We had the good fortune of connecting with Davin Jackson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Davin, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I want to create a secure and welcoming environment for gamers to come together and enjoy their favorite video games. Additionally, I educate them about the esports ecosystem and how the skills they acquire through gaming can kickstart their careers in the fields of technology, STEM, and cybersecurity.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Father, Husband, Air Force Veteran, Cybersecurity professional, podcaster, and content creator. I have been in tech for almost 20 years. My love for gaming and anime lured me into hacking and tech. However, it wasn’t until after I left the Air Force that I looked at tech as a career. I always was a “techy,” but I always thought I wasn’t good or smart enough to be in tech. At that time, there weren’t many people who looked like me in tech that I could look to for motivation.

I began studying and obtaining tech certifications while also working wherever I could get hired. It wasn’t easy working and studying around the clock and being a new father and husband, But I knew if I wanted to provide a better life for us, that was the only way to do it. After a few years, I landed a job at a school district, where I was introduced to cybersecurity. Following some research, I discovered the field of penetration testing or ethical hacking. Months later, I attended an Ethical Hacking BootCamp in Virginia and was hooked! As a penetration tester, I have worked on security engagements for various businesses, including Fortune 500 companies, government facilities, schools, hospitals, and more.

Eventually, I founded Alpha Cybersecurity, which creates content to teach people about cybersecurity as a career and provide tips on how to keep themselves safe from cyberattacks.

Around 2019, I signed up my son for an esports league, and during one of his practices, I noticed that the awareness and mindset the coach was teaching were similar to what I do in cybersecurity. In fact, there are several skills gamers of all experience levels have that are transferable to careers in tech and other industries. Gaming (when done the right way) can significantly enhance cognitive skills, critical thinking, creativity, and mental health.

We also use games to teach essential life skills like effective communication, sportsmanship, leadership, teamwork, and accountability. Another exciting aspect is the Esports ecosystem, which offers various career opportunities in the industry beyond being a gamer.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
It may sound cheesy, but I want to thank my wife, kids, and family for believing in me and supporting me in starting this new company. Starting a new business is scary, and there are several challenges we deal with in business and our personal lives. But they have truly been a great source of support.

I also want to thank our great community of gamers and techies who support what we do and choose us as their go-to space for gaming and all things tech!

Website: https://www.alphaesportstech.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alphaesportstech/

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/davin-jackson

Twitter: https://twitter.com/djax_alpha

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alphaesportstech

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@alphaesportstech

Image Credits
Davin Jackson and Alpha Esports & Technology

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