From Agricultural Business to Cybersecurity: One Woman's Unconventional Path Through Tech

The Winding Road Into Tech (And Why That's Okay)

You know what's funny? Madison didn't start out dreaming of cybersecurity. She graduated from NC State with a degree in agricultural business management. Yeah, really. And honestly, that detail alone makes her story worth listening to because it proves something a lot of people need to hear: you don't need to have had your entire career mapped out at age 18 to end up doing meaningful work in technology.

After bouncing through some customer service roles (which, let's be honest, builds real-world problem-solving skills), Madison decided something needed to change. So she enrolled in a software engineering program and started working contract gigs in the field. Nothing fancy, no grand announcement—just a person actively pivoting toward something that felt right.

Then she discovered WiCyS (Women in CyberSecurity), and that's when things clicked. Suddenly she wasn't just learning technical skills in isolation; she was connecting with other women facing similar challenges, celebrating wins together, and learning from their professional experiences through webinars and mentorship.

The Elephant in the Room: Overcoming Real Obstacles

Here's where Madison's story gets real, and I mean actually real—not the sanitized version of adversity we often see in career retrospectives.

During her senior year of college, Madison was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma. She went through chemotherapy while trying to finish her degree. Just when she thought she could return to normal, she relapsed. New tumors. Another setback. She had to take an entire year off for a stem cell transplant before she could even think about finishing her diploma.

Think about that for a second. Most of us complain about project deadlines or difficult coworkers. Madison had to figure out whether she'd ever have a functioning body again, let alone a career.

When she finally got back and finished her studies, she describes it as "surreal." I'd call it extraordinary. And here's the thing: she didn't let that experience become her entire identity or excuse. She didn't disappear from the tech world or convince herself she wasn't cut out for it. She kept going.

That kind of resilience? That's the real foundation of a successful tech career—not some fancy certification or prestigious company name on your resume.

Finding Your Mentor (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)

Madison credits much of her growth to Janis DeWitt, a lead software engineer and manager who took her under her wing. But here's what stands out about their relationship: Janis didn't just say "you're doing great, keep it up." She gave Madison honest, practical advice about the specific challenges women face in tech.

"Sometimes women have to work harder to be taken seriously, especially when they become mothers and are juggling school pickup and childcare when others on the team are not. You have to find a balance early on and stick to it."

That's not inspirational poster material. That's the truth many women in tech experience but rarely say out loud in professional settings. And having a mentor who acknowledged that reality rather than pretending it doesn't exist? That's invaluable.

This is why networks like WiCyS and Women Who Code matter so much. They're not just nice-to-have communities—they're where women get real talk from people who understand their challenges and have navigated similar paths.

What Makes Good Leadership (Hint: It's Simpler Than You'd Think)

When asked about qualities that make good leaders, Madison didn't launch into corporate jargon. She kept it simple: solid vision and the ability to have open, honest conversations about reaching goals.

That actually applies whether you're managing a security operations center, leading a team of developers, or just trying to advocate for yourself in meetings. Leadership isn't about authority or perfection. It's about knowing where you're headed and being willing to talk candidly about how to get there.

The Real Challenge: Access and Representation

Madison was also asked what she'd change for the next generation, and her answer reveals something important: she didn't ask for special treatment or lower standards. She called for better funding of outreach programs to improve access for underrepresented groups in tech.

That's the difference between wanting a handout and wanting a level playing field. Madison wants more women, more people of color, and more folks from non-traditional backgrounds to have the opportunity to discover they have skills in cybersecurity—skills they might never develop if they never get exposure to the field in the first place.

The Bottom Line for Women Getting Into Tech

If you're considering a career in cybersecurity or any technical field and you're worried you don't have the "right" background, here's Madison's advice: get plugged into a community of women in tech. Join WiCyS, Women Who Code, or whatever professional network aligns with your interests.

Why? Because women bring important perspectives that make tech better, more creative, and more effective. But also because you'll discover you're not alone in your struggles, and you'll meet people who've already figured out solutions to problems you're about to face.

Your non-traditional background isn't a liability—it's an asset. Your questions and different way of thinking might be exactly what your team needs. And when the imposter syndrome hits (it will), you'll have people around you who get it because they've been there too.

Madison's journey from agricultural business student to SOC analyst protecting businesses from cyber threats isn't just an inspiring comeback story. It's a reminder that the path to a fulfilling tech career doesn't have to look like anyone else's. It just has to be authentically yours.

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Have your own unconventional journey into tech? The community of women building careers in cybersecurity would love to hear from you. Whether you're just starting out or thinking about a career pivot, remember: your story matters, and your perspective in tech is valuable.

Tags: ['women in cybersecurity', 'career advice', 'soc analyst', 'tech industry', 'professional networking', 'women in tech', 'career switching', 'cybersecurity careers']