From IT Support to Security Operations: Building Skills, Confidence, and Community

When Lukasz Bragiszewski decided to move from IT support into cybersecurity, he knew developing technical skills was only part of the challenge. Building professional connections and finding the confidence to engage with others in the industry would be equally important. Through SANS Upskill in Cyber, Academy Connect, and Work Study, he gained the technical foundation, professional community, and continued learning opportunities that helped him advance his career.

Taking the First Step Into Cybersecurity

In 2023, Lukasz was working in IT support when he applied to SANS Upskill in Cyber, a UK programme designed to help people develop the skills needed to pursue a cybersecurity career.

After being selected, he began an intensive 14-week programme combining technical training, certification exams, soft skills development, and opportunities to engage with employers. The programme also required substantial independent study alongside formal instruction.

His training included SEC275: Foundations: Computers, Technology, and Security, which covered computing, networking, and core security concepts, followed by SEC401: Security Essentials: Network, Endpoint, and Cloud, which focused on practical defensive skills.

Lukasz earned the associated GIAC Foundational Cybersecurity Technologies (GFACT) and GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) certifications, building on his IT experience and developing a stronger technical foundation for a career in cybersecurity.

“At the time, I was working in IT Support and wanted to transition into the cybersecurity field. I was fortunate to be selected for the programme, where I earned my GFACT and GSEC certifications.”

Finding His Place in the Cybersecurity Community

By the time Lukasz joined SANS Academy Connect, he was working as an Incident Response contractor. Although eager to learn from experienced practitioners, he initially found networking and attending in-person cybersecurity events intimidating.

Academy Connect provided a welcoming environment where he could engage with peers, SANS staff, and instructors through webinars and events. As he became more involved, his confidence grew, and he began to see his previous IT experience as an advantage rather than a limitation.

“It made me realize that my background is a strength, and it inspired me to actively engage with peers rather than hold back.”

The connections and encouragement he found through Academy Connect also motivated him to pursue additional opportunities to learn and develop his skills.

Turning Community Connections Into New Opportunities

Inspired by his experience with Academy Connect, Lukasz applied to the SANS Work Study programme, which allows participants to attend SANS training while helping staff and instructors deliver courses and events.

He was accepted and facilitated his first event in January 2026.

“Inspired by the community, I applied for the SANS Work Study program and was accepted to facilitate my first event in January 2026.”

As a Work Study facilitator, Lukasz helped prepare classrooms and course materials, supported participants, and assisted with event operations while participating in the training himself.

His first assignment was SEC504: Hacker Tools, Techniques, and Incident Handling. The experience deepened his understanding of incident response methods and attacker techniques relevant to threat hunting and triage. It also provided opportunities to learn directly from experienced instructors and build relationships with fellow cybersecurity professionals.

Encouraged by the experience, Lukasz went on to facilitate two additional courses: LDR553: Cyber Incident Management in London and SEC549: Cloud Security Architecture in Amsterdam.

These opportunities allowed him to expand his knowledge of incident leadership and cloud security architecture while continuing to strengthen his professional network.

“The biggest benefit of Academy Connect is this continuous drive to learn and grow alongside people who share the same passion.”

Putting His Skills and Confidence to Work

Today, Lukasz works in Security Operations, where he detects, triages, and helps mitigate threats in an enterprise environment.

He credits his own dedication, the technical depth of SANS training, and the confidence he gained through Academy Connect and Work Study with helping him progress professionally.

“The technical depth I gained through SANS courses, combined with the confidence built through Academy Connect and Work Study facilitation, gave me the exact skills and mindset I needed.”

Lukasz hopes to facilitate additional Work Study events as he continues developing his cybersecurity career.

His experience demonstrates that professional growth extends beyond technical training. For Lukasz, finding a supportive community, building relationships with experienced practitioners, and embracing new learning opportunities have been important parts of his journey from IT support to Security Operations.