Case Study: From Personal Shopper to Cyber Defender

Sedrick Howard’s Journey to Cybersecurity Success

Sedrick Howard’s path to becoming a cybersecurity professional is as unique as it is inspiring.

His journey from a Walmart personal shopper to a cybersecurity professional was driven by his personal resilience and natural curiosity. Growing up in Arkansas, Sedrick was always a tinkerer—taking apart gadgets to understand how they worked. His grandmother, the victim of a scam, became the catalyst for his deep dive into cybersecurity. This sparked a passion that would reshape his future. Sedrick’s love for learning and helping others, led him to discover Forge Institute’s Cyber Bootcamp, a turning point in his career.

The transition wasn’t without challenges. Balancing a demanding job with the rigors of the program, Sedrick relied on the unwavering support of his mentors and managers, particularly Armando Lopez, an Academy Coach at Walmart. Lopez’s leadership, rooted in nurturing talent and providing opportunities, created an environment that allowed Sedrick to thrive.

“I had the space to learn and grow because my manager believed in investing in people,” Sedrick shares.

Cyber bootcamp, with its immersive curriculum and mentorship from seasoned professionals, provided Sedrick with the technical and strategic skills needed to excel. He enjoyed the real-world applications of concepts like network segmentation and Active Directory, which gave him confidence in his career pivot.

Today, Sedrick stands as a testament to the transformative power of opportunity and determination. After completing the bootcamp, he secured an internship at Walmart Global Tech that will transition into a full-time role as a penetration tester.

His advice to those considering the same path?

“Take every opportunity to learn and commit to the grind—it’s worth it.”

Sedrick’s story is not just about professional success; it’s about the spirit of mentorship, the impact of supportive leadership, and the power of community to transform lives. With a bright future ahead, Sedrick is ready to break barriers and inspire others to forge their own paths in cybersecurity.