“WiCyS has played a crucial role in shaping my career journey. After completing the WiCyS Veterans’ Apprenticeship Program, I launched my career at Bloomberg, marking the beginning of a rewarding path in cybersecurity. Three years later, this career has provided for my family beyond my wildest dreams and has empowered me to achieve more than I ever thought possible. If you look up ‘tenacity’ in the dictionary, you’ll find me right there!”
—Jenny Graham, Vulnerability Analyst, Bloomberg
Jenny Graham’s venture into cybersecurity epitomizes resilience and determination. As an Army veteran and former Military Police Officer, Jenny has navigated life’s challenges with unwavering tenacity. Her journey demonstrates the power of seizing opportunities and the profound impact of community support.
Starting her career in the Army as a Military Police Officer, Jenny’s transition to cybersecurity was far from straightforward. Armed with pre-med and forensic psychology degrees, she initially considered careers in forensic histology or criminal forensics. With the onset of COVID-19, Jenny faced difficulties securing employment despite her qualifications. After exploring various avenues and networking tirelessly on LinkedIn, Jenny’s introduction to the Veterans to Work organization highlighted her potential in cybersecurity. Encouraged by the results of an aptitude test, Jenny boldly chose to pursue this unexpected career path.
Her path took a decisive turn when she discovered WiCyS online. She thoroughly researched the organization before applying for the 2022 WiCyS Veterans’ Apprenticeship Program. This program prioritized qualifying female veterans, addressing the disproportionate challenges faced by the demographic compared to their male counterparts, including higher rates of unemployment, single parenthood and homelessness. Accepted among 400 applicants, Jenny
felt destined for the opportunity to carve her niche in cybersecurity. The program’s rigor tested her, yet her military background equipped her with the resilience to persist. Bonding with fellow participants over shared challenges, Jenny found a supportive network that was instrumental in her career trajectory.
Jenny’s first WiCyS conference left a profound impact. She was struck by the strong sense of community dedicated to empowering women in cybersecurity, where even male allies played a supportive role. To Jenny, WiCyS represents more than just acquiring skills and advancing a career; it embodies the profound connections and meaningful influences that shape lives.
Jenny credits WiCyS for playing a vital role in her success, accelerating her career in ways she hadn’t imagined. After completing the apprenticeship program, Jenny was one of two veterans chosen to interview with Bloomberg. She secured a position as a vulnerability analyst and faced the steep learning curve of starting at a high level in a new field. Despite the challenges, Jenny flourished and, three years later, continues to excel at Bloomberg.
Jenny remains committed to supporting other women in their careers, inspired by WiCyS’s ongoing evolution in nurturing successive generations of women in cybersecurity. She believes in the power of women to make a difference in the field and encourages others to pursue their dreams, emphasizing that diversity and inclusion are essential for innovation.
By investing in and supporting women entering the cybersecurity field, WiCyS aims to guide them toward rewarding careers, offering the financial independence they deserve for their hard work and dedication. Thanks to her resilience throughout the Veterans’ Apprenticeship Program, Jenny now enjoys this success. With a lucrative career in cybersecurity, she can now comfortably support her children and enjoy financial freedom. Through the support of WiCyS, Jenny found a successful career and a diverse community of women and allies that empowered her to achieve her dreams.