Hi everyone! I’m new to the tech space and currently looking to break into the industry with no prior tech experience. I joined this group because I’m serious about changing my career path and improving my financial and overall living situation for myself and my kids. I’m especially interested in tech because of the growth opportunities, stability, work-from-home potential, and the ability to create a better work/life balance. Right now, I’m leaning more toward the certification route instead of going the traditional 4+ year college path. I’ve been researching areas like cloud computing and cloud security, but I’m still very early in the process and trying to figure out the most realistic and smartest place to start. I’m open to any advice, suggestions, roadmaps, beginner cert recommendations, success stories, or things you wish you knew when starting out. Thank you in advance — I’m excited to learn and take this seriously!

I'm Omani Reed — Cloud Security Engineer with 5+ years of hands-on industry experience, a recent Master's graduate in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance from Western Governors University. I hold an active Secret clearance and certifications including AZ-900, AZ-104, SC-900, AI-900, CySA+, and PenTest+, with the RHCSA currently in progress. But honestly? This community exists because of the people who reached out to me. Over the years I've had more conversations than I can count with people who want to break into tech — people who are talented, driven, and just need someone with real field experience to point them in the right direction. Someone who's not selling a dream, but giving actual guidance based on what it really takes to get hired, get certified, and get to the next level. I built this community to be that resource — at scale. What you'll find inside: 🔐 Cert prep resources — Azure, CompTIA, Linux, and beyond ☁️ Real cloud security career guidance from 5+ years in the field 📋 Study roadmaps, checklists, and tools that actually work 🎓 Graduate school insight — I just finished my Master's at WGU 🤝 A community of people who are serious about their tech careers