I Help You Choose the Right Tech Path — Without Guessing.
Clear guidance for college-bound families, working women, and career changers — so you can stop guessing and start moving with confidence.
Practical help for choosing the right path, building a plan, and taking the next step.
Hi, I’m Dr. Rose Shumba.
- Tech Career Strategist
- Computer Science Professor
- Head of a Computing Department
- Founder of The Tech Academy
Many people pick a tech path based on hype or fear. That can lead to the wrong major, wasted tuition, and a plan that does not work.
I help you make a smart choice and build a clear plan — step by step.
Real Results. Real Leadership.
Here are a few reasons people trust my guidance:
- 500+ Career Changers Helped: I’ve helped 500+ adults move into tech careers they enjoy.
- 20+ Years of Experience: I have 20+ years in software engineering, teaching, and cybersecurity education.
- Department Leader: I am the Head of a Computing Department and a Computer Science professor.
- Cybersecurity Leadership: Former Director for the NSA/DHS Center for Cyber Defense (use exact official title). I have also served as an Associate Vice Dean for graduate cybersecurity programs and as a Cyber Science professor at a military institution.
- Former Software Engineer: I worked as a software engineer for a high-tech company.
- College Success Guidance: I have worked with hundreds of college-bound families and college students. I know what college success looks like, and how to prepare with confidence.
- Awards: Recipient of the 2024 University System of Maryland (USM) Elkins Professorship Award and the USM Mentoring Award.
- System Creator: I created the Tech Career Switch Success System™ to help people avoid costly mistakes and follow a clear plan.
Trusted and Recognized
Featured in The New York Times for building a “Tech Pipeline” that helps place students into high-demand tech programs. Also featured in Scripps News, The Post Star, and The News & Advance.
Who I Help
This is for you if you are:
1) A College-Bound Student or Parent
You want to pick the right major early, plan for internships early, and avoid wasting money.
2) A Working Professional Woman or Single Mom
You want a better career, but you also need a plan that fits real life and real responsibilities.
3) A Career Changer
You want a fresh start and a stable career. You may have training already, but you still don’t know what to do next. I help you get clear and move forward.
You do not have to figure this out alone.
My Story
How I Got Here
Mentorship started early for me. In 6th grade, I asked my teacher if I could help students who were struggling in math. He let me tutor. I learned that helping others is part of who I am.
I started my career as a software engineer. But I often felt stuck. I did not receive mentorship, and I did not see a clear path forward.
So I went back to school. I earned my MS and PhD in Computer Science.
Here’s what I don’t usually talk about. I started my PhD with a two-week-old baby. Daycare was expensive. We did not qualify for benefits. I questioned myself constantly.
After I finished, I joined academia. I accepted a lower salary because I needed flexibility as a mom.
Later, I found my way into cybersecurity because a senior faculty member invited me into her work. For the first time, I had a mentor who truly supported me.
Why I Built My System
Even with success, I spent years in places where I felt invisible. I stayed longer than I should have because I had bills to pay.
I learned this truth: Luck is not a strategy. You should not have to hope the right mentor shows up at the right time. We all need mentors.
That is why I teach strategy now. I help people build a plan that works — even if they feel stuck today.
This is why I started The Tech Academy.
My Values
1) You’re Not Starting Over
You are building on what you already know. Your skills still matter. I help you translate them into tech.
2) You Can’t Rely on Luck
Career change should not be a gamble. You need a plan, a clear starting point, and support.
3) Faith + Community Matter
My faith is part of how I mentor: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).
I believe people grow faster with support and accountability. I am building more community support around this work, because big transitions are hard to do alone.
4) Fulfillment Matters
I want you to have a career where you feel valued — not just a paycheck.
Note: This page shares my story. If you want to see the system I built to guide families and career changers, visit the “How It Works” page.
