In this episode of the Security Repo Podcast, Manoj Viswanathan shares his unconventional journey into cybersecurity, from a personal phishing incident to mastering Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions and interning at Toshiba. The conversation dives deep into the community-driven value of groups like BurbSec, the practical benefits of hands-on experience over certifications, and the evolving path from student to professional. Manoj also offers candid reflections on the importance of mentorship, curiosity, and perseverance for those entering the field.https://www.linkedin.com/in/manojvisw/https://burbsec.com/https://chibrrcon.com/Manoj is a recent cybersecurity graduate from Illinois Institute of Technology, where he gained hands-on experience as a Product Security Intern at Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions.Passionate about staying ahead in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape, Manoj is an avid attendee of security conferences, finding them an excellent resource for keeping up-to-date with the latest trends and advancements.