Timeline: My Career Shift from Mechanical Engineer to Cybersecurity

Dave Bellen — Sun, 04 May 2025 21:31:37 +0000

What This Blog Is About

In this second blog, I want to look back on my work journeyfrom my early days as a mechanical engineer to where I am now in cybersecurity. Ill walk you through the timeline of my roles, highlight the key skills and decisions that shaped my path, and share what I would do differently if I were just starting my transition today. My hope is that anyone looking to shift into tech or cybersecurity can take something useful from this.

Left: Just before kicking off a client project as an Identity & Access Management Engineeroutside their building in Sydney.

Right: Unwinding after workon a boat to Manly Beach in my One Piece costume, with the Sydney Opera House quietly in the background.

Game-Changing Moments: Timeline from Mechanical Engineer to Cybersecurity

As you look at the diagram below, youll see a visual representation of the key milestones in my journey from mechanical engineering to cybersecurity. The timeline highlights not only the different roles Ive taken on but also key initiatives and skills that helped shape my career.

My path into cybersecurity wasnt a straight highwayit was shaped by pivots, initiatives (especially initiatives!), and accumulating transferable skills across different fields.

2017 I became a licensed Mechanical Engineer. This trained me in problem-solving, systems thinking, and analytical discipline.
20182020 As an Equipment and Technical Sales Engineer, I learned to connect technical concepts with client needsstrengthening my communication and business acumen.
20202021 While in Property Management, I initiated a COVID-19 contact tracing solution using Microsoft Power Platform. This was my first real experience applying low-code automation to a real-world problem.
2021 I formally shifted into tech as a Power Platform Developer. I built automated workflows, Power BI dashboards, and even deployed solutions using Azure Data Factorybridging into cloud technologies.
2022Present As an Identity and Access Management Engineer, I support enterprise clients using Entra ID and PowerShell. I led a UAR remediation project in Sydney and now help train new hiresclosing the loop on my transition.

The journey wasnt linear, but each chapter gave me tools and experiences that now power my role in cybersecurity.

How It's Going

The journey hasnt stopped at landing a cybersecurity roleIm still in the thick of building strong foundations.

I continue to strengthen my grasp on Linux, Bash, PowerShell, and Networking essentials in this field that, for me, have been recurring stumbling blocks. Progress isnt always fast, but Ive learned to lean into learning by teaching. Guiding new hires motivates me to stay sharp and deepen my understanding.

Even as I work through the fundamentals, Ive seen meaningful progress. I had the opportunity to contribute to a remediation project overseas, and Im now part of a team that supports large-scale identity systems. It reminds me that you dont need to have everything mastered to make an impact.

One of my superiors once joked that Im like Orochimaru from _Naruto anime series_a character known for collecting countless techniques and mastering many abilities. It was meant as a compliment about my range of skills across different fields. In a way, thats the long-term goal in cybersecurity too: to become Orochimaru by building a deep and wide skillset across IT and using that to approach security holistically.

Im still overwhelmed by how much there is to learnbut I remind myself that growth in this field comes from consistent curiosity, not overnight mastery. Im staying hungry and looking ahead. DevSecOps and AI Security are directions Im actively considering as I shape the next chapter of this journey.

If I Could Start Over: Smarter Ways to Transition

If I could start over, Id take a more structured and realistic approachone that includes two types of networking from the beginning:

1. Technical Networking (the IT foundations you cant skip)

Before diving into cybersecurity-specific courses or certifications, Id start with the core systems and tools that security work is built on :

Operating Systems : Learn the basics of Linux and Windows how they work, how to navigate them, and how theyre secured.
Scripting Skills : Get hands-on with Bash and PowerShell two powerful tools for automation, analysis, and system management.
Computer Networking : Understand IP addressing, ports, protocols, DNS, firewalls, and how the internet works.
Cloud Fundamentals : Once the above are solid, move into cloud platforms like Azure and AWS this is where a lot of modern security happens.
Cybersecurity Role Tracks : Only then would I start choosing a pathSOC Analyst, IAM, DevSecOps, etc.and look for focused training.

Starting here would have saved me a lot of rework and confusion later on. These are the building blocks that often become stumbling blocks when skipped too early.

Where to start learning

If you are willing to spend some on learning, I recommend subscribing to tryhackme.com. For me, they have the best materials for beginners. If you are on a budget, you may start looking for cybersecurity roadmap in roadmap.sh. They curate roadmaps for many IT careers and within nodes are free learning sources.

2. Social Networking (the kind that builds your career)

Just as important: build your circle early. Join Discord groups, take part in local or online tech meetups, follow cybersecurity folks on LinkedIn, ask questions, and offer help when you can.

Connecting with people accelerates your learning, keeps you accountable, and exposes you to opportunities you wont find on job boards. In my case, I might not have landed my current role if I hadnt reached out to the hiring manager two years before I even applied. That early connection was a key factor in getting my foot in the door when the opportunity came up.

Parting Thoughts & Next Steps

Looking back on this journey, its clear that success isnt about having everything figured out from the startits about continuously learning, adapting, and seizing opportunities as they come. My transition from mechanical engineering to cybersecurity wasnt a straightforward path, but each twist and turn has shaped who I am today.

For anyone considering a similar shift, my advice is simple: stay curious, be proactive, and dont be afraid to reach out to others. The tech world moves fast, but theres always room for problem solvers. Keep learning, whether through formal courses, hands-on experience, or teaching others. Build your network early and engage with the communityits more important than you might realize.

As I look ahead, Im excited about the potential in DevSecOps and AI security, but theres still so much more to learn.

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From Mechanical Engineer to Cybersecurity Beginner - My Ongoing Career Shift

Dave Bellen — Sun, 27 Apr 2025 18:55:04 +0000

Four years ago, I was working as a mechanical engineer , focused on systems, machines, and processes that you could physically see and touch. It was a solid careerand one Im still proud ofbut something inside me felt restless. I was curious about tech, fascinated by the digital world, and increasingly drawn to the idea of working in cybersecurity.

Today, I work as an IAM (Identity and Access Management) Engineer. I wont pretend I have it all figured out. Most days, I still feel like a beginner and in many ways, I am. But Ive come far enough to look back and say: Im glad I took the leap.

Why I Took the Leap

Like a lot of career shifters, I didnt start with a degree in Computer Science or any formal training in IT. What I had was curiosity and a desire to build something different for myself. I started learning online, asking questions, saying yes to small tasks at work, and leaning into the uncomfortable feeling of not knowing.

When I landed my first opportunity in IT, I kept going. I slowly found my way into Cybersecurity , specifically in IAM , where I help manage who gets access to what in an organization. Its a mix of logic, security, and structureand while Im still growing into the role, I love where it's heading.

What This Blog Is About

Im starting this blog not as an expert, but as a fellow learner. If you're thinking of switching careers, starting fresh, or just curious about techIm writing this for you.

Youll find posts about:

What its like to shift into tech from a different field
Tips for beginners learning cybersecurity and IAM
Study resources, small wins, and lessons from my journey
A bit of lifestyle tooespecially fitness, which keeps me grounded

The Gym and the Journey

Ive always enjoyed going to the gym. In fact, lifting weights played a huge role in shaping my mindset during the career shift. It taught me about consistency, delayed gratification, and showing up even when its hard. I dont hit personal records every daybut I show up. The same goes for my tech journey.

You Dont Have to Be an Expert to Start

This blog is about starting, not arriving. Im not here to teach from a podiumIm here to walk alongside those who are figuring it out, just like I am.

So if youve been hesitating to try something new, to learn a new skill, or to start overconsider this your sign. You dont have to be an expert. You just have to start.

Lets figure it out together.

Thanks for reading. If youre on a similar journey, Id love to connect. Lets share notes, lessons, and support each other along the way.

DEV Community: Dave Bellen

Timeline: My Career Shift from Mechanical Engineer to Cybersecurity

Game-Changing Moments: Timeline from Mechanical Engineer to Cybersecurity

How It's Going

If I Could Start Over: Smarter Ways to Transition

1. Technical Networking (the IT foundations you cant skip)

Where to start learning

2. Social Networking (the kind that builds your career)

Parting Thoughts & Next Steps

From Mechanical Engineer to Cybersecurity Beginner - My Ongoing Career Shift

Why I Took the Leap

What This Blog Is About

The Gym and the Journey

You Dont Have to Be an Expert to Start