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Breegan Arnett, MM, MS in Cybersecurity candidate 2025, took an interest in cybersecurity without having a technical background. Find out what transferable and newly acquired skills made her the top choice for the Cybersecurity Awareness Analyst  position at Carrix Inc.

Tell us about yourself, your background.

I hold a Bachelor of Music degree (2016) and a Master of Music degree (2018). For many years, I worked as a professional saxophonist—an endeavor I still enjoy through private instruction—while concurrently building a career in higher education. I spent nearly a decade in university admissions and enrollment services, most recently serving as Assistant Director of Admissions at ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÉç. In that role, I was responsible for supporting the growth of the new Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MSC) program. Through educating prospective students about the program and learning more about the field myself, I developed a strong interest in cybersecurity. I realized that this industry welcomes individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, including those without a technical or IT foundation. The MSC program affirmed that with dedication and a desire to learn, someone like me can successfully transition into cybersecurity and contribute meaningfully in business-aligned roles that many security teams greatly value.

What do you currently do?

I currently serve as a Cybersecurity Awareness Analyst at Carrix Inc. In this role, I oversee cybersecurity education and user awareness across an organization of more than 10,000 employees worldwide. My responsibilities include managing both pre-developed and customized training through our Learning Management System (LMS), addressing emerging threats with timely education initiatives, and conducting phishing simulations to assess and improve user awareness. Topics I cover include responsible AI use, multi-factor authentication (MFA) hijacking, and various forms of phishing (e.g., vishing, smishing, spear phishing, and whaling). I also analyze and present key metrics—such as simulation click rates and threat trends—to stakeholders and executive leadership. This role has been a natural progression from my education background and demonstrates the vital connection between communication, training, and cybersecurity. 

How was your experience at ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÉç?

My experience at ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÉç has been outstanding. The faculty are highly knowledgeable, supportive, and genuinely invested in student success. Many of the instructors are seasoned professionals currently working in the cybersecurity field, which adds immense practical value to the learning experience. Their responsiveness and willingness to offer additional support outside of class have been key to my growth and confidence as I transitioned into a new career.

What is unique about the MSC program?

The MSC program at ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÉç stands out because of its focus on both the business and technical aspects of cybersecurity. While there are certainly roles that require deep technical expertise, many organizations also seek professionals who can communicate effectively, understand business processes and help bridge the gap between IT and the rest of the enterprise. My current role is a perfect example of this: among more than 400 applicants, I was selected in large part because of my ability to educate others, present effectively to stakeholders and foster security-minded culture change. These are core competencies emphasized in the MSC program. The program also prepares students for industry certifications.  I passed the ISC2 CC certification exam and I also plan to sit for the ISACA CRISC with my free program voucher.

How did the MSC program help you create immediate outcomes at work?

The MSC program enabled me to deliver immediate value from day one. The program's fast-paced, practical learning environment prepared me to quickly adapt to a new industry, master a variety of software tools and confidently engage in executive-level discussions. I’ve been able to design impactful training programs and enhance our organization’s security posture by educating users—often the most vulnerable point in a cybersecurity defense strategy. The skills I gained through the MSC program have been instrumental in driving both cultural and operational change within the organization.

What is your recommendation to those thinking of transitioning to cybersecurity? 

If you’re considering transitioning into cybersecurity, I highly encourage you to pursue it. Cybersecurity is a resilient, in-demand field with a strong sense of purpose—protecting organizations, systems and people from ever-evolving threats. There’s a growing need for professionals who bring fresh perspectives from other industries, especially in roles that require education, communication, and leadership. This career has been incredibly fulfilling for me, both professionally and personally and I’m confident others will find the same reward in making the switch.

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