Hello and welcome to the first entry of my OSCP Prep Diaries! This series is all about sharing my journey as I navigate the challenging waters of one of the most respected certifications in cybersecurity.
As we approach the end of December, I find myself at a significant turning point in my journey toward the OSCP certification. I originally embarked on this path in August when I purchased the course, full of enthusiasm and determination. However, life, as it often does, presented its array of challenges and distractions. This ultimately led to a slower pace in my studies than I had initially planned.
Reflecting on the Past Few Months
As I sit down to reflect on the past few months since I embarked on my OSCP journey, I realize it’s been a period of mixed emotions and varied challenges. When I first bought the OSCP course in August, my enthusiasm was sky-high. I envisioned a smooth sail through the modules, mastering techniques and concepts. But, as often happens, life’s complexities don’t always align with our plans.
During these months, my role as a penetration tester demanded considerable attention. Additionally, my academic pursuits in artificial intelligence remained equally demanding, requiring dedicated study and project work.
Balancing these professional commitments with my responsibilities as a mother and my aspirations to build a startup introduced a juggling act. The thin line between personal and professional life seemed to blur more often than not. Unfortunately, this led to a scenario where my OSCP preparation intermittently took a back seat.
Hidden Accomplishments
Despite these hurdles, my journey wasn’t without its accomplishments. The study sessions I managed to squeeze in were immensely fruitful. They were small yet significant steps towards understanding the vast and complex world of cybersecurity more deeply. Each module I completed, every lab exercise I engaged in, added to my knowledge and skills. Albeit at a slower pace than I had hoped.
In hindsight, these months were not just about the progress I made in the OSCP curriculum. They were also about the lessons in time management, prioritization, and resilience. They taught me the importance of adapting to changing circumstances and finding balance amidst chaos. There were moments of frustration, undoubtedly, when I felt I wasn’t moving forward as fast as I wanted. Yet, each of these moments was a learning experience. It taught me the value of patience and the importance of persisting despite challenges.
Now, as I stand at the cusp of a new phase in this journey, I carry with me not just the knowledge gained from the course but also the wisdom gleaned from these past months. The experiences have shaped my approach to learning and my understanding of how to navigate the demanding path I’ve chosen.
A Renewed Commitment
Reflecting on the slower pace of my study in the past few months, I’ve recognized the need for a more disciplined and structured approach. This realization has led to a conscious decision to refocus my efforts and re-prioritize my schedule. The OSCP isn’t just another certification for me. It represents a milestone in my cybersecurity career, a testament to my skills, and a beacon for my professional growth. The next five months will be crucial, and I’m fully committed to making the most of this time.
I plan to delve deeper into the OSCP materials, spending more time in the labs, and challenging myself with complex scenarios that mimic real-world penetration testing environments. I’m also integrating a system of self-accountability. Sharing my progress and hurdles in these OSCP Prep Diaries will serve as a form of commitment and motivation.
Understanding the intensity of the OSCP preparation, I’m also aware of the need to maintain a balance. The well-being of my family remains a priority, and as a mother, I’m conscious of the need to integrate my study schedule with family time. This balance is crucial not only for my personal life but also as a source of emotional and mental strength as I undertake this challenging endeavor.
The road ahead is undoubtedly daunting. The OSCP is known for its rigor and its ability to push individuals to their limits. Yet, in this challenge, I see an opportunity – an opportunity to grow, to test my boundaries, and to emerge stronger, not just as a cybersecurity professional but as a person.
The Plan Ahead
As I chart out my plan for the next five months leading up to the OSCP exam in May, I’m aware of the challenge that lies ahead. The OSCP is notorious for its intensity and demands a level of dedication and skill that goes beyond many other certifications. With this in mind, I’ve developed a comprehensive plan that not only addresses the academic aspect of the preparation but also considers the personal and professional dimensions of my life.
First and foremost, I’ve devised a structured study schedule. This involves allocating specific hours each day exclusively for OSCP prep. This comes with a focus on both theoretical learning and practical labs. A significant part of my preparation will be dedicated to practical labs. The OSCP is hands-on, and proficiency in these labs is crucial. I intend to simulate real-world scenarios, pushing myself to apply the concepts I learn in theory to practical, problem-solving situations. This hands-on experience is invaluable and I believe it will be the cornerstone of my success in the exam.
As a working professional, student, and mother, finding a balance between my OSCP preparation, job responsibilities, and family life is crucial. I’m committed to ensuring that my work, school, and family commitments are not compromised. This might involve better time management, such as waking up earlier for study sessions or utilizing weekends effectively for longer periods of uninterrupted preparation.
Conclusion
I anticipate a challenging journey ahead, especially considering my multifaceted life. However, I believe in the power of a well-structured plan and the support of a community. I will be sharing my weekly progress, the obstacles I face, and the strategies I employ to overcome them. From time management tips to technical insights, I hope these diaries will serve as a candid account of my journey to May.
As I reignite my journey towards the OSCP certification, I invite you to join me through these diaries. Whether you are also preparing for the OSCP, contemplating a similar journey, or simply interested in the world of cybersecurity. I hope my experiences will offer valuable insights and inspiration.
View Week 1 Here:
