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It's that time again—time for us to brag on two more of our alumni.
A few months ago, we met Kelly Ngo-Bakam and Odniel Gonzalez. Since then, they've successfully made it through our Cyber Defense Analyst Bootcamp—and the CDCP!
We caught up with them and asked them how their experience was.
1. What was your favorite week from the bootcamp, and why?
My favorite week was Advanced Window Analysis week as it involved threat hunting on Windows endpoints.
2. What was the hands-on component like, in your experience?
First of all, I have to thank the team for creating an outstanding milieu for real life preparation. The hands-on component was impeccable to say the least. I believe I got a lived experience of what a SOC Analyst does on a daily basis which filled up any gaps I had prior to the bootcamp. While the bootcamp felt like I was drinking from a fire hose, I can genuinely say that I am a more competent cybersecurity professional after this experience. This is all thanks to how the bootcamp is curated and the capable instructors.
3. What’s next for you in your cyber journey?
Next for me, will be to continue to hone in on the skills learnt from the bootcamp and work on projects that will showcase those skills. I also intend to further my learning in the cybersecurity field.
4. Do you have any advice to impart to future students of the CDA Bootcamp?
Dedication and hard work go without saying. Lean in heavily on the team and ask questions as they have an especial patience in answering questions and giving support when needed. Glean as much as you can from them, they have a wealth of knowledge and experience which they generously impart on a consistent basis to the cohort. They are invested in your success during and after the bootcamp. Finally, you’ve got this—see you on the other side.
1. What was your favorite week from the bootcamp, and why?
My favorite “week” by far was actually a two-week block, Advanced Windows. This was the first time that we dove deep into the OS. We learned the difference between kernel and user modes, the Windows API, what processes and threads do, and the importance of registry keys as a database and a method of persistence.
2. What was the hands-on component like, in your experience?
The CDA Bootcamp was by far the best hands-on and challenging training I have taken in many years. First of all, you have to come prepared for the class by doing the homework/weekend lesson. If you don’t, you will be lost in the class and playing catch-up all week.
On the first day, we discuss the topic, answer questions, then go into a hands-on event. Then we come back next day, discuss the previous day and new material, then back to the lab and grind. There is no better way to develop actual cyber defense skills than doing hands-on and getting mentored by folks with actual experience. Level Effect shines in both areas.
3. What’s next for you in your cyber journey?
My next step is to integrate the skills that I have acquired in this bootcamp into my DevOps job, going down the path of DevSecOps!
4. Do you have any advice to impart to future students of the CDA Bootcamp?
The first advice that I have for future students is network, network, and network!!! The first “network” stands for a strong foundation in networking. You will need that on day 1. The second “network” is network with your classmates, the instructors, and alumni. Learn as much as you can from everyone. The third “network” stands for start networking early with recruiters, employers, and cyber professionals. Follow the advice of the instructors and start networking and submitting resumes when they tell you are ready, which is usually past week 8.
My second and last advice is to work hard and be disciplined. The excitement of being in a bootcamp only lasts a few weeks, then comes the grind. Your willingness to put in the hours of study and practice and come prepared to class is what will set you up for success during the bootcamp, for the CDCP, and beyond into your cyber career!
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