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.

  • Applying for a Federal Information Technology Specialist Position

    I recently submitted an application for an Information Technology Specialist (Customer Support) position within the federal government. The role closely aligns with my professional experience in IT support, systems troubleshooting, and customer-focused technical service. The job description emphasizes providing direct assistance to users, supporting Windows and Chromebook environments, maintaining hardware and peripherals, resolving software and…

  • Progress Update: IT Applications and Resume Work

    Today’s update captures steady progress across both federal and state IT job searches. Over the past week, I successfully submitted multiple IT and security-focused federal applications, targeting roles aligned with my background in network support, systems administration, and security-aware operations. These submissions were intentional and selective, focused on positions where my experience is a strong…

  • 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…