From theory to practice—how tomorrow’s defenders are forged today.

On this episode, we have Ted Mathew Dela Cruz, Asi Guiang, and Kayne Rodrigo joining us to discuss the journey of cybersecurity, from the classroom to real-world defense.

From the lecture hall to the SOC (Security Operations Center), how do students become front-line defenders of the digital world? This episode looks at the journey from learning the fundamentals of cybersecurity in school to applying them in real-world threats. Guests share their experiences, challenges, and tips for anyone aspiring to enter cybersecurity.

What was your first real-world experience where classroom theory was tested? (Generalization)

My first real-world experience was performing a vulnerability assessment on a company's network. In class, we learned about different types of attacks and how to identify weaknesses in a controlled lab environment. In the real world, the challenge was dealing with a live, complex network with a multitude of devices and legacy systems. It was a significant learning curve to apply textbook knowledge to a dynamic and messy environment, requiring a lot of on-the-spot critical thinking and adaptability.

Which skills from school translated best into your job? (Generalization)

The skills that translated best were not just technical, but also the fundamental problem-solving methodologies taught in school. While specific tools and techniques change rapidly, the core ability to break down a complex problem into smaller parts, analyze data logically, and document findings systematically is timeless. The foundational knowledge of networking protocols, operating systems, and basic programming principles also proved invaluable as a starting point for specialized real-world applications.

What surprised you most when you first worked in cybersecurity professionally? (Generalization)

What surprised me most was how much of the job is not just technical. I quickly learned that communication and collaboration are just as important as technical skills. In school, the focus was on finding the vulnerability. In the real world, a huge part of the job is effectively communicating risks to non-technical stakeholders, working with developers to fix issues, and building trust. The human element of cybersecurity—from social engineering to internal cooperation—was far more prominent than I ever anticipated.

How should students prepare now if they want a strong start in this field? (Generalization)

Students should prepare now by getting hands-on experience beyond classroom labs. This means participating in CTF (Capture The Flag) competitions, contributing to open-source projects, and setting up their own personal lab to practice. Gaining an industry certification, even an entry-level one, can be a major advantage. Most importantly, they should actively follow industry news, attend local security meetups, and network with professionals to understand the real-world landscape and identify a specialization that genuinely interests them.