Diogo Andrade's journey
Why did you start the traineeship?
I started the Traineeship because I wanted to transition into cybersecurity and build a future-proof career in a field I’m passionate about. Although I had an academic background in IT, I lacked the hands-on knowledge and certifications that employers look for. The IT Career Switch programme offered a structured path to make that jump.
What did you enjoy most?
The flexibility of the learning, the focus on practical skills, and the clear progression path were key highlights for me. I particularly enjoyed the labs – they gave me hands-on experience and helped me build real-world confidence in tools like Metasploit, Wireshark, and Nmap.
What's your current role like?
I’m currently working as a 1st/2nd Line IT Technician, where I handle a wide range of tasks from troubleshooting hardware/software issues to working with WatchGuard firewalls and assisting with backup systems and ticket escalations. I’m also actively building my cybersecurity skills on the job.