Teacher to Cyber Analyst (No Tech Background Required)

What’s Your Background In Teaching and Did You Have Prior Experience in Tech or Cyber?

I taught full-time for over nine years, primarily in primary schools. My teaching experience didn’t include subject leadership, coding, or cybersecurity. However, I did regularly use EdTech platforms in my classroom and ran workshops for staff, which gave me a taste of technology integration and adult training. These experiences turned out to be surprisingly relevant for my cyber career.

What Does Your Day-to-Day Job Entail?

As a cyber analyst, my daily work is a mix of tasks across multiple projects. I focus on risk assessments, compliance checks, audits, and assurance activities. While there’s a lot of documentation and paperwork, my day is far from monotonous. I frequently attend or run meetings, deliver presentations, and participate in training workshops. No two days are exactly alike, which keeps the role engaging.

Skills You need As a Cyber Analyst

Transitioning from teaching to cybersecurity requires developing new skills, but some teaching skills transfer surprisingly well:

• Analytical thinking: Breaking down complex problems for risk assessments or compliance reports.

• Attention to detail: Reviewing policies, reports, and security logs without missing critical issues.

• Communication: Presenting findings clearly to non-technical stakeholders.

• Project management: Organizing multiple tasks and deadlines—something teachers are already skilled at.

• Basic cyber knowledge: Familiarity with networks, security protocols, and IT terminology

  
  

  It took the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate via Coursera which helped me gain employer-recognise. This course took me 5 months to complete, and I mostly did it in my lunch breaks and at the weekend. The great thing about it is that it's self-paced and flexible, depending how much time you dedicate to it per week, it can be done quicker. if you study regularly (e.g., around 10 hours per week).

What's Is Your Office Set-Up?

I can work remotely, which is amazing! Ironically, I actually communicate more with my colleagues than I did as a teacher because I’m not constantly interrupted by the schedule pressures of a classroom. Remote work also allows me to structure my day efficiently while staying connected.

• Best Remote Jobs for Former Teachers

  
  

How Did you Land Your Job?

I actually reached out to someone via LinkedIn! I noticed that they had done the course I mentioned LinkedIn in such a powerful tool for teachers pivoting in their careers! Reaching out led to an interview and a job offer...So I always recommend taking that leap of faith because you never know what might happen!

• How Ex-Teachers Can Use LinkedIn Effectively

Tips for getting interviews?

• Reframe your resume: Highlight transferable skills such as communication, project management, and problem-solving.

• Write custom cover letters: Explain why you’re interested in cybersecurity and how your teaching experience applies.

• Demonstrate practical skills: Create small projects or simulations to showcase your understanding. For example, I designed mock cybersecurity scenarios to show my approach to risk assessment and employee training.

• Perfect Your Resume: A Guide for Teachers Changing Careers

• Cover Letter Dos and Don’ts for Teachers Changing Careers

If You’re Still Teaching, How Can You Upskill?

Even if you’re still in the classroom, there are ways to build cyber-relevant skills:

• Take on tech responsibilities at school: Lead EdTech initiatives, help with data privacy compliance, or run staff workshops.

• Upskill online: Courses like Coursera, Cybrary, or CompTIA prep programs are flexible and recognized by employers.

• Build practical experience: Set up home labs, simulate security incidents, or volunteer for tech-related projects.

These small steps will give you talking points for interviews and show employers that you’re proactive.

• How Teachers Can Find the Time to Apply for Jobs Outside of Teaching

What If I Still Can't Land a Job in Cyber?

1. Ensure that you perfect your resume. 

2. Create a portfolio: Even small projects or lab exercises demonstrate practical ability.

3. Consider adjacent roles: Risk analyst, compliance officer, IT support, or cybersecurity technician can be excellent entry points.

• Download and purchase my Resume Guide

• Perfect Your Resume: A Guide for Teachers Changing Careers