From Urban Explorer to Aspiring Red Team Professional
For Drew Henson, the road to cybersecurity began off the beaten path. Initially, he trained as an EMT during the pandemic, but soon realized that career wasn’t the right fit. Around the same time, he developed a fascination with urban exploration — sneaking into abandoned buildings and locations. That hobby ignited a new curiosity: how places (and systems) are accessed, protected, and breached.
“I started watching videos by Deviant Ollam on physical penetration testing,” Drew recalls. “It opened my eyes to a whole new field. I saw how the same mindset applied to digital security.”
Prompted by a friend in the security field, Drew began pursuing cybersecurity more seriously. He started small — helping older adults protect their computers and navigate online threats. That early work sharpened his problem-solving, patience, and communication skills.
Soon, Drew landed an internship through the Carolina Cyber Network (CCN), gaining valuable exposure to real-world network data and cyber incident monitoring, working alongside professionals, and deepening his technical foundation.
“The internship has given me an experience I couldn’t get in a classroom,” Drew explained. “Working with real data, real people, and seeing how cyber incidents unfold has given me a huge head start.”
Now a graduate of Forsyth Tech, Drew is wrapping up his internship and preparing for his Security+ certification.
“I’ve realized networking is just as critical as technical ability,” he said. “Conferences and meetups have connected me with mentors and job opportunities I never expected.”
One of those connections happened at a CCN cybersecurity career expo, where Drew met representatives from the NC Department of Information Technology. That encounter opened Drew’s eyes to cybersecurity roles in the public sector. It led him to explore the CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service (SFS) program — a path that funds cybersecurity degrees in exchange for public service.
“I love the idea of someone investing in your education so you can give back in return. It makes the journey more meaningful,” Drew said.
Drew’s long-term goal is to become a red team contractor — testing and strengthening digital and physical defenses across organizations. He’s also weighing military cyber roles, particularly in signals intelligence, as a second track forward.
Reflecting on his progress, Drew credits CCN with equipping him for success. “Their programs gave me confidence and hands-on experience,” he said. “It’s one thing to study cybersecurity. It’s another to see it in action.”
Drew’s story proves that curiosity, grit, and real-world exposure can open doors in unexpected places. His journey illustrates how the Carolina Cyber Network can help students transform unconventional beginnings into rewarding professional success in cybersecurity.
