Has earning a Cisco certification positively changed your life or career, or both? Do you think your Cisco certification story would help encourage other people to earn their Cisco certification? If so, we want to talk to you!
How it all began
An unexpected opportunity arises
I have always been fascinated with computers and technology. I even disassembled a PC when I was a kid. Later, in high school, I enrolled in networking courses. That lead to my first certification, and I never looked back.
It was during my training for other certifications that I discovered cybersecurity. I was instantly fascinated. While attending cybersecurity community brunches, I shared experiences with other women in IT and learned about various security jobs.
Today, I work as a Senior Network Security Analyst. Through it all, one thing has remained true — my initiative has continued to shape my career and open new doors.
An unexpected opportunity arises
I decided I wanted to transition into cybersecurity. And when Cisco announced its Global Cybersecurity Scholarship Program (now discontinued), I didn’t wait for an engraved invitation. I pounced on the opportunity. I became one of the first persons to pass the exam and earn a CCNA CyberOps (now Cybersecurity Associate) certification.
Midway through my CCNA CyberOps studies, I learned of an opportunity at another company, working as its SOC operator. Busy as I was, I made time for the interview. The employer was impressed with how wellinformed I was. I knew the subject matter inside and out because it was precisely the material I had just studied during the Cisco course.
About Jenny
Certifications
Cybersecurity Associate
Location
Greater Ottawa, Canada
Hobbies
Knitter & Crocheter
Videogamer
Painter
Jenny Guay
What would you tell your younger self?
I would tell myself to be sure to network. Take any chance to attend virtual meetups, engage with the people you admire on social media, and apply for any security job to gain interviewing experience.
What would you tell a friend?
I'd tell them to know your stuff! Print out the exam objectives to identify your areas of need. I'd also suggest finding a study group, keep staying curious, and explore the knowledge rabbit holes.
Career path
Certification path
Read more certification success stories
Yasser Auda
"You can do anything. You just need to decide to do it, have the will to do it, and never give up. Be confident in yourself and stop the barriers in your mind."
Network security architect
CCNA, CCNP Enterprise, CCNP Security, Cybersecurity Associate, CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure, DevNet Associate, DevNet Professional
Ben Harting
"I’ve gained more knowledge and different skill sets. I’ve opened myself up for more opportunities. And it’s a validation of me and what I’ve learned."
Configuration engineer
CCNA
Micheline Murphy
"I derive a great deal of pride from having these certs. Certifications are a box I can stand on in front of the room and be the expert. They help me to stand up with confidence and authority."
Consulting engineer
CCNA, CCNP Data Center,
CCNP Enterprise