Breaking Barriers Through Cybersecurity Career Development

Written By Hokayem Support

Background: Food Service Industry (Malone's, Smoothie King), Musician
Participant: Sha-Mia Jenkins, Cybersecurity Cohort 8 Student
Program: Cybersecurity Cohort 8
Career Transition: Food Service to Cybersecurity Professional

Challenges

Before joining NPursuit's Cybersecurity Cohort, Sha-Mia Jenkins worked long shifts in food service while pursuing music in her spare time. Despite her sharp analytical mind and curiosity about technology, she lacked access to cybersecurity education and faced the industry's traditional barriers to entry. Without a CS degree or corporate internship experience, she couldn't identify clear pathways into a field that intrigued her, particularly the defensive aspects of protecting vulnerable systems.

NPursuit's Support

Through the Cybersecurity Cohort 8 program, Sha-Mia engaged in intensive hands-on training focused on real-world applications rather than theoretical concepts. NPursuit provided structured learning pathways, mentorship, and practical experience through live breach simulations. The program emphasized building both technical competencies and professional networks, preparing participants for industry-standard certifications and strategic career positioning.

Tangible Outcomes

  • Technical Mastery: Sha-Mia progressed from zero cybersecurity knowledge to identifying attack vectors and leading peer discussions in just weeks

  • Leadership Recognition: During live simulations, she identified critical flaws others missed and confidently presented mitigation strategies

  • Career Positioning: Now preparing for CompTIA Security+ certification with a strategic portfolio and clear industry pathway

  • Peer Impact: Became one of the cohort's strongest contributors, elevating group discussions and collaborative learning

  • Participant Reflection

"I wasn't afraid of tech. I just didn't see the door. This program didn't just open it—it showed me I belonged on the other side." — Sha-Mia Jenkins

Broader Community Impact

Sha-Mia's transformation demonstrates NPursuit's approach to addressing the cybersecurity talent gap by recognizing potential in non-traditional backgrounds. Her success challenges industry hiring practices and proves that diverse talent pools strengthen sector resilience. As she advances in her career, she represents a new model for inclusive cybersecurity recruitment that benefits both employers seeking fresh perspectives and communities needing economic mobility pathways.

Hokayem Support
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