CA, an opportunity I qualified for through my master’s-level education in a technology-related field. This application represents another step toward building a stable federal cybersecurity career, and I’m grateful that my academic background in areas like information science,…

  • Essential Firewall Knowledge for Passing the SY0-701 Exam

    Today I spent time strengthening my Security+ SY0-701 exam preparation by watching Professor Messer’s “Firewalls – CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 (4.5)” video, and it gave me a much clearer understanding of how modern network security is designed and implemented. One of the biggest takeaways was the difference between traditional firewalls and next-generation firewalls (NGFWs). Traditional firewalls…