In June of last year, we launched the Symantec Cyber Career Connection (SC3). Twelve months later, our first class of SC3 students are graduating! Today we hear from Sobia Shaikh, who joined the SC3 program through YearUp, our nonprofit partner.
My name is Sobia Shaikh and I currently work at Juniper Networks as an IT Security Compliance Intern. I never would’ve imagined that I would be interning at a multinational corporation less than a year from graduating from high school. It was only a dream until I joined YearUp. Instead of going to college upon graduating high school, I decided to join YearUp and I am so glad that I made that decision. I believe YearUp is a fast track to land entry-level roles in technology where the emphasis is placed on learning the soft skills and technical skills needed. Early in the program, I had the opportunity to apply to the selective cybersecurity track supported by the SC3 program. I’m grateful to be one of 17 students accepted!
Coming to YearUp without any technical skills under my belt scared me a bit. After going through the five month Learning & Development phase, I soon found out that I underestimated myself. I joined the cybersecurity track because I was curious and wanted to discover different aspects of technology. Through the SC3 program, I am now trained and able to be anything from a systems administrator to a network defense technician.
Joining the cybersecurity track, going through the trainings, and taking educational trips to Symantec made me realize that I belong in this field. A year ago I was planning on getting a degree in Accounting just because it was said to be an easy major. Now, my ultimate career goal is to grow as a professional in the cybersecurity field. I may not have all the skills to reach this goal (yet), but I’m willing to dedicate all of my time and effort to get there. As Muhammad Ali once said, “Champions aren't made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them-a desire, a dream, and a vision. They have to have the skill, and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill.” That’s what I do have: the will!