From Curiosity to Cybersecurity: Timmy Tran’s SOC Journey

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, cybersecurity professionals play an increasingly critical role in protecting organizations from cyber threats. A growing number of students are gaining real-world cybersecurity expertise through innovative public-private partnerships that combine hands-on Security Operations Center (SOC) training with structured oversight and mentorship. These programs, like the one pioneered by Louisiana State University, Splunk, and TekStream, equip students with practical skills beyond what traditional academic curricula provide. By working in an operational SOC, students learn to differentiate threat severity, assess risk, implement remediation, and communicate effectively, all while developing the experience needed to transition into cybersecurity roles immediately after graduation.

A Journey from Software Engineering to Cybersecurity

One such rising cybersecurity professional is Timmy Tran, a soon-to-be graduate with SOC experience at LSU. Timmy, a first-generation Vietnamese American from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is set to graduate from Louisiana State University (LSU) in May 2025 with a degree in Computer Science, specializing in Software Engineering. Initially drawn to software development, Timmy soon realized the competitive nature of the field and sought ways to expand his career opportunities. His turning point came after taking an Intro to Cybersecurity class taught by Professor Darrel Miller, who encouraged students to apply for positions at the newly established Louisiana Optical Network Infrastructure Security Operations Center (LONI SOC). Timmy seized this opportunity, marking the beginning of his dedicated journey into the world of cybersecurity. Outside of cybersecurity, Timmy enjoys going to the gym, playing video games, and recently picked up a new hobby, running.

Hands-On Experience in a Security Operations Center

Since November 2023, Timmy has been an integral part of the LONI SOC at LSU, gaining invaluable real-world experience in cybersecurity operations. Over 16 months, he has addressed 1,086 security events, successfully identifying 14 true positive threats, and earning an impressive average audit score of 4.8 out of 5. His responsibilities have encompassed monitoring and responding to security events, analyzing threats, and collaborating with team members to mitigate risks.

One of the most memorable incidents Timmy worked on involved a suspicious login attempt from another country. A user was experiencing numerous multi-factor authentication (MFA) failures from various countries, all with IPs flagged as malicious. Eventually, one of these login attempts was successful. Timmy noticed inconsistencies in the browser and OS versions compared to the user’s previous login history, and the log activity seemed suspicious. With this information, he escalated the event to the respective tenant, and it was confirmed to be a true positive. Following the response, he took remediation action by resetting the user’s password using one of the playbooks in SOAR. This experience underscored the critical nature of vigilance and swift action in cybersecurity.

Advice for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals

Timmy encourages students considering a career in cybersecurity to remain persistent and proactive. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and gaining practical experience through personal projects and learning platforms. Timmy advises, “Don’t be discouraged if you can’t land an internship or job in the field right away. One of the most important things that can set you apart is staying hungry for knowledge and always being willing to learn. Also, don’t be afraid to apply for opportunities even if you feel underqualified. Taking action instead of overthinking can take you far!”

What Makes Timmy Stand Out?

Timmy thrives in collaborative environments and values teamwork in cybersecurity operations. He appreciates the hands-on experience gained in the SOC, which provides real-world exposure to monitoring and investigating potential threats for numerous Louisiana institutions. Timmy believes that working in the SOC has not only taught him technical skills but also the importance of team collaboration, which is crucial in an environment where mistakes can have serious consequences.

With a strong academic foundation, real-world SOC experience, and a passion for cybersecurity, Timmy Tran is a standout candidate for any organization looking to strengthen its security team. His ability to learn from challenges, collaborate effectively, and stay committed to professional growth makes him a valuable asset to any cybersecurity department.

Looking Ahead: Career Aspirations

As Timmy approaches graduation on May 16th, 2025, he is eager to secure a full-time security analyst position in a major city. He is open to remote, hybrid, or in-office roles, with a preference for weekday daytime hours. Timmy is also willing to relocate for the right opportunity, especially if it allows him to enhance his skills and grow his professional career.

If you’re looking for a dedicated cybersecurity professional with hands-on experience and a drive to succeed, Timmy Tran is ready to make an impact!

Let us know if you’re interested in learning more about Timmy and his SOC experience!

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