Rae McElroy didn’t start her career in cybersecurity with a technical background. In fact, when she first entered the field, she had very little technical knowledge at all.

Through determination, mentorship, and a willingness to learn, Rae worked her way through GRC roles, completed a software engineering bootcamp to strengthen her technical foundation, and eventually launched her own company.

But the journey wasn’t just about skills. Like many professionals in cybersecurity, Rae also faced intense imposter syndrome along the way.

In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to break into cybersecurity, build confidence in your abilities, and create opportunities even when you feel like you’re starting from behind.

In this conversation we discuss: • Starting a cybersecurity career without a technical background • Moving from GRC into more technical work • Why Rae decided to complete a software engineering bootcamp • Battling imposter syndrome in cybersecurity • Building the confidence to launch your own company

Authentically Cyber explores the human side of cybersecurity careers through honest conversations with the people shaping the industry.