Every career journey starts somewhere, and for Grace Weymouth, the road to cybersecurity began in an unexpected way.
Originally interested in biomedical engineering, Grace never imagined she'd build her career in cybersecurity. But while exploring her options in college, a dream about working in cybersecurity inspired her to learn more about the field. The more she explored, the more she realized it was the right fit.
That curiosity led her to Thomas College, where she studied cybersecurity and began building the foundation of her career. In the summer of 2025, she joined Systems Engineering as a Network Engineering Intern, a role that would eventually lead to her current full-time position as a Security Operations Center (SOC) Technician.
Looking back, Grace describes her internship as much more than a learning opportunity. "The internship was really a gateway, a special place. The culture drew me in and drew me back," she said.
What stood out most was the sense of belonging she felt from her team. Through the Network Engineering internship, she gained exposure to different departments through a 13-week rotation, learned how teams collaborate to support clients, and built a strong foundation for her transition into a full-time role.
Today, Grace is part of the Security Operations Center (SOC), where she helps organizations stay ahead of cyber threats. Her work includes managing security tickets, supporting cybersecurity solutions, participating in incident response efforts, and helping deliver Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services. She also helps organizations strengthen their security awareness programs.
One of the accomplishments she's most proud of is her involvement with the Security Awareness initiative. As one of the early leads on the project, she was able to take ownership of meaningful work while helping clients build stronger security cultures.
What keeps Grace excited about cybersecurity is the constant opportunity to learn. "There's always new threats and new vulnerabilities coming out," she said. "There's always something new to keep you on your toes and learn about."
The passion for learning aligns closely with what she values most at Systems Engineering: the culture. Grace describes the environment as supportive, collaborative, and focused on growth. She credits much of her development to a team that encourages questions, shares knowledge freely, and invests in professional development through training, certifications, and hands-on experience. "The culture stands out. My only way to describe it is that the teamwork is unmatched."
Looking ahead, Grace hopes to continue exploring different areas of cybersecurity, including incident response, networking, governance, and advisory services.
As a woman in STEM, she also understands the challenges that can come with entering a technical field. Her advice to students and young professionals is simple: be patient with yourself and commit to learning. "Be prepared to put your head in the books and be in the weeds for a little bit," she said. "It can be overwhelming at first."
She also believes STEM careers offer a unique opportunity to make a difference. "If you're going into STEM, you're doing something helpful in some manner."
For students hoping to land their first internship, Grace recommends seeking opportunities that provide exposure to different teams and experiences. Understanding how people and technologies work together can provide just as much as technical skills alone.
When asked what she wishes more people knew about Systems Engineering, her answer reflects the same enthusiasm that brought her back after her internship, "Systems Engineering has a special spark."
Outside of work, Grace enjoys spending time with family and friends, crocheting, reading, working on puzzles, and finding ways to recharge away from a screen.
