From 10-Year Engineer to Aerospace Cybersecurity Role with Doug Hyde

In this episode of The Cyber Revolution Podcast, host Adam Hewitt chats with alumni student Doug Hyde, who successfully transitioned from a decade-long engineering career into a cybersecurity role in the aerospace industry. Doug shares how being impacted by the Optus data breach sparked his passion for cyber, how he managed his studies while traveling for work, and how leveraging his existing engineering experience gave him an edge during job interviews.

Whether you are feeling flat in your current career or doubting whether your non-tech background has value, Doug offers practical advice on daily study habits, researching the field, and highlighting transferable skills. Tune in to hear how you can build a rewarding new career in cybersecurity without starting from zero.

Key Takeaways:

1. Your existing career is an asset, not a handicap: Employers value your past professional experience, communication, and problem-solving skills just as much as entry-level technical knowledge. Focus on what you bring to the table rather than what you lack.

2. Cybersecurity exists in every industry: You don't have to work at a traditional IT firm. Industries like aerospace, defense, healthcare, and manufacturing urgently need cybersecurity talent.

3. Personal triggers can ignite a new path: Being impacted by major events (like the Optus or Medibank data breaches) can turn curiosity about cyber into a rewarding long-term career.

4. Consistency overrides busy schedules: Building a regular, incremental study habit—even while working full-time or traveling—is key to working through certifications and landing your first role.

5. Practical labs and career support accelerate the shift: Combining hands-on practice with structured career coaching builds the confidence needed to succeed in interviews.

Chapters:

[0:35] Welcome to Cyber Revolution

[1:35] Leaving Engineering After 10 Years

[4:34] How Optus Sparked Cyber Interest

[6:34] Changes in Australian Cyber Policy

[8:34] Landing an Aerospace Cyber Role

[11:34] Leveraging Your Transferable Skills

[17:11] Cyber Revolution Mentor Support

[21:11] Top Tips for Career Changers

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