Case Study: Mid-Career Transformation from Healthcare to Cybersecurity – A Cyber Defense Center Internship Success Story
A former radiology and pharmacy professional from Louisiana successfully transitioned into cybersecurity through the Cyber Defense Center’s internship at Blackswan Cybersecurity. This journey led to a fulfilling role as an IT Consultant at Cornerstone Resources.
Background: From Medicine to Mission-Driven Cybersecurity
Tangela, the subject of this case study, grew up in Louisiana and originally built a career in the medical field, working in radiology and pharmacy. Though accomplished in healthcare, Tangela felt a persistent drive to do more—something dynamic, intellectually stimulating, and with greater long-term potential. Cybersecurity, with its constant evolution and real-world impact, quickly became the perfect fit.
Taking the Leap: Relocation and a Mid-Career Pivot
In 2022, recognizing that opportunities in cybersecurity were more plentiful elsewhere, Tangela and her spouse relocated to Dallas, Texas. There, she joined Baxter Clewis Cybersecurity as a Compliance Analyst, where she gained foundational knowledge in governance and regulatory standards under the mentorship of Boyd and Tina.
To further expand her capabilities, Tangela completed an intensive cloud DevOps and engineering bootcamp. These experiences sharpened both technical skills and confidence—laying the groundwork for what came next.
“The application process itself stood out—it wasn’t just about getting accepted. It was about discovering where I fit and where I could grow.”
The Turning Point: Connecting with the Cyber Defense Center and Blackswan Cybersecurity
Through networking and a genuine curiosity about others’ journeys, Tangela landed a pivotal Zoom call with Dr. Mike Saylor, CEO of Blackswan Cybersecurity, to learn more about different paths into and through cybersecurity. Encouraged by their insights, she applied for the Cyber Defense Center (CDC) internship program, and connected with Kyla, CDC’s Intern Program Director, to begin her hands-on learning experience.
Internship Experience: Real-World Learning, Real Impact
Over the next five months, Tangela immersed herself in the CDC internship, based in Dallas. Her contributions included:
- Published Thought Leadership: Authored several blogs featured by Blackswan, showcasing practical cybersecurity insights.
- Collaborative Projects: Participated in the MOCK SOC program, helping simulate real-world security operations.
- Hardening Guide Contribution: Co-developed a technical guide used internally by Blackswan for system security best practices.
- Technical Tasks: Performed vulnerability assessments and networking tasks as part of a team.
- Certification Milestone: Earned the CompTIA CySA+, a direct result of hands-on experience during the internship.
“Tangela was one of those interns who didn’t just complete tasks—they made them better. She brought curiosity, humility, and execution.” – Kyla, Intern Program Director, CDC
Key Benefits of the CDC Internship
- Hands-On Learning: Real-world cybersecurity tasks provided depth and confidence.
- Mentorship and Leadership: Regular support from industry veterans helped accelerate learning.
- Community and Networking: Built relationships that extended beyond the internship.
- Research and Writing: Developed and published thought leadership that enhanced credibility.
- Career Readiness: Transitioned smoothly into a full-time IT role with a values-aligned employer.
Breaking Through: A New Role at Cornerstone Resources
With newly honed cyber experience and confidence, Tangela began exploring job opportunities, aiming for a role that blended compliance and development. After weeks of searching, a promising email arrived at Cyber Defense Center: Cornerstone Resources was hiring an IT Consultant, checking if there were any potential candidates at CDC. The organization’s culture, mission alignment, and focus on professional growth made it a great fit for a high performer.
Since day one of her internship, Tangela has been motivated to maximize her participation in any new projects that come up. This initiative and reputation as a go-getter served her well: Tangela applied for the role and, thanks to the skills and experience gained through the internship, made a positive, impactful impression during interviews. She was offered the position and accepted enthusiastically.
Conclusion: A New Beginning, Thanks to Cyber Defense Center & Blackswan Cybersecurity
Tangela’s journey—from healthcare to cybersecurity, from Louisiana to Dallas, from intern to consultant—is a testament to the power of curiosity, mentorship, and practical experience. With the support of the Cyber Defense Center and Blackswan Cybersecurity, Tangela has not just transitioned careers—she’s found a calling.
“The CDC internship gave me more than experience. It gave me direction. It reminded me that it’s never too late to start over.”
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