From Project Manager to Cybersecurity Consultant: Tabitha Chee’s Career Transformation 

Tabitha Chee worked as a project manager in the partnerships and marketing department, managing projects, stakeholder approvals, and client relationships. However, a growing interest in cybersecurity and a passion for protecting systems from malicious actors led her to pursue a career change. Her journey from project management to becoming a Consultant (Cyber – International and Industry) at the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore showcases the power of focused training, career strategy, and perseverance. 

Shifting into cybersecurity was not without its challenges. With no formal background in the field, Tabitha had to strategically position herself for success. She took an initial one-month training program that introduced her to cybersecurity fundamentals, which solidified her interest in the field. Recognizing that breaking into the industry required structured learning, she enrolled in the Institute of Data’s Cybersecurity Program in partnership with IMDA. 

The Importance of Training and Education 

Transitioning into a new field like cybersecurity can be daunting, especially without a formal background. Tabitha recognized that structured learning was crucial to her success. She began with a one-month training program that introduced her to cybersecurity fundamentals, solidifying her interest in the field. 

However, to truly prepare herself for a career change, Tabitha enrolled in the Institute of Data’s Cybersecurity Program in partnership with IMDA. This comprehensive program provided her with the in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience necessary to thrive in the cybersecurity industry. 

Through the program, Tabitha gained invaluable skills and knowledge, such as setting up virtual machines, using industry tools like Wireshark, Splunk, Metasploit, and Linux commands, and understanding open-source intelligence platforms. These practical, hands-on labs ensured that she was job-ready and equipped with the technical expertise employers sought. 

Moreover, the program’s capstone project allowed Tabitha to create an industry-relevant project that not only showcased her newfound skills but also played a vital role in making her resume stand out to potential employers. 

Leveraging Career Resources and Support 

To ensure a smooth transition into cybersecurity, Tabitha actively sought support and resources that played a crucial role in her job search. Career coaching proved invaluable, as her coach, with HR expertise, helped reshape her resume effectively. Initially, Tabitha had undersold her

experience, thinking her resume had to fit on one page. The career coach’s guidance enabled her to present her profile in a way that resonated with potential employers. 

Another invaluable resource was a job search template provided by the Institute of Data. This template allowed Tabitha to track her applications and research companies systematically, ensuring she remained organized and focused throughout the process. 

Furthermore, the guidance she received for her capstone project was instrumental in creating an industry-relevant project that attracted employer attention. By aligning her project with the cybersecurity domain she aimed to enter, Tabitha demonstrated her practical skills and knowledge, setting her apart from other candidates. 

Breaking into the Cybersecurity Industry 

After completing her training and obtaining the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity certification, Tabitha secured a role as a Consultant (Cyber – International and Industry) at the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. In this pivotal position, she plays a crucial role in supporting the organization’s cybersecurity initiatives and fostering collaboration within the maritime industry. 

Tabitha’s responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks that contribute to enhancing cybersecurity preparedness and resilience. One of her primary duties involves supporting the administration of cyber tabletop exercises, which are simulated scenarios designed to test and improve an organisation’s ability to respond to cyber threats and incidents effectively. 

Additionally, Tabitha is actively involved in planning and organizing local cybersecurity events. These events serve as platforms for knowledge sharing, networking, and fostering a strong cybersecurity community within the maritime sector. By bringing together industry stakeholders, experts, and professionals, these events facilitate the exchange of best practices, emerging trends, and strategies to combat evolving cyber threats. 

Furthermore, Tabitha works closely with maritime industry partners to develop new cyber initiatives. This collaborative approach enables the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore to stay ahead of emerging threats and implement proactive measures to protect critical infrastructure and operations within the maritime domain. By engaging with industry partners, Tabitha contributes to the development of innovative solutions and strategies that enhance the overall cybersecurity posture of the maritime sector. 

Advice for Aspiring Career Changers 

Reflecting on her transformative journey, Tabitha shares invaluable insights for those aspiring to transition into the cybersecurity field: 

“Tailor your capstone project to the industry or role you’re aiming for. An industry-relevant project can be a powerful differentiator, showcasing your skills and knowledge to potential employers. It

demonstrates your ability to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios, which is highly valued in the cybersecurity domain.” 

Moreover, Tabitha emphasizes the importance of realistic expectations and self-awareness. “Be realistic about the roles that align with your past experience and transferable skills. While you may have a specific cybersecurity role in mind, it’s crucial to recognize the transferability of your existing skillset and identify opportunities where your combined expertise can make you a strong candidate.” 

Lastly, Tabitha underscores the invaluable role of career coaching and objective feedback. “Career coaching can offer unbiased perspectives on how potential employers view your profile. A professional coach can provide invaluable guidance on how to effectively present your background, highlight your strengths, and position yourself for success in the cybersecurity job market.” 

Overcoming Challenges in Career Transition 

One of the most significant hurdles Tabitha encountered was pinpointing the appropriate cybersecurity role that aligned with her background and newly acquired skills. cybersecurity is a vast domain encompassing various specializations, and she realized that while she harbored a keen interest in technical roles, employers might not recognize her three-month bootcamp experience as sufficient for certain positions. 

Rather than fixating on a specific role, Tabitha adopted a strategic approach to her job search. She carefully evaluated positions where her existing skill set and cybersecurity training made her a strong candidate. By remaining open-minded and flexible, she increased her chances of securing a role that complemented her strengths and allowed her to leverage her transferable skills effectively. 

The Value of Industry-Aligned Training 

One month into her role as a Consultant (Cyber – International and Industry) at the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, Tabitha found that two aspects of her training at the Institute of Data’s cybersecurity Program were particularly valuable in preparing her for the demands of her new position. 

Firstly, the hands-on labs provided her with practical experience in setting up virtual machines, using industry-standard tools like Wireshark, Splunk, Metasploit, and Linux commands, as well as understanding open-source intelligence platforms. This hands-on training ensured that she was not just learning theoretical concepts but also developing the technical skills and familiarity with the tools necessary for cybersecurity professionals. 

Secondly, her capstone project played a crucial role in making her resume stand out to potential employers. By working on an industry-relevant project, Tabitha was able to demonstrate her

ability to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during her training to real-world scenarios. This practical experience not only strengthened her understanding of cybersecurity concepts but also showcased her problem-solving abilities and commitment to the field. 

The industry-aligned nature of the training, with its emphasis on hands-on labs and practical projects, ensured that Tabitha was well-prepared to hit the ground running in her new role. It provided her with the confidence and competence to contribute effectively to her organization’s cybersecurity initiatives from day one. 

Navigating the Job Search Process 

Embarking on a job search in a new field can be daunting, but Tabitha approached it strategically. She recognized the importance of tailoring her resume to highlight her transferable skills and experience in a way that resonated with potential employers in the cybersecurity industry. 

One of the key resources Tabitha leveraged was a job search template provided by the Institute of Data. This template helped her track her applications, research companies, and stay organised throughout the process. Additionally, she sought career coaching to refine her resume and interview skills. 

“The career coaching was incredibly valuable,” Tabitha shared. “I initially undersold my experience on my resume, thinking it had to fit on one page. My coach, with HR expertise, helped me reshape my profile effectively.” 

Tabitha also understood the importance of aligning her capstone project with the industry or role she was aiming for. By creating an industry-relevant project, she was able to demonstrate her newfound cybersecurity knowledge and skills, making her resume stand out to potential employers. 

During the interview process, Tabitha remained realistic about the roles that aligned with her past experience and transferable skills. She recognized that while she was interested in technical roles, employers might not consider her three-month bootcamp experience sufficient for certain positions. Instead of fixating on a specific role, she strategically applied for positions where her existing skill set and new cybersecurity training made her a strong candidate. 

The Role of Transferable Skills 

One of the key factors that facilitated Tabitha’s transition into cybersecurity consulting was her ability to leverage her transferable skills from her previous role as a project manager. While cybersecurity was a new domain, her experience in managing projects, stakeholder approvals, and client relationships proved invaluable in her new role.

As a Consultant (Cyber – International and Industry) at the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, Tabitha’s responsibilities included supporting cyber tabletop exercises, planning and organizing local cybersecurity events and working with maritime industry partners to develop new cyber initiatives. Her project management skills, such as organization, communication, and stakeholder management, were crucial in executing these tasks effectively. 

Moreover, her experience in client relationship management helped her navigate the complexities of working with industry partners and understanding their unique cybersecurity needs. This ability to bridge the gap between technical expertise and client requirements made her a valuable asset in her new role. 

Tabitha’s journey highlights the importance of recognizing and capitalizing on transferable skills when pursuing a career change. While technical knowledge is essential, soft skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and adaptability can be just as valuable in transitioning to a new field. By identifying and showcasing these transferable skills during her job search process, Tabitha was able to position herself as a strong candidate for cybersecurity consulting roles, despite her lack of direct experience in the field. 

Conclusion 

Tabitha Chee’s inspiring journey from project management to cybersecurity consulting showcases the power of focused training, strategic career planning, and unwavering perseverance. By leveraging the resources and support provided by the Institute of Data, she successfully navigated a major career transition, overcoming challenges and positioning herself for success in the cybersecurity industry. 

The effectiveness of the Institute of Data’s cybersecurity Program, coupled with invaluable career coaching and job search guidance, played a pivotal role in Tabitha’s transformation. Her story serves as a testament to the importance of adaptability and a willingness to embrace new challenges, emphasizing that with the right mindset and resources, career changes are achievable. 

Tabitha’s journey is an inspiration to others seeking to break into the cybersecurity field or embark on a career change. By tailoring her capstone project to industry relevance, leveraging transferable skills, and strategically applying for roles that aligned with her experience, she demonstrated the value of a thoughtful and proactive approach to career transitions. 

As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, Tabitha’s story highlights the significance of continuous learning, industry-aligned education, and the ability to adapt to new roles and responsibilities. Her success underscores the importance of perseverance, resilience, and a willingness to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and personal development.