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Launching a career in cybersecurity could be a turning point for anyone’s career. Cybersecurity is a field full of opportunities, but also a lot of instability.
People usually picture cybersecurity as one static position; someone in charge of taking care of the whole online security strategy for companies. In reality, cybersecurity is an umbrella term that covers a wide range of dynamic and important roles. Each role has its own responsibilities and required skills, so, understandably, choosing a path is difficult.
Address Where You Are on Your Cybersecurity Journey
If you are just getting started in cybersecurity, you’ll probably start slow and in a junior position. You’ll build the experience and basic skills you’ll need to improve.
If you have already been in the game for a while, then chances are, you’ve moved into a more senior role. Maybe even leading a security team or managing the overall protection of your company’s systems.
Asses Your Own Skills
It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or a more experienced professional; you still need to evaluate where you currently are and where you want to go.
How-To: Start a Self-Assessment
- List all your technical competencies and your level of knowledge of each one. (e.g., Python, Linux, Wireshark, etc.)
- Use online checklists like the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework.
- Compare your current skills to real job descriptions on LinkedIn. But don’t get too addicted to it, because too much comparison might also make you feel a bit of impostor syndrome.
What was your dream when you first started thinking about cybersecurity as a career? Hold on tight to that, and it might surprisingly lead the way.
Explore Every Possible Path
Not everyone takes the same road into cybersecurity, but that’s good because it means there is not only one road to get there. Here’s a breakdown of the most common paths you could explore:
The Educational Route
If you’re a traditionalist and prefer to attend traditional classes, whether that’s online or in person, going through college or university is the best choice for you. Take your time to research educational institutions and choose the most convenient options for you. Keep in mind scheduling, prices, and formats before committing to one.
The Hands-On Experience Path
If you are not into a college vibe or do not have the right budget, do not stress. There are tons of technical programs and short-term training options designed to help you break into cybersecurity fast. You can even find online camps for quite affordable prices and flexible schedules.
The Option for Autodidacts
If you love to learn on your own, there’s an immeasurable amount of free content online. Think about YouTube tutorials, personal blogs with other professionals’ experiences, forums, and even free courses and certifications. Be aware that this path could take longer and that some companies still prioritize formal credentials.
Build Up Your CV
It’s no secret that certifications are often the first thing employers look for, but surprise, surprise, real experience is important for them too. Here’s a step-by-step plan you could follow:
- Set up your lab environment to experiment. Get your hands dirty with experience and don’t be afraid to make mistakes in this safe environment. Experiment as much as you want and have fun.
- Participate in internships or volunteer. Nonprofits and startups sometimes offer roles that allow you to build your portfolio.
- Practice basic networking. Ask other professionals how they started and what their recommendations and tips are.
Your Security Matters Too
As you start learning about cybersecurity, you’ll also encounter tools that professionals rely on to stay secure online, even when outside of work. Anyone can use and access these basic tools, it’s just a matter of doing the right research and being proactive.
VPNs are maybe the most common and accessible tools for protecting your online information. If you’re comparing different services like NordVPN versus Surfshark, both are solid choices, and the right one for you depends on your preferences.
Don’t spare on security, after all, you should start with the basics and take care of your own safety first.
Plan Your Long-Term Goals
Ain’t a shock that planning long-term is equally important as setting small goals, especially considering that cybersecurity is an evolving field that saw a solid boost, growing by 8.7% between 2022 and 2023.
Cybersecurity is a changing field that’s constantly progressing, and while this is a lot of fun, it’s also demanding. Planning long-term could help with this situation and allow a more organized action plan. One thing is for sure: do not confuse planning with being rigid. Some flexibility is always needed in life because (sadly or luckily) unexpected things can happen.
How to Create a Cybersecurity Career Roadmap:
- Short-term (0–6 months): Complete foundational certs like Security+.
- Mid-term (6–18 months): Gain job experience or do contract work.
- Long-term (2+ years): Specialize (e.g., in cloud security, SOC analysis, etc.)
There’s One Cybersecurity Path For All
Don’t let starting a career in cybersecurity scare you. Everything might seem extra challenging at the beginning, but it’s really just a matter of following your intuition and planning accordingly.
Trust the process and your ability; even if other professionals take different paths, it doesn’t mean that yours isn’t right. In the worst-case scenario, every mistake is a lesson, taking you closer to your final destination.
