Manilou Quang – Another Cyber Pre Grad Success Story

From Dental and Retail Assistant to SOC Analyst — With No University Background

Congratulations to  Harness Cybersecurity Career Launcher student Manilou Quang who just landed a job as SOC Analyst at Ionize before finishing her course! Read about Manilou’s journey here. When Manilou joined the Harness Projects Cybersecurity Career Launcher course, she didn’t come from a tech job — or even a university background. Her work history was in dental assisting and retail, and like many career changers, she was starting from scratch in a completely new industry.  What she did have was determination. At the time she applied for a Harness Projects scholarship, she had already built some theoretical knowledge in cybersecurity and was eager to put it into practice.

“The digital world is expanding fast, and with it comes the need for skilled professionals to protect against cyber threats,” she wrote in her scholarship application. “Right now feels like the perfect time for me to do this… I’m ready to turn my passion for cybersecurity into a rewarding career where I can make a real impact.”

Choosing Real Project Learning Over Theory

Manilou chose Harness Projects for its Real Project Learning model — the opportunity to work on genuine client projects, under the guidance of industry mentors. This wasn’t just about learning concepts; it was about solving real problems, presenting to real stakeholders, and handling real data. The experience allowed her to combine new technical skills with the communication and problem-solving abilities she’d built in her earlier roles. Guided by mentors such as Khalid El-Ali, Michael Choeng, Hossien Dakkak, and Tai Tran, she built a portfolio that spoke directly to what employers were looking for.

Landing a SOC Analyst Role

Today, Manilou is a SOC Analyst at Ionize, a cybersecurity company known for its strong values and people-first culture. She credits her breakthrough to persistence, the support of mentors and peers, and the practical skills gained through Harness Projects.

“Breaking into the cybersecurity field is not impossible, especially when you stay consistent, keep learning, and keep that burning passion alive,” she wrote in her LinkedIn post announcing the role. “From being an aspiring cyber security professional, I’m proud to now officially call myself a cybersecurity professional.” 

Advice for Career Changers

Manilou’s journey is proof that you don’t need a tech background — or a university degree — to succeed in cybersecurity. Her advice is simple:

  • Stay consistent — progress may feel slow, but it’s still progress.

  • Surround yourself with the right people — the right mentors and peers can open doors.

  • Get real-world experience — theory alone won’t prepare you for the job.

Her transformation from dental and retail assistant to SOC Analyst shows that with the right mindset and training, it’s possible to start fresh and land a role in one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world.

That’s why our Cybersecurity Career Launcher is built around hands-on projects that mirror the challenges you’ll face in the field — including:

  • Incident Response — investigating and managing simulated security breaches

  • Threat & Vulnerability Management — analysing systems and addressing risks

  • Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) — strengthening security posture through policy and controls

You don’t just study cybersecurity; you practise it in real live projects, building confidence and the skills employers are hiring for.

Book a call with our team to see if our Cybersecurity Career Launcher is the right fit for your cyber career journey.