What happens when your career takes you down two completely different paths? Do you have to choose between a stable corporate job and a creative passion?
For Dami, the answer is no.
From his roots in Lagos, Nigeria, to building a career in cybersecurity while DJing internationally, Dami's journey proves that your professional identity doesn't have to fit into one box.
In this episode of Career Journals, we explore how Dami transitioned from engineering into cybersecurity, built a name for himself as a DJ, and found ways to turn his passion for music into another source of income.
Along the way, we discuss the importance of transferable skills, faith, family, and creating a career that reflects all the different parts of who you are.
Follow Dami on Instagram: @djdamiger
From Engineering to Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is one of those industries that sounds intimidating from the outside. Many people assume you need to be a coding genius or have spent your entire life working with computers to break into the field.
But the reality is that cybersecurity encompasses a wide range of skills and career paths.
Dami's journey from engineering into cybersecurity highlights how technical knowledge, problem-solving, and adaptability can open doors to new opportunities.
Engineering and cybersecurity share several foundational skills, including analytical thinking, troubleshooting, risk assessment, and understanding complex systems.
For students and young professionals interested in cybersecurity, the takeaway is simple: your first degree or job doesn't have to determine the rest of your career.
Building a Second Career Behind the DJ Booth
While building his professional career in technology, Dami also pursued another passion: music.
What began as a creative interest developed into opportunities to DJ professionally and internationally.
But building a creative career alongside a full-time job requires more than talent.
It involves developing a personal brand, building relationships, managing your schedule, and treating your passion like a business.
One of the most interesting parts of Dami's story is how his corporate and creative careers coexist.
Cybersecurity provides one professional path, while DJing offers another opportunity for creative expression, entrepreneurship, and income.
His journey challenges the idea that success means climbing one corporate ladder.
Sometimes, success means building multiple ladders.
How to Break Into Cybersecurity
If Dami's journey has you considering a career in cybersecurity, here are some practical steps to get started.
1. Build your technical foundation
Learn the basics of computer networks, operating systems, security principles, and how organizations protect their data.
2. Explore entry-level certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+ and ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity can help demonstrate foundational knowledge.
3. Get hands-on experience
Experiment with cybersecurity labs, capture-the-flag challenges, internships, and personal projects.
4. Explore different cybersecurity roles
Cybersecurity isn't one job. Depending on your strengths and interests, you could pursue positions such as:
Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
Cybersecurity Analyst
Security Engineer
Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Analyst
Cloud Security Engineer
Penetration Tester
5. Develop transferable skills
Communication, problem-solving, project management, and collaboration are valuable across cybersecurity teams.
Cybersecurity Careers: Job Titles and Salary Estimates
Cybersecurity can offer strong earning potential, although compensation varies significantly by experience, specialization, location, and employer.
The following are illustrative U.S. annual base salary ranges, not verified live salary benchmarks.
CareerEstimated Annual SalarySOC Analyst$60,000–$95,000Cybersecurity Analyst$75,000–$115,000GRC Analyst$75,000–$120,000Security Engineer$105,000–$160,000Cloud Security Engineer$120,000–$180,000Penetration Tester$90,000–$150,000
These are broad estimates and should be checked against current salary data before publication.
What About Turning DJing Into a Career?
Unlike traditional corporate careers, DJ income can vary considerably based on location, experience, audience size, bookings, and the type of events performed.
DJs can earn money through private events, weddings, clubs, festivals, corporate events, brand partnerships, and music production.
For someone balancing a corporate job and a creative business, DJing can also provide an additional income stream without requiring an immediate transition away from full-time employment.
Career Lessons From Dami's Journey
You don't have to choose one identity. Being successful in a technical field doesn't mean abandoning your creative interests.
Your skills are more transferable than you think. A background in engineering can lead to cybersecurity, while business and networking skills can support a creative career.
Passion and financial stability can coexist. Building a creative business alongside a corporate career can create flexibility and new opportunities.
Your support system matters. Faith, family, and relationships can influence the decisions you make and the risks you're willing to take.
Success doesn't have to look traditional. Sometimes the most fulfilling career path is one you create yourself.