Leon Bryant, Jr. recently joined us on Get Into IT Live to talk about his transition from five years in the Army to a fully remote IT role at TekSynap. His story touches on something a lot of veterans face: leaving the military without a solid plan and figuring out how to translate military experience into civilian careers.
The Contractor Who Changed Everything
Leon spent his Army years as a THAAD System Maintenance Supervisor, managing critical communication systems worth over $2 million. When contractors working alongside him suggested an internship opportunity, it sounded perfect. One catch: he needed Security+.
“They told me it was easy, that I could knock it out in no time,” Leon recalled. “But Security+ without any prior computer knowledge? That’s not the certification you want to jump right into.”
Instead of rushing into a single cert and hoping for the best, Leon found MyComputerCareer’s Cyber Warrior program, which stacks four CompTIA certifications: A+, Network+, Security+, and CySA+. The logic made sense. Why bet everything on one certification for an internship that wasn’t even guaranteed?
Showing Up Is Half the Battle
Leon credits instructors George Dehaven and Mellissa Clark for making complex concepts stick. George’s approach stood out: real-world scenarios paired with memorable stories that helped material click during exam time.
“George has a way of breaking down concepts that you can actually see in your daily life,” Leon explained. “And when you’re in the exam, you remember George’s story about that particular network concept.”
But it wasn’t just the instructors. Leon’s classmates created an environment where everyone pushed each other forward. “Iron sharpens iron,” he said. The military camaraderie helped, but George set the tone early: no rank systems in class, just people committed to helping each other succeed.
Leon’s advice for getting through the program? Treat it like going to the gym. Show up every day and you’ll see results.
Career Services Actually Delivered
When Leon first heard about MyComputerCareer’s lifetime career services, he didn’t believe it. “You’re telling me someone’s actually going to help me find a job? That doesn’t happen.”
Turns out it does. Samantha Leon from career services helped Leon prep for interviews, refine his resume, and understand how to stand out in a crowded market. When she sent him a TekSynap opening for a field technician role requiring 90% travel, Leon hesitated. He had a newborn on the way.
TekSynap then called him back with a different opportunity: a fully remote position with significantly better pay. All of this happened through career services without Leon having to scour job boards on his own.
The Remote Work Reality Check
Leon now works as an OT and SAM Inventory Specialist at TekSynap (though he joked that the details are “G13 classified”). The remote flexibility matters, but not for the reasons some people assume.
“Some people think working from home means taking naps all day,” Leon said. “What it actually gives you is the confidence to complete your tasks in a timely manner so you can do the other things throughout your day.” Like attending his seven-year-old’s birthday parties (on the weekends) without missing a beat.
One Message for Veterans on the Fence
Leon wrapped up with straightforward advice for veterans considering the program: use your GI Bill. MyComputerCareer walks you through the entire process, and the benefit exists for exactly this purpose.
“I don’t care what your MOS is, I don’t care where you come from, I don’t care what your education level is,” Leon said. “If you commit to yourself and take the time to learn, you can succeed. Start with day one. Show up. Day two, show up again. As long as you continue to show up every day, you will do great things.”
Four certifications later, Leon’s building a career in cybersecurity. Not bad for someone who started without a concrete transition plan.
Want to see if IT training is the right move for your career transition? Learn more about our programs and how we support veterans through the process.
