Career transformation from IT to Cyber Security is becoming increasingly common. But a few stories stand out as inspiring as that of Adwale Aderoju. His journey into cybersecurity has been nothing short of extraordinary. With over seven years of experience in IT, Adwale’s professional journey has taken him from structural engineering to an Application Security Engineer and the Vice President of Information and Data Security at a Canadian fintech company. His journey and growth trajectory have all been powered by his pursuit of excellence and education with EC-Council University (ECCU).
Building a Foundation: From Software to Networks
Adwale began his career as a structural engineer, but he soon discovered a passion for IT. He transitioned into software development, creating web applications using Vue.js, CSS, and PHP technologies. His curiosity didn’t stop there; he built his expertise in network engineering, earning the prestigious Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification.
However, it was cybersecurity that truly captured his interest. Drawn to the complexities of application and network security, Adwale decided to specialize in this growing field. He understood cybersecurity demanded a broad knowledge base, from software development to system architecture and secure design principles.
The Turning Point: Joining the MSCS Program
The lack of direction and mentorship challenged Adwale’s strong ambition to make a career in cybersecurity. That changed when he discovered EC-Council University (ECCU). Adwale took the leap into cybersecurity with ECCU’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MSCS) program.
“I always wanted to transition into cybersecurity,” he shared. “But I didn’t have the right information or support. ECCU changed that for me.”
The MSCS program offered more than just academic content. It provided him with the avenues to excel in his career through ECCU’s hands-on labs, certifications like the Certified Application Security Engineer (CASE), Certified Network Defender (CND), and even exposure to real-world scenarios through Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges. These experiences gave Adwale the technical depth and practical skills he needed to thrive in the industry.
Interestingly, his Chief Information Security Officer also holds an MSCS degree from EC-Council University, highlighting the program’s recognition among industry leaders and the importance of a shared foundation in cybersecurity excellence.
Gaining Global Recognition and Career Mobility
As he progressed through the MSCS program, Adwale quickly rose through the ranks of the cybersecurity world. Within just two years, he changed jobs three times, each move representing a significant leap in responsibility and impact.
“Employers started to believe in me,” he said. “Having a degree and certifications from EC-Council University gave me credibility.”
His education was not just theoretical. He gained hands-on experience with platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, learning in depth about access management and security implementation. Courses like CASE strengthened his knowledge of secure software development, aligning perfectly with his earlier experience as a developer.
Becoming a Cybersecurity Leader
Leadership in cybersecurity involves not just technical know-how, but also the decision-making, risk management, and the ability to fostering a culture of security awareness across the organization. Adwale’s education empowered him to develop these skills alongside his technical expertise, preparing him to navigate complex organizational challenges. His rise to leadership in cybersecurity is a testament to his dedication, commitment to continuous learning, and the comprehensive training that he received through the EC-Council University’s MSCS program.
Today, he holds a significant position as the Vice President of Information and Data Security at a fintech company based in Canada. A position that demands deep technical expertise, strategic vision, and strong leadership capabilities. He credits ECCU for equipping him with management, leadership, and organizational abilities.
The program curriculum’s unique blend of technical courses and leadership training enabled him to confidently manage teams, lead projects, and influence corporate security policies. In his current role, Adwale applies what he learned related to application security, network defenses, and cloud security architecture. The hands-on labs and real-world scenarios he practiced during the MSCS program allowed him to transition smoothly into his role, making him a highly effective leader.
Advice to Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals
Adwale’s journey was not easy. He often woke up early and balanced full-time work with demanding coursework. But his advice to anyone considering the MSCS program is simple:
“Be passionate, be committed. You may struggle at the beginning, but the result is worth it.”
Adwale received multiple Academic Excellence Awards during his studies and continues to use the knowledge and tools provided by ECCU, especially the hands-on labs, which remain his favorite aspect of the program.
A Story of Professional Career Transformation and Growth
Adwale’s story is about resilience, curiosity, and growth, from building structures to securing digital infrastructure. He transitioned into one of the most in-demand fields in tech and became a leader and mentor for others.
His journey is a powerful example of how targeted education combined with passion and perseverance can propel professionals from technical roles into leadership positions, making a profound impact on their careers and the security posture of entire organizations. His success story proves that no career path is out of reach with the right mindset and educational foundation.
