Certifications Earned:
CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, MCTS, A+, Linux+, SUSE Linux Administrator, LPIC-1, CISSP
Dominic Eldridge embodies resilience, determination, and adaptability. Inspired by Bruce Lee’s philosophy to “be like water,” Dominic has flowed past obstacles and shaped his own path to success in IT and cybersecurity. With nine IT certifications under his belt and a dream job at General Electric (GE), Dominic’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work and self-belief.
A passion for IT from a young age
Dominic’s love for technology began early, inspired by his father, a developer with over 30 years of IT experience. At just 12 years old, Dominic taught himself HTML5 and created an online role-playing game based on Dragon Ball Z, attracting 50 regular players. This early success sparked his curiosity about security after a hacker compromised his account. “I knew then that I had to start learning about security,” Dominic said.
Building a strong foundation
While pursuing his bachelor’s degree in computer science at ECPI University, Dominic worked full-time and earned nine IT certifications in just 14 months, including:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Linux+
- Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) Routing and Switching
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) Server Infrastructure
- Linux Professional Institute LPIC-1 Linux Server Professional
Dominic credits his A+ certification as the foundation of his IT knowledge. “A+ is a gateway cert that opened my mind and helped me understand how computers work,” he said.
Overcoming challenges and embracing failure
Dominic’s journey wasn’t without setbacks. He failed five certification exams but never let it deter him. “Failing is no big deal. You just go back, figure out what you did wrong, and take it again,” he said. His determination paid off, and he quickly became a standout student at ECPI, using the school’s resources to build his skills and confidence.
Landing the dream job at GE
After graduation, Dominic’s certifications and experience caught the attention of a recruiter, leading to an interview at GE. To his surprise, the interviewers were people he had casually spoken with during his internship breaks. Dominic’s preparation and networking paid off, and he landed a role as an information security event analyst.
At GE, Dominic thrives in an environment that values collaboration and innovation. “I really like learning about new cyberattacks, but it’s the people I work with that make the job special,” he said.
Looking ahead
Dominic’s journey is far from over. He plans to earn the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification and explore wireless security and cloud security. His ultimate goal is to continue growing as a cybersecurity professional and stay ahead of evolving threats.
Advice for aspiring IT professionals
Dominic encourages others to pursue certifications and not fear failure. “Certifications are a great way to validate your technical knowledge and make it easier to find employment and higher pay,” he said.
Dominic Eldridge’s story is proof that with passion, perseverance, and a willingness to learn, anyone can achieve their dreams in IT and cybersecurity.