From Tech Enthusiast to Cybersecurity Career-Ready: Chad Sider's Bootcamp Journey

For many aspiring professionals, including Fullstack Academy alum Chad Sider, a passion for technology can begin at a young age and even fuel a curiosity to pursue a career in cybersecurity.

From Using Tech to Learning How It Works

“At age four, I got my first PlayStation 1, sparking a lifelong love for electronics. From PlayStation to Xbox, Gameboy to PSP, laptops to iPods, I grew up immersed in tech, exploring the Internet’s vast possibilities as a curious kid." Chad recalls.

This early fascination with gaming systems, computers, and the Internet was the beginning of a journey. “Over time, my fascination evolved into a desire to understand devices at a deeper level. I taught myself to jailbreak devices, unlocking their full potential and learning how they function," he shares.

This natural curiosity and hands-on exploration laid the groundwork for his decision to pursue a career in cybersecurity and enroll in the Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamp, even without prior formal tech job experience.

Cybersecurity Bootcamp Experience

Chad describes his time in the Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamp as “nothing short of transformative!"

A key reason for this was the quality of the teaching. “The instructors were exceptional—some of the best educators I’ve ever had," he says. “They brought complex cybersecurity concepts to life with clarity, humor, and relatability, making every class engaging and enjoyable."

“Their genuine support and availability turned my initial nerves into excitement within just a few classes," Chad adds, highlighting how the instructors ensured everyone kept pace and understood the material.

Gaining In-Demand Cybersecurity Skills

The Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamp curriculum is designed to equip students with practical, job-ready skills. Chad notes the program provided him with “an impressive arsenal of technical and soft skills." He mastered essential security tools like Metasploit, Nmap, Wireshark, SIEM platforms, and Burp Suite, alongside critical networking concepts such as firewalls, TCP/IP, DNS, and OSINT.

Furthermore, he gained proficiency in “programming and scripting with Python, Bash, and PowerShell." Chad emphasizes that the “hands-on, engaging instruction made learning these skills not only achievable but incredibly fun, transforming me into a confident cybersecurity professional." In addition to these technical skills, he says, “I strengthened soft skills like problem-solving, collaboration, attention to detail, and communication."

Embracing Lifelong Learning in the Cybersecurity Industry

Like any intensive learning experience, the bootcamp presented its challenges. “The most challenging aspect was adapting to the influx of new, complex information," Chad admits.

However, he turned this into a positive. “Initially, it felt overwhelming, but I learned to tackle each section methodically, which turned the challenge into a rewarding growth opportunity."

Another important moment was Chad’s realization of the continuous nature of learning in tech. The bootcamp taught him to be resilient and a continuous learner, preparing him for the never-ending stream of knowledge in the ever-evolving cybersecurity industry.

Chad's journey is a powerful example of how passion, dedication, education, and a solid support system can prepare you for a new career in tech. His experience in bootcamp not only provided him with critical skills but also gave him the confidence to pursue his goals. Explore the Fullstack Academy Reviews page to read more about our students' experiences.​

Ready to start your cybersecurity career? Explore the Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamp.