Nicolas Shinozaki

WORK HISTORY

ABOUT NICOLAS SHINOZAKI

I chose my major for the paycheck; I chose cybersecurity for the impact. My decision to pursue a computer engineering major was purely pragmatic—I googled \"highest paying majors\" and went with the top result. As a result, I coasted for three years, doing just enough to get good grades. But now, in my fourth year, reality hit: In choosing a path for superficial reasons, I never truly enjoyed what I was learning. So I did what every person does to find direction in life: I took an aptitude test. Among all the traits measured, empathy was by far my strongest. It made sense—I\'ve always found a profound sense of fulfillment helping others—but I never considered a career that allowed me to do so. I also didn\'t want to let my education go to waste—which then begged the question: Could I apply a technical field like computer engineering to protect and help others? That question sent me searching, and the more I explored, the more I kept coming back to cybersecurity. Here was a field where technical expertise wasn’t just about writing code—it was about protecting people, safeguarding their information, and defending them from unseen threats. From that moment, everything clicked. For the first time, I wasn’t just learning for a degree or a paycheck—I was learning with purpose. Within a month of discovering security, I completed the entire Google Cybersecurity Certificate, gaining hands-on experience in threat detection, risk management, and incident response. This program deepened my passion and inspired me to explore areas like penetration testing and cybersecurity analysis, which I now aim to specialize in. My next step is to acquire my Security+ certification to launch my career. I also plan to complete the pwn.college program to get hands-on experience with low-level foundational security topics as well as utilize Hack the Box sharpen my penetration testing skills. My greatest asset is my insatiable curiosity. When I’m passionate about something, I dive in completely, eager to learn from experts whose enthusiasm fuels my growth. Cybersecurity is ever-evolving, demanding both technical skill and a deep sense of responsibility to protect others, and I’m excited to embrace its challenges. I thrive in collaborative environments where I can solve complex problems with the ultimate goal of making a real difference and contributing to a safer digital world. If you’re an individual or employer who shares my values and vision, please feel free to reach out on LinkedIn or via email at n••••••••@gmail.com. I’m eager to take the next step in my journey.