From Cybersecurity Curious to Confident: Meet Rahul

Growing up in a rural area of India, Rahul K.’s life set off on a different path when his father bought him a laptop after high school. He used his new device to learn as much as he could, however he could. “I taught myself using YouTube, online articles, and communities, diving deep into topics that fascinated me,” he said. 

That drive to learn hasn’t quieted down. While earning his bachelor’s degree in computer science, he enrolled in the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate on Coursera. “My goal was to build a strong foundation in cybersecurity that could help me break into the industry with confidence,” Rahul explained. “I wanted to strengthen my technical knowledge, explore real-world tools, and prepare myself for future opportunities—all while continuing my education alongside other responsibilities.” Already carrying a busy course load, he worked through the Google program on nights and weekends. 

The foundation of his college degree and the additional cybersecurity skills he developed helped prepare Rahul for his current job as a project assistant in cybersecurity.* He’s now working to advance to an assistant system engineer role. He credits his success to education. “The Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate gave me the confidence and technical fluency I needed to excel in my roles,” he said. 

Rahul spoke with Coursera about learning cybersecurity, how he fit it around his other commitments, and what he’s excited to do next. 

What have you enjoyed about learning on Coursera? 

The quality of instruction. Google’s instructors explained complex cybersecurity concepts clearly and made the learning practical and engaging. Their teaching style kept me motivated throughout the course. I also appreciated the hands-on labs and real-world examples, which helped me gain skills I could immediately apply.

What skills have you developed or strengthened in the program?

I developed strong skills in cybersecurity fundamentals like threat detection, incident response, Linux, SQL, Python, and using SIEM [Security Information and Event Management] tools. I also strengthened my problem-solving abilities and gained practical experience with real-world security scenarios. These skills have been crucial in preparing me for professional cybersecurity roles.

Learn more: 5 Cybersecurity Threats to Know

How did you fit learning into your schedule? And how did you stay motivated?

I set a clear goal to finish the course as soon as possible, so I used my vacation time to focus on learning. Balancing college and the program was tough, but I managed my time carefully, often waking up late at night to study when it was quiet. Having this routine helped me stay consistent despite the busy schedule.

What challenges, if any, did you face during the program? How did you overcome them?

One challenge I faced during the program was understanding some of the instructors’ accents. At first, it was a bit difficult to follow certain lessons, but I overcame this by replaying videos, taking notes, and using subtitles whenever available. This helped me fully grasp the material and kept me on track.

Have you experienced any kind of impact from what you’ve learned on Coursera?

Coursera helped me grow from a curious learner into a confident cybersecurity professional. The skills and knowledge I gained gave me the confidence to pursue job opportunities in the field.

It also helped me understand complex concepts more deeply, which enabled me to mentor others and contribute effectively to training sessions. Coursera’s structured learning has made me more confident in advocating for new responsibilities and career growth opportunities.

Coursera helped me grow from a curious learner into a confident cybersecurity professional. 

How have you been able to apply what you’ve learned to your current job, your job search, or some other project?

I applied what I learned directly to my role as a project assistant in cybersecurity. The practical skills in threat detection and incident response helped me contribute effectively to real projects.

My Coursera training also boosted my confidence during job interviews. Overall, the program made me more productive and engaged in my work and career growth.

Has anything surprised you during your time learning on Coursera?

One memorable moment during the course was when a Google employee featured in a lecture shared her story. I felt a strong connection because she had the same vibe as me—inspired by the TV series Mr. Robot. It was motivating to see someone with similar interests succeed and work at such a big company.

What do you hope to do with what you’ve learned?

I plan to continue growing in the cybersecurity field by deepening my expertise in threat detection and cloud security. My goal is to keep learning and eventually contribute to making digital environments safer for everyone.

What advice would you give to someone interested in enrolling in the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate?

The course is designed to build practical skills step-by-step, so don’t rush through it. Take the time to understand each concept, and apply what you learn through hands-on labs and exercises. Consistency is key, even if it’s just dedicating an hour a day.

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*Individual experiences and outcomes can vary and Coursera does not guarantee job interviews or job placements upon completion of its courses.