Last week, I had my first interview with a defense contractor, and it was completely run by an AI system. No video call, no person on the other side, just me talking through prompts and logic questions with a machine. Next week, I’ll find out if I’m stepping into the next phase of their selection process and it could be life changing. Not just because of the opportunity itself, but because it represents the convergence of everything I’ve been working toward. Security, automation, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence all colliding in one direction.

Kind of wild when you think about it. I remember being a child in the mid 90’s witnessing the birth of Windows and AOL which changed everyone’s lives. Here we are now with AI which is now doubt going to be another huge technological pivot.

Not only am I breaking into tech but I’m doing it at a very interesting time. Cybersecurity has always been the goal, but over the past few months, it’s become impossible to ignore how much AI is shaping the field. Some seem to be very anti-AI due to the concern of job security. At one end, I understand but I also understand that the technology is here to stay and you have to learn to make it a part of your skillset or you’re going to become severely outpaced by those who master it. One of my mentors recently told me something that was very simple, but it made sense – times and technology have changed drastically and you’re either going to be good enough to make a living in this field or you’re not.

A year ago, I was still deep in the automotive world, troubleshooting vehicles by day and studying IT fundamentals at Lincoln Tech by night. Although I still work in automotive during the day, every second away from it – I’m buried in my studies and hands on projects. I can feel a shift coming. The kind that doesn’t just change your job but changes how you see yourself. I’m excited for what’s next — I really love the work, the learning, and building. Feels like all the late nights are finally starting to connect and I can’t wait to make my mark in this field.