Hello, I'm Mohammed Azam, and I want to share my incredible journey of transformation from an HR professional to a thriving cyber security expert. I hope my story can inspire others, especially new immigrants like myself, to embrace change and pursue their dreams.

For 15 years, I worked diligently in the HR industry in Pakistan, building a successful career. But in 2016, I took a leap of faith and moved to Canada, where I continued my HR journey for another four years. Little did I know that a drastic change was waiting for me just around the corner.

The world of computers and technology was never a walk in the park for me. The idea of transitioning after two decades in HR was daunting. Fear of making such a significant career switch held me back. However, my research revealed that Canada had a burgeoning demand for cyber security professionals, offering job security and growth opportunities.

One of my concerns was networking. I believed that getting into the cyber security field required an extensive network of connections. But then, fate intervened, and I stumbled upon Computek College through a Facebook ad. This discovery turned my life around.

I enrolled in Computek College's Computer Network and Cyber Security Engineer program in 2020, and from day one, I was captivated. The classes were not only informative but also highly practical. The program included a separate session where instructors encouraged us to pursue certifications, which I quickly realized were essential in the cybersecurity world.

My instructor, Nazmul Islam, was a true professional, deeply committed to his students' success. With his unwavering encouragement, I embarked on a journey to earn 11 certifications, including AWS Solutions Architect, Azure Administrator, Oracle Administration, and Linux certifications. These certifications not only expanded my knowledge but also set me apart from other job seekers in the field.

I completed a 6-week placement at Kubra as a Cyber Security Analyst, and the experience was invaluable. Just 6-8 weeks after completing my course, I was fortunate enough to secure a full-time job in cyber security. What's more, I experienced a salary increase of 100% compared to my previous HR role. The satisfaction of learning something entirely new while making a good income was beyond words.

To all those who are starting afresh, especially new immigrants, remember that the beginning is always the hardest part. If you have a clear goal in mind and give it your all, you can achieve it, no doubt. My journey from HR to cyber security is living proof that change can lead to incredible opportunities. So, don't let fear hold you back, embrace change, and chase your dreams. Your transformation could be just around the corner!