Ashley Sayre was always driven to make a difference and deeply passionate about safety and security.

As an African American woman, she knew she wanted to pursue a career in a field that would allow her to help others and keep them safe from harm. After much consideration and research, she finally entered the world of cybersecurity.

With the increasing number of cyber-attacks and data breaches, it is becoming increasingly important to have a workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge to combat these threats effectively. Ashley was aware of this and determined to become an expert in the field. She dedicated herself to learning everything she could about cybersecurity.

Overcoming Challenges 

Ashley’s journey to becoming a Cybersecurity Analyst has been challenging, but she never gave up on her dreams.

She told CyberWarrior that she decided on this path because “growing up, safety was always kind of like come and go, so I really focused on security.” As a start, she began her career working within banks. “In banks, you learn a lot about physical security, what to look for, and how to keep others safe. And with that, I started becoming passionate about it,” she said.

Ashley has persevered and pushed through, driven by her determination to make a difference in the world.

Getting Started in Cybersecurity

Her journey to becoming an Associate Cybersecurity Analyst inspires anyone looking to break into the industry. Ashley’s story reminds you that you can achieve great things if you are passionate about something.

While working at the bank, Ashley saw much fraud within the industry, so she took her enthusiasm for security and wanted to transfer it to more skills and keep developing as a professional.

This is where the cybersecurity portion came into play.

Training at CyberWarrior Academy

Ashley’s pathway from working around the edges of cybersecurity to becoming an Analyst began by enrolling in Cyberwarrior Academy. This was the first step towards becoming a cybersecurity professional. Ashley was exposed to various topics, such as vulnerability management and incident response.

The training was intense and challenging, requiring a great deal of time and effort. Ashley worked full-time, had a three-month-old to care for, and still had to attend classes. However, she was determined to succeed and pushed herself to stay up late every day to keep up with the work.

Spoiler alert: Her dedication paid off.

Breaking into the Industry

Completing the training was a significant accomplishment for Ashley, but it was just the beginning. With a solid foundation, Ashley was able to start building her career and expanding her knowledge in the field. She took on new challenges, developed her skills, and worked hard.

As an African American woman in a field often dominated by white men, Ashley was initially nervous about her chances of finding a job.

She thought it would be highly challenging, “I was very nervous about it. I didn’t think that I was going to get a job. I thought that I was gonna be looking for a long time,” she said.

Triumphing Against the Odds

Despite the odds against her, her passion and determination kept her going, and she could succeed even when she was not a majority in cybersecurity. “People just saw how much I wanted to, you know, put in the effort and how much I wanted to learn, and how much I wanted to make a difference in the world,” she said.

She put in long hours of hard work, reading, studying, and attending workshops and conferences to expand her knowledge. Her dedication and passion paid off when she landed an Associate Cybersecurity Analyst job.

The Journey So Far

Ashley is proud of what she has achieved in her career and never forgets what took her there.

Her journey was a rollercoaster of emotions, with moments of doubt and uncertainty, but she never gave up. She persevered and stayed focused on her goals; today, she is reaping the rewards of her hard work.

As an Associate Cybersecurity Analyst, she does a lot of vulnerability management, which means she is responsible for identifying, tracking, and communicating threats and vulnerabilities that may impact her company.

Beyond that, she’s making a real difference in the world by using her skills and knowledge to help keep people safe from cyber threats, and she takes great pride in this work.

Cybersecurity is a career that meets Ashley’s expectations of being both challenging and enjoyable, and she is grateful for the opportunity to do what she loves every day. To this day, she is committed to being the best professional and knows the journey never truly ends. There will always be new threats to overcome, and Ashley is ready to take them on.

Words of Encouragement

Ashley’s career path in cybersecurity is an inspiration to others who are considering a career in this field.

“To the women out there that could possibly be doubting themselves or don’t know which direction to take to try to break into the industry. I just want them to know that they can do it. It is possible. Don’t be afraid. Even if you’re trying to find a job, and it takes about four, five, or six months, don’t give up because it’s all worth it.”

Her words reflect the power of perseverance and hard work. They demonstrate what can be achieved with passion and dedication.

However, Ashley is just one woman entering the cybersecurity field. This industry still has a long way to go in promoting diversity and inclusiveness. She recognizes that she is a trailblazer in the industry and is dedicated to making a difference for others.

At CyberWarrior, we understand cybersecurity job market challenges. That’s why we offer an online platform to help you master the skills needed to start.

Why Choose CyberWarrior Online?

• Expert-Led Courses:  Industry experts craft and teach our courses, and bring real-world experience and insights to the virtual classroom.
• Hands-On Labs: Gain practical experience through our state-of-the-art labs, where you can simulate real-world cybersecurity scenarios and apply your knowledge in a controlled environment.
• Career Support: From resume-building to mock interviews, we offer resources and guidance to help you present yourself as the top candidate for any cybersecurity role.
• Community and Networking: Join a vibrant community of cybersecurity professionals and enthusiasts. Network, share experiences, and learn from others in the field.
• Flexible Learning: Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional, our flexible learning paths allow you to progress at your own pace and tailor your learning experience to your career goals.

Don’t miss the opportunity to enhance your cybersecurity skills and advance your career. Visit CyberWarrior Online today and take the first step toward becoming a cybersecurity expert.

Enroll now and be part of a community dedicated to empowering the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.