How Joshua Became a Cyber Security Analyst After Flatiron School

Joshua Obeng left a job with no momentum to pursue an expansive career in cybersecurity. Joshua shares what he learned as a student and mentor in the Cybersecurity Bootcamp at Flatiron School, and how his training and education prepared him to pass the CompTIA Security+ exam. Now a year out from bootcamp graduation, Joshua gives us insight on what it’s like to work as a Cyber Security Analyst at a global bank, and how his Flatiron School background continues to help him in his career. 

What inspired you to start a career in cybersecurity in 2023?

I've always had an interest in cybersecurity, but it really piqued my curiosity when I started seeing major security breaches making headlines. I was fascinated by how cybersecurity teams collaborated to uncover what went wrong and worked together to prevent future incidents. The teamwork and problem-solving involved in the field truly inspired me, and I knew I wanted to learn more.

Before transitioning into cybersecurity, I worked in negotiation for a financial company. While the job was steady, the repetitive tasks left me unfulfilled. I wanted more out of my career, so I started exploring how to gain a well-rounded introduction to cybersecurity, which eventually led me to make the career switch

There are quite a few cybersecurity bootcamps now — Why did you choose Flatiron School’s Cybersecurity Bootcamp?

I came across an engaging ad on YouTube about Flatiron School and the cybersecurity industry, and I knew it was time to make the leap! I had also seen the positive impact it had on one of my friends, which motivated me to take the opportunity and experience it for myself.

Did you have to know any cybersecurity basics to get into Flatiron School?

Flatiron School didn’t require any prior knowledge of cybersecurity to enroll. They were more focused on ensuring that students were committed and dedicated to learning everything needed to succeed in the field.

What did you learn in the cybersecurity bootcamp?

At Flatiron School, I gained hands-on experience with the monitoring tools that cybersecurity analysts and SOC analysts use to track human behavior and detect network anomalies. It felt a lot like being a detective, uncovering hidden patterns and potential threats. Two tools I particularly enjoyed working with were Wireshark and Splunk, which provided valuable insights into network traffic and security events. 

Did Flatiron School prepare you for any cybersecurity certifications?

Yes! Two months after learning the foundations of cybersecurity through Flatiron School, I took the CompTIA Security+ exam. Flatiron School gave me the confidence to start the process of getting certified!

What were your instructors like at Flatiron School? Were they cybersecurity professionals?

Our instructors were true cybersecurity experts, with deep knowledge in areas like networking, security operations, Python, and more. They were highly skilled and explained the material clearly and effectively. One of my former coworkers even taught the Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) section of the bootcamp. His teaching style was particularly engaging and interactive, which made that portion of the course especially enjoyable for me.

You were also a mentor at Flatiron School — How do mentors support students?

Flatiron School mentorship offers a range of valuable support for students, including:

• Facilitating technical mock interviews: While I didn’t take advantage of this as a student, I now understand how crucial it is to simulate real interview scenarios. Mock interviews help students build confidence and refine their technical skills for actual job interviews.

• Career advice: As someone now working in the field, I guide students by helping them set clear expectations for their first day on the job and prepare for the future. It's about offering insights into what they can expect as they transition into their careers.

• Life coaching and motivation: Job hunting can be stressful, and part of mentorship involves offering encouragement and helping students stay motivated through the ups and downs of the job search process.

• Resume support: I assist students in crafting resumes that effectively highlight their skills and align with industry expectations, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.

Which tech roles did you feel qualified to apply for after graduating from the cybersecurity bootcamp?

I applied to every cybersecurity role I could find! I was excited to finally shift my career path and was highly motivated to pursue any opportunity in the field. As I applied for various positions, I continued learning through various online courses that were relevant to the specific jobs I was targeting. I was determined to get my foot in the door and start my career in cybersecurity. 

What job search strategies worked for you as you looked for your first cybersecurity role?

While working with my career coach at Flatiron School, we focused on strategies like optimizing keywords and refining my LinkedIn searches. I also applied key techniques that made a significant difference, such as:

• Actively networking and engaging with professionals in the field

• Incorporating strong keywords into my resume

• Consistently applying to positions

• Staying resilient and not letting rejection discourage me, as it’s part of the process

These approaches were invaluable in helping me succeed in my job search.

Now you’re a Cyber Security Analyst at the multinational bank, Societe Generale! How did you get the job?

Networking played a crucial role in landing my current position! I secured my job at Société Générale through a connection I made on LinkedIn, and from there, I continued to build valuable relationships that helped me along the way.

Was Societe Generale interested in your Flatiron School experience? 

They were looking for someone with solid experience in cybersecurity, not a beginner. They wanted tangible proof that I had a deep understanding of the material, and they were particularly impressed by my bootcamp capstone projects. My training at Flatiron School, along with my success in passing the CompTIA Security+ exam, really stood out to them

Did Societe Generale require certification to get this role? 

It certainly helped because many of the technical questions they asked required some type of certification under your belt.

At this point in your cybersecurity career, was Flatiron School worth it for you? 

It was definitely worth it. It kept me sharp and engaged, and it motivated me to continue pursuing this career path! My salary compensation will grow as I gain more experience in my cybersecurity career, and I’ll easily be able to pay off the loan I took out to complete the bootcamp. 

What kinds of projects are you working on now as a Cyber Security Analyst? 

I’m currently managing an Identity and Access Management (IAM) integration as part of a merger and acquisition (M&A) project. My role is to ensure a seamless integration of their applications and access management policies into our existing systems. This involves aligning their security protocols with ours to maintain efficiency and security throughout the transition. 

I play a key role in our Data Loss Prevention (DLP) efforts, ensuring that our email security is robust and effective. One of the tools I use is SafeSend, which helps prevent accidental data leakage—a leading cause of data breaches. SafeSend provides a warning or awareness pop-up to users when they send emails to external recipients, reminding them to review their message and attachments before sending. This added layer of protection significantly reduces the risk of unintentional data exposure.

I’m also leading the annual recertification campaign for our external connections, including VPNs and routers associated with Société Générale. This process ensures that all external connections remain compliant with our internal standards, policies, and regulatory requirements. We proactively engage with these external partners to verify that their security measures are up to date and aligned with the standards we must adhere to.

Are you using what you learned at the Flatiron School now on the job? 

Flatiron School offered me a solid foundation so now I know where to focus and hone my skills. I’m still learning a lot on the job! Currently, I'm being exposed to many different types of security protocols and incident management techniques.

Are you using AI as a cyber security analyst?

At the moment, we aren't utilizing AI tools like ChatGPT or AI assistance in applications like Adobe due to potential security risks. However, my company is interested in exploring automation options in the future, provided we can ensure their safety and compliance with our security standards.

Any advice for others on this path to a cybersecurity career?

I still communicate with people from my cohort still searching for a job. I encourage them to remember it’s not a short sprint — it’s a long-distance journey down this career path. There will be bumps in the road but opportunities will come your way if you keep your head up and stay motivated. 

Find out more and read Flatiron School reviews on Course Report. This article was produced by the Course Report team in partnership with Flatiron School.