Transitioning from Coffee to a Security Career

When I first started my career, I wasn’t thinking about firewalls, encryption, or malware. I was thinking about lattes, customer service, and how to make the perfect foam. My days were spent behind a counter at Starbucks, mastering the art of coffee-making and engaging with customers.

Fast forward to today, and I’m a cybersecurity engineer working to secure digital spaces from adversarial threats. This journey wasn’t linear, and it certainly wasn’t easy, but it was driven by a few key lessons that I’ve learned along the way.

Whether you’re considering a career change or just stepping into the world of cybersecurity, I hope these insights will inspire and guide you.

1. Curiosity and Passion Will Pay Dividends

The cybersecurity landscape is vast and ever-changing. From ransomware to zero-day vulnerabilities, there’s always something new to learn. Early in my journey, I realized that cultivating a sense of curiosity was my greatest asset. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the constant stream of information, I embraced it. I let my curiosity guide me, diving into topics that fascinated me and exploring the many facets of cybersecurity.

Curiosity also makes the learning process enjoyable. I treated each new challenge as a puzzle to solve, and each piece of knowledge as a tool to add to my arsenal. This mindset not only kept me engaged but also helped me adapt quickly to the rapid changes in the field. If you’re new to cybersecurity, don’t worry about mastering everything at once. Start with what excites you, and let that passion drive you forward.

2. It’s Never Too Late to Branch Out

Unlike many of my colleagues, I didn’t discover my passion for cybersecurity in high school or even during my first attempts at college. It took years of exploring different paths and thinking critically about what I wanted to do with my life. My journey to cybersecurity began with a willingness to pivot and try something new.

I’ll admit, there were moments when I feel behind or out of place. But those feelings are fleeting compared to the excitement of finding a field that resonates with me. Your starting point doesn’t define you—your willingness to take the leap does. Whether you’re coming from coffee, construction, or coding, there’s a place for you in cybersecurity.

3. Know Yourself, Know Your Needs

The best piece of advice I received during my transition was this: “learn about how you learn best.” For me, understanding that I am a tactile kinesthetic learner changed everything. I thrive with hands-on experiences and do my best work when I can actively engage with the material.

This self-awareness allowed me to tailor my study methods to what worked for me. Instead of just reading textbooks or watching videos, I sought out labs, simulations, and real-world scenarios to practice my skills. I built a homelab, and frustrated my partner by over-engineering our home network. Knowing yourself—your strengths, weaknesses, and learning preferences—is key to making the most of your efforts.

4. Be Mission-Driven

Cybersecurity isn’t always glamorous. There are long hours, high-pressure situations, and moments when it feels like the work never ends. During those tough times, having a mission to fall back on has been my anchor. My mission is simple: to make digital spaces safer for people, so that they can focus on occupying and inhabiting them. It’s what motivates me to keep learning, keep pushing, and keep showing up even when the going gets tough.

If you’re considering a career in cybersecurity, think about what drives you. Maybe it’s protecting your community, fighting against cybercrime, or simply solving complex problems. Whatever it is, hold onto that mission and let it guide you through the challenges.

5. Make Connections, Ask Questions

Breaking into cybersecurity is often about who you know. My first opportunity came because someone was willing to take a chance on me—but that chance wouldn’t have come if I hadn’t made the effort to connect with others in the field. I spent many long hours messaging strangers on LinkedIn, asking for a cup of coffee and 30 minutes of their time. This isn’t just something I used to do, but something I have carried forward as my own goals have evolved.

I’ve found that people are generally eager to share their knowledge and experiences. Don’t be afraid to reach out, ask questions, and build relationships. Whether it’s attending meetups, joining online forums, or simply striking up a conversation on LinkedIn, connections matter. They can open doors, offer guidance, and become invaluable allies as you navigate your career.

Final Thoughts

Transitioning from coffee to cybersecurity was one of the most challenging and rewarding decisions of my life. It required curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to step out of my comfort zone. If you’re thinking about making a similar leap, remember: it’s never too late, and you don’t have to do it alone. Stay curious, stay driven, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. You never know where the journey might take you.

Wishing you all the best,

-Dylan