How to get an entry-level cyber security job
Cyber security is one of the most in-demand and rewarding fields in the IT industry. Cyber security professionals work to protect data, networks and systems from cyber threats and attacks. If you are interested in pursuing a career in this field, you may wonder how to get started and what skills and qualifications you need.
In this blog post, we will share some tips and advice on how to get an entry-level cyber security job, based on various sources. We will cover the following topics:
Formulate a clear and achievable career plan
Gain the necessary education
Research relevant certificates
Know where to look for entry-level positions
Continue to enhance your knowledge and skills
Formulate a clear and achievable career plan
The first step to getting an entry-level cyber security job is to have a clear and realistic idea of what you want to do and where you want to go.
Cyber security is a broad and diverse field that encompasses many roles and specialties, such as security analyst, network engineer, penetration tester, security architect, etc.
To narrow down your options, you should research the different types of cyber security jobs and their responsibilities, requirements, salary ranges and career prospects. You can use online resources such as Indeed, LinkedIn, CyberSeek or Cybersecurity Career Pathway to find out more about the various cyber security careers.
You should also assess your own strengths, interests and goals, and identify the skills and qualifications that you already have or need to acquire. You can use online tools such as Skillset or Cybrary to test your current level of cyber security knowledge and skills.
Based on your research and self-assessment, you can then formulate a clear and achievable career plan that outlines your short-term and long-term objectives, the steps you need to take to achieve them, and the resources you need to access or acquire.
Gain the necessary education
The next step to getting an entry-level cyber security job is to gain the necessary education that will provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills in this field. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to education in cyber security, there are some common options that you can consider:
A degree in cyber security or a related field: A degree in cyber security or a related field such as computer science, information technology or engineering can give you a comprehensive and structured education that covers the core concepts and principles of cyber security. A degree can also help you meet the educational requirements for some cyber security jobs or certifications. However, a degree can also be costly and time-consuming, and may not always reflect the latest trends and technologies in the industry.
A bootcamp or online course: A bootcamp or online course can offer you a more flexible, affordable and practical way to learn cyber security skills. A bootcamp or online course can help you focus on specific topics or areas of interest, such as network security, malware analysis, cloud security, etc. A bootcamp or online course can also help you gain hands-on experience working with real tools and scenarios in a virtual lab environment. However, a bootcamp or online course may not always provide you with the same depth and breadth of knowledge as a degree program.
A self-taught approach: A self-taught approach can allow you to learn cyber security skills at your own pace and according to your own preferences. A self-taught approach can help you access a variety of free or low-cost resources online, such as blogs, podcasts, videos, books, forums, etc. A self-taught approach can also help you develop your own projects or participate in competitions or challenges that can showcase your skills. However, a self-taught approach may require more discipline and motivation than other options, and may not always provide you with the guidance or feedback that you need.
Research relevant certificates
Another step to getting an entry-level cyber security job is to research relevant certificates that can validate your skills and knowledge in this field. Certificates are credentials that are issued by recognized organizations or vendors after you pass an exam or complete a course. Certificates can help you demonstrate your competence and credibility in specific domains or technologies of cyber security.
There are many certificates available for different levels of experience and expertise in cyber security. Some of the common entry-level certificates focused on networking and security basics include:
