The Mission43 Cybersecurity Academy
With an unprecedented shortage in skilled cybersecurity professionals, this industry remains one of the fastest growing with highest earning potential. Transitioning service members, veterans, and their spouses are well positioned to fill the critical need for skilled cybersecurity professionals in Idaho. Mission43 has worked with local organizations, like cybersecurity service provider PlexTrac to identify the most in-demand jobs in Idaho, including: InfoSec Analyst, Junior Penetration Tester, Security Engineer, Information Assurance Manager, and Vulnerability Management Specialist.
Through a partnership with SANS Institute, one of the most prestigious cybersecurity training and certification providers in the industry, we are supporting eligible members through a series of certifications, preparing them to meet the needs of the Idaho cybersecurity job market with an estimated average entry-level salary of over $60k annually.
Over a period of 8 months, selected Mission43 members will have the opportunity to complete 3 GIAC certifications that provide the highest and most rigorous assurance of cybersecurity knowledge. Successful Academy participants receive a full scholarship, academic and technical mentorship, and career services valued at over $20k.
This is a multi-stage program designed to provide a reliable pathway for high-potential veterans and military spouses to enter the cybersecurity workforce.
Eligibility Requirements
It’s our goal to introduce new cybersecurity talent into the civilian and Federal workforce. The ideal candidate for this program is:
Mission43 Member - a registered Mission43 member (military member, veteran, or spouse in Idaho). If you are not yet a member, join now!
Career Change - actively seeking to transition from the military and/or committed to make a career change within the next year and residing in Idaho prior to course start-date.
Passion - a desire to work in cybersecurity with the ability to prove aptitude.
Motivated - self-starter with the drive and motivation to complete coursework in an unsupervised environment within the given time window.
No Degree Requirement - a college degree is not required to be eligible to participate in this program. It is designed for working adults that need the flexibility of attending part-time and online coursework, with the same support you would receive in an in-person learning environment.
No Previous Information Security/Cybersecurity Civilian Work Experience - Mission43 aligns Academy goals with SANS’ mission to introduce new talent to the information security/cybersecurity workforce. Eligible participants must not have prior work experience in the information security field outside of previous military experience. However, information technology experience and job roles are acceptable.
Details
Mission43 will scholarship selected participants to complete 3, 12-week course blocks.
Every participant will progress through the same first two certifications, establishing foundational knowledge and practices. From there, successful course participants will work with their advisor to identify their specialty, choosing an elective that coincides with their desired industry path and open job roles in Idaho. Throughout the 3 course blocks, you will participate in regular advising check-ins and technical mentorship sessions from SANS. You will also have access to a curated local mentorship network to set you up for follow-on career success.
Here is a description of each course block:
First Block - Foundations of IT and Cybersecurity (GFACT Certification): SEC275 Foundations - Computers, Technology, & Security provides exactly what you need to go from zero technical and security knowledge to a level of sufficient theoretical understanding and applied practical skills that will enable you to speak the same language as industry professionals.
Second Block - Core Cyber Defense Skills (GSEC Certification): SEC401 Security Essentials: Network, Endpoint, and Cloud will provide the essential information security skills and techniques you need to protect and secure your critical information and technology assets, whether on-premise or in the cloud. SEC401 will also show you how to directly apply the concepts learned into a winning defensive strategy, all in the terms of the modern adversary. This is how we fight; this is how we win!
Third Block - Professional Elective (choose 1 certification path)
GSOC Certification: SEC450 Blue Team Fundamentals - Security Operations and Analysis
GCLD Certification: SEC488 Cloud Security Essentials
GCFE Certification: FOR500 Windows Forensic Analysis
GCIH Certification: SEC504 Hacker Tools, Techniques, and Incident Handling*
*GCIH is available only to top-performing cohort members, who must receive additional approval to pursue this path.
The Application Process
During open application windows, eligible Mission43 members can apply below. During the review process, selected applicants can expect, at minimum, the following steps:
Fill out the web application,
Applications initially reviewed by application review committee; if selected to move forward…
Connect with a Mission43 Education Specialist for a mandatory qualitative interview in given time window; if selected to move forward…
Complete mandatory aptitude exam issued by SANS (2 hours). This exam must be taken within 5 days of issuance and Mission43 team members cannot provide preparation in advance, as it is designed to test both current and potential skill, aptitude, and problem solving.
Aptitude exams evaluated by SANS and reviewed Mission43.
Final review: Selections are made and applicants are notified of status.
This is a highly competitive process. We encourage you to be thoughtful and thorough when answering questions. Applicants must be invited to participate in each step by a Mission43 Education representative and will be notified via contact information provided in application.
While the application is available year-round, the Academy starts in November of each year. Applications are reviewed beginning in July of each year. All candidates will receive notification of acceptance or denial in October of the corresponding application cycle.
Apply to be in the November 2024 Cohort
Applications must be received by SEPTEMBER 1st 2024