Finding Purpose in a World Full of Noise
For Ankit Kumar, the journey to cybersecurity wasn’t a straight path, it was a winding road filled with detours, doubts, and discovery. Coming from Renukoot and graduating with a degree in Electronics and Communication, he tried on several hats — engineering, an MBA and even Machine Learning in a quest to find where he truly belonged. But it was only when the world around him started buzzing with headlines about data breaches and hacking attempts that something clicked.
“At that moment, I knew where I belonged,” he recalls.
Cybersecurity wasn’t just a trending topic, it was a call to action. For Ankit, it wasn’t about chasing a job title; it was about becoming a Cyber Defender in a world that desperately needed one.
Studying Between Deadlines and Dreams
When Ankit enrolled in the Post Graduate Program in Cybersecurity, he was already working full-time as a consultant. Taking on a completely new technical domain while managing a demanding job was no less than walking a tightrope. Or as he puts it, “It felt like juggling flaming torches.”
The only way forward was discipline and unwavering dedication. His mornings were spent studying, lunch breaks became mini lecture marathons on his phone, and the nights often stretched into the early hours. But what made it possible was the flexibility of the online learning model.
“The flexibility of online learning through Great Learning made it manageable,” he shares. “There were moments when I felt overwhelmed by technical jargon, but the program support system was exceptional.”
With a blend of self-motivation and a solid support system of patient instructors and active online forums, Ankit slowly started finding his feet in the complex, fast-paced world of Cybersecurity.
Finding Confidence Through Cybersecurity
What Ankit gained from the program went far beyond textbooks and technical tools. It was a deep and structured understanding of the cybersecurity landscape. He learned how to detect threats, analyze vulnerabilities, and build effective, real-world solutions.
“I gained a profound understanding of the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape,” he says proudly.
But the biggest transformation was within his confidence. In consulting, adaptability is key. The program helped Ankit not only adapt to a new field but also stand tall in it. He walked away with not just skills, but the self-belief that he could thrive in a domain that once seemed distant.
You Don’t Need a Perfect Start to Reach Your Goal
Ankit’s story is one of grit, growth, and grit again. It’s a reminder that success doesn’t always come to those with the perfect background, but to those who keep showing up for themselves, even when it’s hard.
“You may not have all the advantages, but with hard work and the right program, you can create your own success story,” he says.
That’s the essence of his journey. A learner who didn’t have a linear career path, didn’t start with all the answers, but found them along the way with guidance, resilience, and a willingness to learn.
Final Thoughts: A Message to Future Cyber Defenders
To those considering the leap into cybersecurity, Ankit’s advice is simple yet powerful: “It may not be easy, but it will be worth it. Put in the hours, make the most of the wealth of online resources, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Most importantly, believe in yourself.”
Ankit’s story proves that the right program, backed by determination and courage, can not only change your career but also reshape how you see yourself.
Because sometimes, breaking barriers starts with breaking your own doubts.
