A 2022 graduate of ActivateWork’s Security Fundamentals course with CompTIA A+ certification, Khalid Ibrahim has successfully launched his career in cybersecurity.

Originally from Eritrea, Khalid has always been passionate about technology, enjoying computers since he was a child. Before attending ActivateWork, he was pursuing an associate degree in cybersecurity from a community college, but he realized IT companies were looking for candidates with hands-on training. Although his college was covering the basics, there was very little hands-on learning to prepare him for a real work environment, and he felt the program was taking too long.

With this in mind, Khalid decided to expedite the process by enrolling in a bootcamp. He attended a career coaching event hosted at his school and was introduced to the cybersecurity courses offered by ActivateWork, powered by Per Scholas. He immediately applied for the Security Fundamentals program. Khalid says, “It was the right moment, everything clicked right away, and now, here I am!”

Khalid appreciates the way he learned new things every day in the ActivateWork program, especially  how he could dive deep into specific cybersecurity topics he was interested in. “The instructors were so great and so helpful guiding us,” he said.

“And I had a great team of classmates who shared ideas and projects and helped each other out — it was definitely a team success!”

Khalid was also impressed by how much information was covered during the bootcamp. 

“The class was very eye-opening,” he said. “You try everything out. You get to experience and touch a little of everything. And you know how to work hard, so you are ready for a job when you graduate!”

Upon graduation, Khalid interviewed for several positions and within a few weeks, accepted his current role of Systems Technician, earning more than $50,000 annually. He’s not stopping there, though! His goals are to continue taking classes, earn more certifications, and eventually work in a cybersecurity operations center.

“I’m so grateful to be part of this program,” Khalid said. “ActivateWork was a short-cut to my new career – taking a 3-month bootcamp rather than waiting four years to get a degree has changed my life.”