RMF Academy: Please Rate the Podcast: Time stamps: 00:00 Passion for Tech and Cybersecurity 03:40 Cybersecurity Mentorship Sparked Interest 08:45 SOC: First Line of Defense 12:24 Essential Cybersecurity Tools Overview 14:57 "Building Your Personal Brand" 18:46 "Embracing Growth and Experience" 21:54 Security Operations Center Roles 22:49 Cybersecurity: Purpose and Mentorship 28:10 "Building Connections and Confidence" 29:10 "Start Small, Build Connections" 32:45 "Striving for Growth and Family" 36:02 "Cybersecurity Careers and Investment Tips" 40:55 "Dominic Alegrety Online Presence" Video Description: Welcome back to the Tech Woke Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with cybersecurity standout Dominic Alegrete, a young professional who broke into tech at just 17 years old with no degree and no traditional pathway. His story is one of discipline, consistency, and real-world learning. We dig into Dominic’s journey from high school to working inside a Security Operations Center (SOC), how he landed multiple tech roles without a college degree, and the mindset it took to build skills fast. Dominic breaks down the real path into cybersecurity, including finding the right mentors, building hands-on experience, taking the certifications that actually matter like Security+, and using LinkedIn to build a personal brand that attracts recruiters. We also talk about being the youngest person in the room, overcoming imposter syndrome, staying focused in a fast-moving cybersecurity environment, and why giving back and serving others is part of his mission. If you're trying to break into cybersecurity, transition into tech, learn GRC or RMF, become a SOC analyst, or you just want motivation to start where you are, this episode delivers real, practical advice you won’t get from certification books. Tap in, take notes, and let this conversation push you to define your “why,” level up your skills, and build a career with purpose. Welcome to the Tech Woke Podcast. Let’s get into it.