Evolve Security Academy

I recently completed the REMOTE program. I learned a lot more than I could by myself. Yes, as much as you learn from Evolve Security, you also must put in the effort to build yourself. There's no such thing as receiving and receiving, but by putting in the work and building avenues to succeed inside and outside the program, there is result. I would say this is a great way to break into the cybersecurity industry.

They always welcome feedback, but as much as it is hard to change something up, I am sure they will change it in the next cohort unless it's a serious issue.

This is also a great way to expose yourself to a work environment when working in a team to understand personalities and how to manage that. You are also self-exploring yourself rather than acquiring a skillset to expand your skills. It is underrated skillset that you won't notice, but by adapting and deep reflection, you understand how to communicate and how to improve on that if you are conscious about yourself. 

 

Had high hopes after reading the reviews here on Course Report and other bootcamp review websites. I was at a point in my life where I need a change and thought Evolve Security checked all the boxes. My feedback below is based on ensuring future students are well aware of what they'd get themselves into, instead of relying on the below 'rosy' reviews. It should've caught me earlier when the reviews were this good since really is anything actually worth 5 stars? I will break each experience I had into categories below so you're aware of where I'm coming from.

Pre-bootcamp exercises:

Thought this was straight forward but it's a lot of material. I don't think anyone truly competed all before starting. However, I do think you need to have a firm knowledge of networking concepts. Also equally important is knowing SQL, even at the beginner level which you'll need for one of the assignments later on. You'll also need to be comfortable/intermediate with Python 3 and Bash. I suggest learning it enough to understand what and when to run For Loops. Look up and review what bash scripts are in cyber security. That should've been included in the pre-bootcamp exercise. You will also need to review basics of cryptography more which wasn't stressed so much in Evolve but is required knowledge in Security+.

Course Material:

The course material is a mix of online teaching/webinar-style videos and un-downloadable papers of notes. Nothing seriously wrong with the teaching videos or notes.

The problems lie mostly in the homework and labs. There were plenty of typos and hard to figure out what was actually not wrong. Homework wasn't reviewed either which is good if you hate homework but it's bad if you do it and submit without any feedback. Instructors checked occassionally and were supposed to leave comments on errors on homework. That did not happen all the time, for almost all sections of the course materials. I did not expect it to be this way given the amount of money on the bootcamp. Our class did not feel it was ever a concern from Evolve to review and return feedback on time and it got to a point where we just didn't care as much.

Some of the homework were 10xs difficult than beginner level. This is my main problem with Evolve. At least if you're going to feature difficult homework, call it out earlier in the bootcamp in the prep exercises.  Even those with technical knowledge found the assignments to be extremely challenging. And there was hardly any follow up on those modules so you can bet that some classmates didn't complete or even get a chance to ask since homework wasn't reviewed.

There is also a strong leaning towards Linux and Apple which was clearly obvious as the majority of the course material was intended for these. It was difficult for those without a Mac to follow through as some of the commands or plug-ins had to be downloaded. Windows/PC is still used a lot in IT and Security so it would've made more sense to feature courses around Windows Malware and importantly having courses in general for those with PCs only.

Also as a bootcamp grad, note you'll be spending more time googling, looking at stack overflow, and watching YouTube videos. I didn't think it was going to be like this mostly but turns out it was at least 60-70% of the time like this.

Quizzes:

There are quizzes after each section of every module. Some of the questions were hard to understand and were timed. Some of them were also too easy. It should've been modeled after the Security+ or Network+ past exams so that we'd understand more and find it more useful.

Assessments:

This is only available for the in-person bootcamp cohorts. It's basically a test to see what you've learned from some of the modules and based on actual interview questions. At first we thought the assesments were intimidating but over time it was good 1 and 1 time with our instructor. Towards the end of the bootcamp, we slacked off these assesments, and naturally because it got really busy.

Projects:

You get a nonprofit client to work with. The client project also is on-site at their physical location. Our cohort enjoyed this part of the bootcamp for the most part since it was hands-on and we got a chance to see how an actual penetration test looked like, including putting together a client report and assesment. What was confusing was how Evolve organized the assesments. The assesments were conducted not only on-site but in the Evolve Security Academy office and there was confusion on who was supposed to organize what program or run whatever command (sorry I can't give these command details away). There was also a reliance on some of the more technical classmates and it felt like the instuctors had deferred it back to us. I would've thought they would guide more since it was our first time but to some point, it felt hands off. At least our cohort were working closer together so we helped each other out.

Some classmates didn't really do much for the client which happens in class settings. I do think they could've participated more or at least managed something part of the assesment for their own experience instead of taking credit for the project. However, we managed to present to the client and they liked our work a lot. 

ESCP exam:

This exam happens at the end of the bootcamp. I felt it was extremely hard. We were caught up with the work with the client where practicing with others and studying was left at the way side. We also didn't have one of our key instructors to go over issues with. I wasn't expecting a lot of hand-holding but I did want to study more instead of having to deal with a client. I know it's hard already in a bootcamp and not having enough time to study was also harder. You are expected to pass this ESCP in order to pass the entire bootcamp, so I thought this should've been something we studied for 2-3 weeks and in groups with one another.

Instructors:

Overall all of the instructors were good but I do think the typos and mistakes overshadowed the amount of learning. One of the instructors was a strong penetration tester and we were supposed to have him instruct us but he left for a few weeks because of personal issues. We didn't have anyone except our Teacher's Assistant who is also quite busy working for Evolve separately. I think the depth of knowledge is different from both and it was a cop out that we didn't get a chance to really get into malware or forensics which was hardly touched on and was supposed to be discussed by the lead instructor.

Separately there was a google sheet for feedback for each instructor or after each week. It didn't feel like it was being reviewed honestly. Also Evolve could've had a section after each module asking what students felt so that they would actually review it in the course. We had left some comments on there that asked or spoke about whta could be better but not sure it was going to be implemented, at least in our cohort.

You can try to catch an instructor at the beginning or at the end of each class. There was also time to go over with the Teacher's Instructor. I thought this was good at least I could reach out. I do think there should've been a review time too to go over in more detail the harder subjects i.e Cryptography.

Job Preparation:

This is the reason why I took the boot camp. It seemed like everyone had a fantastic experience which means they should've gotten jobs! Sorry it wasn't so. At your disposal is a career coach and a few resume reviews and a few job recruiters who are only based in the Chicago region. For those seeking remote positions, I don't think anyone gave information on how this could be done. I didn't like how the recruiters seemed to offer contract roles only and only in Chicago. What about those who lived elsewhere? But that's that's on them to figure out. There wasn't any talk of developing projects or figuring out how to network but rather deferring that back to us. Also some of the past alums seemed to be helpful while others seemed too busy or not willing to really help. I would've expected a direct hire style since those graduates were working in a few well known companies like banks or consulting companies but there's nothing like that built yet. You still have to reach out to alums and you still have to apply through job sites. 

Network:

Since its a Chicago based company, they do have a relatively familiar name. I was able to get by during some meetups talking about Evolve. Some folks were curious as to what a cybersecurity bootcamp is. Evolve is also connected to a few organizations like United Airlines and CME group who have some graduates who work there. However, note that those who work there might not have been a direct hire so you have to weigh that back in as a contractor.

Conclusion:

If you're deciding on going to Evolve, it's mostly b/c you saw the news about the job shortage in cybersecurity or you might have some knowledge in programming or IT. You'll have a clear advantage if you come from either programming or IT as concepts are pulled from those areas or cybesecurity is part of those subjects. If you're not as techincal, it will be hard for you. I don't think Evolve did a great job helping those out who are not as technically inclined. You can work had to try and learn cybersecurity concepts but what's expected from you  is to pass the ESCP exam which is a bit more difficult for those who are new. 

Also looking back I do wish I had told instructors how I felt but felt pressured since not everyone felt they could speak out. I spent so much money and only now realized I could've spent that money learning the Security+ exam inside/out and following through with online courses. Yes online courses are also detailed and might not be updated but they cost significantly less. There are also alternatives like pluralsight, ITPROTV or pentesteracademy/pentesterlab. Also there are more amazing cybersecurity communities out there online and Security professionals overall are helpful. I think what made Evolve interesting is the name it gave and for the glowing reviews. It's also slightly well known in Chicago but not heard as much else where (that's only because Evolve is still new).

I would also look into job descriptions. If you read what the industry is really looking for, it sounds very 'experienced'. I wouldn't let that deter you from pursuing cybersecurity but be realistic of what you'd have to pay and what you'd get in return. You can also spend nearly the same amount of money for a grad certificate or even at for-profit online college or gone on edx.org for a micro-masters degree which would've had peer reviewed the content and passed it through educational boards. (Like those typos would've not existed)

I wish all the best to those who are part of Evolve. I wished it was worth the time and effort. I also think they should just own up to the work and take this review as a critique from someone wants others to be successful and not disillusioned by cybersecurity. Evolve offered a foundational knowledge but it didn't feel like it was worth much.

My experience at Evolve Academy far exceeded my expectations. I applied to the program looking to upgrade my technical knowledge and embark on a new career in cybersecurity. I received everything that I was looking for and so much more than that. From my first interactions with the team and during my entire journey at Evolve, I've been deeply impressed by the personable attitude to me, which has led to tailored and customized educational program suited specifically to my background and goals. No other school has been able to provide this level of flexibility. The material and curriculum are cutting edge, and while I appreciated this during the course of study, I have been even more amazed of how relevant the covered material is now when I am out in the field, putting these concepts to work. I literally feel as though I have been in a prep program sponsored by my current employer. Not to mention that I am very happy with the contacts and acquaintances I've been able to make. Besides everything else, Evolve is a great place to network and I hope to continue to reap the rewards of my experience here in the future.

I elected to attend the boot camp as an experienced IT professional.  My career consisted of application development, web development, networking and infrastructure management.  I recently made the full time switch from Infrastructure into IT Security.   My goal for attending the boot camp was to get the "hands on keyboard" experience back into my daily routine, something that was lacking in my recent experience as a manager.  The boot camp did not disappoint and delivered on so many levels.  At times it can feel like you're drowning in material but you have the support of the instructors and your fellow cohort students to help get you thru.  As the name implies the material is constantly "Evolving", changing to fit into whats relevant in the industry.  On top of the mountain of tools that you're provided throughout the program, there is something just as valuable that you walk away with......friends for life.  Having run thru the gauntlet of a boot camp with your fellow students there is a bond that develops that is almost impossible to break.  If you're looking for a challenging environment that will push your technical skills to the edge, looking to make life long friends and finding contacts in the cyber security realm to help jump start your career.  Evolve is an excellent choice.  It does live up to the "boot camp" name but if you're dedicated and put in the time, its a very rewarding experience.  I would do it all over again if given the chance.  

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Take a leap into the dark to find what you are looking for.

Evolve is a great company. Every one I met is on point- very responsive and genuinely interested in your success.

I had a bit of a technical background going into the course, but I wasn't very familiar with security. The course gives you a controlled environment to learn about security with the support and supervision of industry professionals. Throughout the course I was able to build a solid set of security skills, develop a better understanding of security and how security may impact business, and establish a professional network of like-minded security professionals. 

Like many security courses your success is ultimately your own responsibility. The course covers a lot of material and without putting in some extra hours you will still get a lot from the course, but I recommend buckling down for about 17-19 weeks to really optimize your results. 

Evolve has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. If you are at all interested in information/cyber security, I absolutely recommend Evolve Security Academy. 

Evolve gave me the knowledge and opportunity to make a total career change. I started with zero formal technology training, but Evolve academy has given me the tools to succeed in this extremely awesome, interesting, explosively growing field. 

The bootcamp course is intense and challenging but not overwhelming. The part-time program is 12 weeks in-person (4 weeks remote). Despite working full time and having class up to five days a week, I am never tired or dreading class, in fact I look forward to it. Classes are held in 1871, which is fun and offers many amenities. The people in my very small cohort all come from vastly different backgrounds and we have become a very close, supportive group.

The curriculum includes everything from policy, encryption, network architecture, social engineering, computer forensics and a lot more. Whether setting up and hardening your own Linux server in Asia, or creating a comprehensive security policy for a local startup, or penetration testing the network of an actual company-- the class will provide you with actual, real-world experience, not just theoretical knowledge. We had many talented guest speakers from all over the industry come to class and work directly with us. Class structure includes starting with a lecture and then hands-on lab work to really dig in and learn the material firsthand, as well as an apprenticeship program doing security work with real companies. 

The program founders and instructors are passionate, intelligent and supportive. They will listen to and value any comments, concerns or recommendations you have as a student, and advocate for you. Whether in class, or months later when I was up late working on a project, the Evolve team has been supportive.  

After and during the program, Evolve provides countless opportunities to network and meet people currently working in the industry. Evolve will actively support and guide you through the stressful job hunting process. I found a job just 2 months after beginning to actively look; a Security Analyst position as a fortune 100 company that pays a lot more than my previous job, which was only possible thanks to Evolve.