Travis Stein

I'm a Senior Security Engineer with over a decade of experience spanning IT helpdesk, systems administration, pre-sales and post-sales security engineering, and now internal security program ownership at a fintech company in Houston, TX.

My path into cybersecurity wasn't a straight line. I spent nearly nine years in IT support and systems admin roles before making the deliberate jump into security in late 2021. That background, combined with hands on work across identity and access management, endpoint security, cloud security, DLP, SIEM, and compliance frameworks like SOC 2 and ISO 27001, gives me a pretty well rounded view of what it actually takes to build a career in this field.

I know what it's like to feel stuck in helpdesk wondering if you'll ever make it into security. I know what imposter syndrome feels like even years into the field. And I know what actually moves the needle when it comes to breaking in, because I lived it.

Here's what I can help you with. Breaking into cybersecurity from an IT background. Resume building and ATS optimization. Navigating the cert landscape without going overboard. Understanding the difference between security roles like analyst, engineer, sales engineer, and consultant. Building your personal brand on LinkedIn. And honestly just figuring out your next move when the path feels unclear.

Whether you're a student just getting started, a seasoned IT pro ready to make the jump, or transitioning into cyber from a completely different field, I can give you real honest advice based on what actually worked for me and what I see working for others.

My door is always open. Let's talk.