Navigating Life and Tech: How Chris Rediscovered His Passion for IT & Cyber Security

Balancing family life and a career in IT can be challenging, but Chris Inglis has managed to blend his passion for technology with his dedication to his family.

In this case study, we explore Chris’s transition from surf lifesaver and IT warehouse manager to IT and cyber security consultant.

His journey is marked by a love for computers from an early age, a stint in the family business, and the discovery of a passion for cyber security.

Join us as we delve into the key questions that shaped Chris’s path, his experiences with the Institute of Data’s Cyber Security Program, and his insights for those looking to enter the industry.

Chris’s story is a testament to the power of persistence, the importance of family, and the excitement of embarking on a new career in the ever-evolving field of cyber security.

1. Chris, please tell me about yourself.

I am married to a wonderful woman and have two beautiful daughters.

During weekends, when we’re not cleaning the house, we’re busy creating amazing experiences for our daughters. This includes going on camping trips, visiting the zoo, and taking the girls for their swimming lessons every Sunday.

My hobbies include playing video games, writing game reviews on my own website (roundtablecoop.com), as well as fishing and camping. I was a surf life saver for 10 years before leaving that life behind once I had children, and I also played hockey for many years before that.

I’ve been involved with computers and IT since primary school. A school friend, who was our go-to IT guy, taught me a lot. My neighbour’s Dad also worked at IBM so I was introduced to early XT PC builds first rather than the console route that some of my mates took.

From building my first PC (and blowing up the power supply) to learning how to run and host LAN parties with friends back in the coaxial days to managing the small business IT network at the family business – I’ve been interested in tech and computers for a long time.

After not achieving the grades I’d hoped for in high school, I decided to join the family business as the IT warehouse manager. I later pursued a Diploma of Information Systems at TAFE.

In 2007, my experience walking the Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea inspired me to establish my own IT business. However, managing it alongside my job and other commitments became too overwhelming, leading me to let go of the IT business ultimately.

It was around this time that I discovered a passion for surf life saving, finding fulfilment in contributing to the community through this new endeavour.

2. Why did you decide to study Cyber Security?

As I mentioned, In 2009, I seized an opportunity to work in one of my passions at the time, surf life saving. I worked at the surf club for a year, but I over extended myself and ended up burning myself out.

I needed a break, so I decided to work for our family business for a year.

However, the allure of working in surf life saving reignited when another opening in the industry came up. I love being part of surf life saving because it’s a massive community where people of all ages come together to give back to the community.

Fast-forward seven years, and I found myself burnt out again. It was at this point that I realised something needed to change.

I started looking at different careers and, after speaking with my wife and family, decided that I wanted to return to my roots in IT. I reached out to my friend who works at Microsoft in the USA, the same go-to IT guy from high school.

I asked him, “If I were to return to IT now, what are the hot topics in the industry?”

He came straight back and said that cyber security is huge in the US and that Australia is starting to pick up pace as well.

After pondering this for some time, I talked to my family about it. They shared stories of having their bank accounts and emails hacked, as well as the stress they experienced dealing with those incidents.

It made me realise that learning more about cyber security could enable me to educate and help others about the increasing security risks we face today.

3. How did you decide to enrol in the Institute of Data’s Cyber Security Program?

I did quite a lot of research into the many cyber security programs out there.

I was also considering doing a university degree, taking TAFE courses, or taking CompTIA and Microsoft courses, which aligned with my previous tech support experience.

But in the end, I decided to stick with cybersecurity and see where it would take me. I am glad I made this decision.

Since the program was only two weeknights and every second Saturday, I could still make time for my family too – which is really important for me.
One reservation I did have was the cost of the program.

4. How did you find the Cyber Security Program overall?

The Cyber Security Program provides a broad knowledge base and covers key areas of cyber security.

I was also surprised by how much knowledge I had retained from the IT course I did at TAFE.

While I encountered some challenging units in the program, especially regarding the intricacies of Linux, I was able to complete other units smoothly and then have time to help other students in the class.

Donald, our head trainer, has been a great mentor throughout the program and beyond. It was fascinating to hear Donald, as well as the trainer assistants Harish and Amy, recount many of their experiences in the cyber security industry.

I enjoyed the program’s dynamics and supporting other students so much that I applied to be a trainer assistant for future programs, and I was accepted.

5. You have completed the program. Congratulations! What are your career plans?

To begin with, I put myself forward as a Cyber Security Trainer Assistant because I enjoyed the program so much and also enjoyed helping the other students solve their problems.

Completing the program has also given me the confidence to restart my IT consulting business called CJI Tech Solutions.

Most of my clients seek out tech support, but it often comes up in conversation that I am a trainer assistant for cyber security, and I find myself answering questions they have about staying cyber-aware, too.

Some of my clients have experienced data breaches, resulting in compromised emails and accounts.

In addition to tech support and cyber security consulting, I also offer assistance with smart home setup and security, web design, and maintenance.

My target market includes home users, small office/home office (SOHO) setups, and small family-owned businesses, as I take pleasure in supporting families like my own.

6. How does it feel to work in cyberspace now, and what advice would you give to those wanting to enter the industry?

I see this as the beginning of my journey. Rather than seeing a valley in front of me, I am looking further ahead at the many more mountains to climb.

I’m reminded of the time I walked the Kokoda Trail (I walked it twice); no matter how hard the hill was that you had just climbed, there were plenty more hills to come and tougher ones to tackle ahead of you.

There is so much more to learn in cyber security, and the bootcamp was just the beginning. My advice is to do your research, and if you find areas you are interested in, look further into those.

If you’re studying a bootcamp, ask for help from fellow students as well as the trainer assistants. It’s important to attempt problems yourself and try self-diagnosis, but don’t spend too much time on one particular problem before asking for help.

Sometimes, stepping away from a problem and returning to it can give you new ideas or new ways of thinking about it.

7. That’s great advice. Final question, what’s in store for your future?

At the start of the program, I had no idea which part of cyber security I wanted to be involved with, and I certainly didn’t realise just how big the industry was and how many options were available to me.

I aim to keep growing my business on the side and I have already signed up to be a trainer assistant for the next Cyber Security Program – which I’m really excited for.

I plan to pursue a full-time career in IT, but for now, I am busy enough with these activities.

I will continue to learn more about IT and cyber security as I continue this journey.

If you’d like to learn more about our Cyber Security Program, please download a course outline. 

Alternatively, you can speak about the program directly with a team member by booking a career consultation to start your journey with an actionable plan.

You can connect with Chris and follow his professional journey on Linkedin.