Inside Cybersecurity with Harness Projects mentor Michael Choeng

It’s About How You Think, Not Just What You Know

“It’s not just technical knowledge—it’s how you understand the business, how you ask the right questions, how you deliver something that matters.”

That was one of the first things Michael Choeng told the new intake of students in Harness Projects’ Cybersecurity Career Launcher Program. And it captures his view on what really matters when you’re trying to land a job in the industry.

Michael has worked in cybersecurity for over 15 years, across organisations like Woolworths, EY, and now as the head of cybersecurity for a mid-tier consulting firm operating across Australia and New Zealand. His experience spans security operations, governance and compliance, engineering, strategy and more.

But when it comes to helping newcomers get started in the field, he’s clear: the mindset you bring is more important than the certificates you collect.

What Employers Are Really Looking For

Michael didn’t frame cybersecurity as a checklist of skills to master. Instead, he emphasised adaptability and communication—especially for those just starting out.

“You’re going to get exposure to the way consultants think,” he told the group. “It’s about solving problems, working with people, and telling the story behind the solution.”

This perspective matters, particularly for career changers who might worry they’re underqualified because they don’t hold a degree in IT or a formal security certification. While those credentials can help, Michael’s own story reinforces that they’re not the only path in.

What organisations are really looking for, he suggested, is someone who can fit into a team, think critically under pressure, and respond to real-world business needs. That’s exactly the kind of environment the Harness Projects course aims to simulate—through real project experience under the guidance of professionals like him.

Experience Over Theory

As the mentor for the “Incident Response” project, Michael leads students through practical scenarios that closely mirror what happens inside companies during a cyber breach.

“This is your chance to work like a consultant would—understanding the scenario, asking the right questions, and working toward a clear, useful outcome.”

For students with no prior cybersecurity experience, this kind of hands-on learning is often the missing link. It’s the difference between reading about risk assessments and actually preparing one. Between studying frameworks and applying them to a situation that unfolds in real time.

Michael’s own background covers a wide range of roles—he’s worked in technical, strategic and advisory capacities—but even with that experience, he emphasised the importance of learning by doing. That’s where growth happens.

Why Mentorship Matters

One of the first things Michael asked during the session was simple: “Can I ask everyone to have their cameras on for this first session, so I know who I’m speaking to?” It was a small gesture, but it reflected something deeper about how he works: cybersecurity is a human profession. Even in a field full of acronyms and technical jargon, relationships matter.

That same focus on people shapes how he teaches. He knows that students may come in unsure of themselves, but his role is to create an environment where they can engage, try, and learn—without pretending to know everything on Day One.

“You might not feel like an expert yet,” he said, “but this is exactly the kind of environment where you start figuring out what you’re good at—and how you can contribute.”

If you’re considering a move into cybersecurity, but unsure how to gain experience or build confidence, Michael’s approach offers a clear signal: focus on doing meaningful work in a realistic setting. That’s how you start to bridge the gap between interest and employment.

Want to Learn Cybersecurity the Way It’s Actually Practiced?

The Cybersecurity Career Launcher Program is built around this mindset: learning by doing, with industry professionals guiding you through real scenarios.

Interested in joining us? Book a call with our team to see if it’s the right fit for your cybersecurity journey.