Why Is This Cybersecurity Expert Purposely Misconfiguring Servers in Class?

This Instructor's Teaching Philosophy is Rooted in Empathy, Grace and Real-World Application

"If you truly are driven, if this is truly what you want to do, and if you are willing to put in the hard work to make it happen, you'll get there"

When you think of a cybersecurity expert, you might imagine someone who's been coding since childhood. But David Hoenisch, a Lead Cloud Security Engineer at Manufacturing Consulting Concepts and Nucamp instructor, took a different path. From working in construction to building digital fortresses, David's journey is as unique as his teaching philosophy.

"I worked in the building trades for almost a decade before making the full-time transition into IT," David shares. This background gives him a unique perspective on both the physical and digital worlds.

Now living in Moscow, Idaho, David brings his real-world experience to Nucamp's Cybersecurity Bootcamp. But why did he decide to become an instructor?

"Ever since I graduated from the (University of Utah) cyber security bootcamp that I went to, I have always been interested in getting back into that field because I see the value of it," David explains. "I don't think it's necessarily a silver bullet, but there's an incredible amount of value that's delivered to people as opposed to going the traditional university route."

David's teaching philosophy is rooted in his own learning experiences. "I try to teach the way that I wish I was taught," he says. This approach involves hands-on, real-world applications of concepts.

One standout example is how David teaches Linux hardening:

"I spun up for the class in the cloud, a Linux server that was purposefully misconfigured. And we just set it out there and we watched it get pounded by all of these bots and malicious actors trying to break in."

This practical approach gives students a front-row seat to the realities of cybersecurity. "I try as much as possible to actually give them real-world hands-on keyboard experience," David emphasizes. To the amazement of the students, the server ended up getting breached withing several hours. This hands-on approach gives students a tangible undersanding of why certain security measures are crucial. 

But it's not just about technical skills. David believes in understanding each student's background and tailoring his teaching accordingly. "Everybody comes from different backgrounds," he notes. "I've had students who were forklift drivers, digital marketers, some people who came from software development or project management."

This diversity in backgrounds is something David sees as an advantage. He shares an insight that potential bootcamp students should find encouraging:

"I would way rather hire somebody who has demonstrated a track record of working hard through in-depth personal projects, figuring stuff out on their own than someone fresh out of college."

For those considering a bootcamp, David offers this advice: "You're going to have to work hard." He acknowledges that the IT job market isn't as hot as it once was, but emphasizes that hard work still pays off.

"If you truly are driven, this is truly what you want to do, and if you are willing to put in the hard work to make it happen, you'll get there," David assures. "But there is no magic bullet. It's just going to take hard work and you have to be OK with that."

David's own career journey is a testament to this philosophy. After completing his bootcamp, it took several months before he landed his first job in the field. Now, he's not only a lead cloud security engineer but also in a position to hire others.

"One of the things that I am convinced of is I would way rather hire somebody who has demonstrated track record of working hard through in-depth personal projects, figuring stuff out on their own than someone fresh out of college," he reiterates.

This perspective should be encouraging for bootcamp graduates. It suggests that the intensive, hands-on nature of bootcamps, combined with personal projects and a strong work ethic, can make candidates stand out in the job market.

David's journey from construction to cybersecurity, his practical teaching methods, and his insights into what employers value make him a unique and valuable instructor at Nucamp. His story shows that with determination and the right training, you can successfully transition into a cybersecurity career, regardless of your background.

If you're considering a career change or looking to enhance your skills in cybersecurity, Nucamp's bootcamp, led by instructors like David Hoenisch, could be your stepping stone. As David puts it,

"Keep studying, work hard on the bootcamp and then study on your own as well. Work hard at doing side projects, learning on your own."

With guidance from experienced professionals like David, and a commitment to hard work, you could be on your way to a rewarding career in cybersecurity. Are you ready to take the first step?