Geraldine Alden, Cyber Analyst Apprentice, Cyber Sainik
Castle Rock, Colorado
Geraldine is currently a Cyber Analyst Apprentice at Cyber Sainik, where she has demonstrated her skills and dedication. She graduated from the ActivateWork Security Fundamentals bootcamp on October 6, 2023, building on her bachelor’s degree in Computer Networking and Cybersecurity, along with a minor in Computer Science. Despite facing challenges in finding work due to a lack of experience, Geraldine was determined to advance in the field, leading her to join our bootcamp. The hands-on experience she gained, especially through her capstone project, played a crucial role in securing her apprenticeship at Cyber Sainik. Her exceptional contributions and skillset have led to her conversion to a full-time employee, even as she continues to complete her apprenticeship.
Jackson Bennett, Cyber Analyst Apprentice, Cyber Sainik
Westminster, CO
Jackson is one of our youth apprentices, making a successful transition from the hospitality industry into the tech industry. He joined an ActivateWork bootcamp to help upskill and move into a job in tech, and during his capstone project at MSU, he caught the attention of the team at Cyber Sainik with his natural ability to build rapport. Impressed by his interpersonal skills, they quickly arranged an interview, leading to his hire directly out of bootcamp. Jake graduated from his bootcamp on [insert date], and within weeks, started at Cyber Sainik. Since then, he has continued to expand his skillset through ongoing upskilling in his apprenticeship.
Elena Kim, Cyber Analyst Apprentice, Credit Union of Colorado
Denver, CO
A multicultural professional with Russian, Korean, and Uzbekistan roots, Elena moved to the US at the age of 24 without knowing any English. Her diverse professional experience as a former accountant, bakery manager, photographer, and real estate agent has provided her with a rich skill set that she now brings to her tech career.
Elena’s journey at the Credit Union of Colorado exemplifies dedication and growth. As she neared her six-month milestone, Elena’s enthusiasm and engagement in her help desk responsibilities were evident.
“When I was an accountant, I worked with QuickBooks and often collaborated with my best friend, who is a cybersecurity specialist. Watching her work and asking questions sparked my fascination with the process.”
Her commitment to continuous learning and development is evident as she aims to transition from an end-user specialist to a full-time help desk technician, with a future goal of moving into cybersecurity.
Pursuing a CompTIA Security+ certification upon transitioning to full-time status highlights her dedication to advancing her skills and career within the organization. Elena credits her ActivateWork career coaches for playing a crucial role in providing the necessary guidance and resources for her personal and professional growth.
“My coaches at ActivateWork have been instrumental in ensuring that I received the guidance and resources I need for professional development.”
Elena’s story is a testament to resilience, growth, and the relentless pursuit of excellence! Her journey is an example of what can be achieved with hard work and the right support.