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What other careers did you consider before committing to Cybersecurity?
This is an important question for me as I'm unsure if I want to dedicate my time to cybersecurity as I have no prior knowledge of this subject.
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6 answers
Updated
Gayathri’s Answer
Hay, lando!
It's completely normal to feel uncertain about committing to a career path, especially in a field as specialized as cybersecurity. Many people explore various options before settling on a career that aligns with their interests, skills, and long-term goals. Here are some alternative careers that individuals often consider before committing to cybersecurity:
1. Information Technology (IT) Support
Why Consider It? IT support roles are a great way to build foundational technical skills. You’ll gain experience with hardware, software, networking, and troubleshooting, which are all relevant to cybersecurity.
Transition to Cybersecurity: Many cybersecurity professionals start in IT support and then specialize in security as they gain experience and certifications.
2. Software Development
Why Consider It? If you enjoy coding and problem-solving, software development can be a rewarding career. It also provides a strong understanding of how applications are built, which is valuable in cybersecurity.
Transition to Cybersecurity: Developers often move into roles like application security or secure software development.
3. Network Administration
Why Consider It? Network administrators manage and maintain an organization’s network infrastructure. This role provides a deep understanding of networking, which is crucial for cybersecurity.
Transition to Cybersecurity: Network administrators often transition into roles like network security engineer or cybersecurity analyst.
4. Data Analysis
Why Consider It? Data analysts work with large datasets to extract insights and inform decision-making. This role can be a good fit if you enjoy working with data and have strong analytical skills.
Transition to Cybersecurity: Data analysis skills are valuable in cybersecurity, particularly in roles like security data analyst or threat intelligence analyst.
5. System Administration
Why Consider It? System administrators manage and maintain an organization’s IT infrastructure, including servers and operating systems. This role provides a solid foundation in IT operations.
Transition to Cybersecurity: System administrators often move into roles like system security administrator or cybersecurity engineer.
6. Risk Management
Why Consider It? Risk management involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks to an organization. This role is more business-oriented but still relevant to cybersecurity.
Transition to Cybersecurity: Risk management professionals often transition into roles like cybersecurity risk analyst or compliance officer.
7. Digital Forensics
Why Consider It? Digital forensics involves investigating cybercrimes and analyzing digital evidence. This can be a fascinating field if you’re interested in law enforcement or criminal justice.
Transition to Cybersecurity: Digital forensics is a specialized area within cybersecurity, so this could be a direct path.
8. Project Management
Why Consider It? If you have strong organizational and leadership skills, project management could be a good fit. IT project management, in particular, can provide exposure to cybersecurity projects.
Transition to Cybersecurity: Project managers with IT experience often move into roles like cybersecurity project manager or program manager.
9. Consulting
Why Consider It? Consulting roles allow you to work on a variety of projects across different industries. This can be a good way to explore different areas of IT and cybersecurity.
Transition to Cybersecurity: Many consultants specialize in cybersecurity as they gain experience.
10. Education and Training
Why Consider It? If you enjoy teaching and mentoring, a career in IT education and training could be fulfilling. This role allows you to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and share your knowledge with others.
Transition to Cybersecurity: Educators often transition into roles like cybersecurity trainer or instructional designer.
Steps to Help You Decide:
Self-Assessment: Identify your interests, strengths, and long-term career goals.
Research: Look into the day-to-day responsibilities of each career and see which aligns best with your interests.
Education and Certifications: Consider taking introductory courses or earning certifications in areas that interest you (e.g., CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+).
Networking: Talk to professionals in these fields to gain insights and advice.
Internships or Entry-Level Roles: Gain hands-on experience through internships or entry-level positions to see what you enjoy most.
Remember, it's okay to explore different paths before committing to one. Many professionals switch careers multiple times before finding the right fit. Cybersecurity is a dynamic and growing field, but it’s important to choose a career that you’re passionate about and that aligns with your skills and interests.
https://www.codevoacademy.com/index.php
It's completely normal to feel uncertain about committing to a career path, especially in a field as specialized as cybersecurity. Many people explore various options before settling on a career that aligns with their interests, skills, and long-term goals. Here are some alternative careers that individuals often consider before committing to cybersecurity:
1. Information Technology (IT) Support
Why Consider It? IT support roles are a great way to build foundational technical skills. You’ll gain experience with hardware, software, networking, and troubleshooting, which are all relevant to cybersecurity.
Transition to Cybersecurity: Many cybersecurity professionals start in IT support and then specialize in security as they gain experience and certifications.
2. Software Development
Why Consider It? If you enjoy coding and problem-solving, software development can be a rewarding career. It also provides a strong understanding of how applications are built, which is valuable in cybersecurity.
Transition to Cybersecurity: Developers often move into roles like application security or secure software development.
3. Network Administration
Why Consider It? Network administrators manage and maintain an organization’s network infrastructure. This role provides a deep understanding of networking, which is crucial for cybersecurity.
Transition to Cybersecurity: Network administrators often transition into roles like network security engineer or cybersecurity analyst.
4. Data Analysis
Why Consider It? Data analysts work with large datasets to extract insights and inform decision-making. This role can be a good fit if you enjoy working with data and have strong analytical skills.
Transition to Cybersecurity: Data analysis skills are valuable in cybersecurity, particularly in roles like security data analyst or threat intelligence analyst.
5. System Administration
Why Consider It? System administrators manage and maintain an organization’s IT infrastructure, including servers and operating systems. This role provides a solid foundation in IT operations.
Transition to Cybersecurity: System administrators often move into roles like system security administrator or cybersecurity engineer.
6. Risk Management
Why Consider It? Risk management involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks to an organization. This role is more business-oriented but still relevant to cybersecurity.
Transition to Cybersecurity: Risk management professionals often transition into roles like cybersecurity risk analyst or compliance officer.
7. Digital Forensics
Why Consider It? Digital forensics involves investigating cybercrimes and analyzing digital evidence. This can be a fascinating field if you’re interested in law enforcement or criminal justice.
Transition to Cybersecurity: Digital forensics is a specialized area within cybersecurity, so this could be a direct path.
8. Project Management
Why Consider It? If you have strong organizational and leadership skills, project management could be a good fit. IT project management, in particular, can provide exposure to cybersecurity projects.
Transition to Cybersecurity: Project managers with IT experience often move into roles like cybersecurity project manager or program manager.
9. Consulting
Why Consider It? Consulting roles allow you to work on a variety of projects across different industries. This can be a good way to explore different areas of IT and cybersecurity.
Transition to Cybersecurity: Many consultants specialize in cybersecurity as they gain experience.
10. Education and Training
Why Consider It? If you enjoy teaching and mentoring, a career in IT education and training could be fulfilling. This role allows you to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and share your knowledge with others.
Transition to Cybersecurity: Educators often transition into roles like cybersecurity trainer or instructional designer.
Steps to Help You Decide:
Self-Assessment: Identify your interests, strengths, and long-term career goals.
Research: Look into the day-to-day responsibilities of each career and see which aligns best with your interests.
Education and Certifications: Consider taking introductory courses or earning certifications in areas that interest you (e.g., CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+).
Networking: Talk to professionals in these fields to gain insights and advice.
Internships or Entry-Level Roles: Gain hands-on experience through internships or entry-level positions to see what you enjoy most.
Remember, it's okay to explore different paths before committing to one. Many professionals switch careers multiple times before finding the right fit. Cybersecurity is a dynamic and growing field, but it’s important to choose a career that you’re passionate about and that aligns with your skills and interests.
Gayathri recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi Lando - you have identified an important career to consider. And Dr. H. has given you much to consider. I am adding some articles below that go into detail about what specific roles do and what they are like.
Another thing to keep in mind. While we talk about cybersecurity as one field, there are many roles and your experience will vary based on your specific employer. Good luck!
Coursera - https://www.coursera.org/articles/cybersecurity-jobs
Indeed - https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/career-in-cyber-security
Another thing to keep in mind. While we talk about cybersecurity as one field, there are many roles and your experience will vary based on your specific employer. Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Lando! First off, big kudos for considering cybersecurity—it’s like being the superhero of the digital world. No capes, but hey, you get to save people’s data (and bank accounts). Before diving into the tech-filled matrix, let’s unpack this question with clarity, tips, and, of course, some fun.
---
Careers Others (and Maybe You) Considered Before Cybersecurity:
1. Software Development:
My friend dabbled in coding apps but quickly realized debugging was like solving a puzzle… with half the pieces missing. It’s fun if you like building things, but if staring at code for hours isn’t your jam, you might want to move on.
2. Game Design:
Another buddy thought, “I play games, so why not make them?” Turns out, designing games involves less playing and more stress over pixels. Still, if creativity is your thing, this could be a rewarding career.
3. Ethical Hacking:
A lot of cybersecurity pros initially dream of hacking (legally). It’s like being a digital ninja—but instead of breaking things, you’re finding vulnerabilities so others can’t break them. Think “Ocean’s Eleven,” but with laptops.
4. Data Analysis:
Crunching numbers, finding patterns—it’s less “cool hacker” and more “spreadsheet wizard.” Great if you enjoy using data to solve problems, but less exciting if you crave action.
5. Digital Marketing:
I know someone who swapped creating clickbait ads for fighting phishing scams. Marketing’s fun if you’re creative, but if you’d rather stop spam emails than make them, cybersecurity’s calling your name.
---
Tips and Advice for Exploring Cybersecurity:
1. Start Small:
You don’t need to be a tech genius to start. Learn the basics of how the internet works (and how people mess it up). Tools like CompTIA Security+ and beginner-friendly resources like YouTube are gold.
2. Play with Tech:
Get hands-on experience. Try virtual labs like TryHackMe or Hack The Box. It’s like playing video games, except instead of saving princesses, you’re saving servers.
3. Find Your Passion Within Cybersecurity:
Cybersecurity is huge! You could:
Be a Pen Tester: Break into systems legally.
Work in Incident Response: Stop attacks in real-time.
Be a Cyber Policy Expert: Write rules to keep companies safe.
4. Certifications Are Your BFFs:
Cybersecurity is one field where certs matter. Start with foundational ones like:
CompTIA Security+
Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
5. Join the Community:
Cybersecurity pros are super friendly. Join online forums, Discord groups, or LinkedIn communities. Networking here isn’t just about connections—it’s about memes too.
---
Why Cybersecurity Rocks (And Why It’s Worth Considering):
Job Security: There’s a massive demand for cybersecurity experts. (Hackers don’t take days off, so neither do job opportunities.)
High Pay: Let’s be real—this career pays well.
Impact: You’re genuinely protecting people. Every password saved is a win for humanity.
Constant Learning: If you like challenges and staying ahead of the game, this field never gets boring
Lando, it’s okay to be unsure right now! The best way to decide is to try a bit of everything—cybersecurity, coding, even making TikToks (hey, content creators are important too!). But if protecting the digital world sounds even remotely exciting, give it a shot. Worst case? You walk away with some cool skills. Best case? You become a cybersecurity hero. Win-win.
---
Careers Others (and Maybe You) Considered Before Cybersecurity:
1. Software Development:
My friend dabbled in coding apps but quickly realized debugging was like solving a puzzle… with half the pieces missing. It’s fun if you like building things, but if staring at code for hours isn’t your jam, you might want to move on.
2. Game Design:
Another buddy thought, “I play games, so why not make them?” Turns out, designing games involves less playing and more stress over pixels. Still, if creativity is your thing, this could be a rewarding career.
3. Ethical Hacking:
A lot of cybersecurity pros initially dream of hacking (legally). It’s like being a digital ninja—but instead of breaking things, you’re finding vulnerabilities so others can’t break them. Think “Ocean’s Eleven,” but with laptops.
4. Data Analysis:
Crunching numbers, finding patterns—it’s less “cool hacker” and more “spreadsheet wizard.” Great if you enjoy using data to solve problems, but less exciting if you crave action.
5. Digital Marketing:
I know someone who swapped creating clickbait ads for fighting phishing scams. Marketing’s fun if you’re creative, but if you’d rather stop spam emails than make them, cybersecurity’s calling your name.
---
Tips and Advice for Exploring Cybersecurity:
1. Start Small:
You don’t need to be a tech genius to start. Learn the basics of how the internet works (and how people mess it up). Tools like CompTIA Security+ and beginner-friendly resources like YouTube are gold.
2. Play with Tech:
Get hands-on experience. Try virtual labs like TryHackMe or Hack The Box. It’s like playing video games, except instead of saving princesses, you’re saving servers.
3. Find Your Passion Within Cybersecurity:
Cybersecurity is huge! You could:
Be a Pen Tester: Break into systems legally.
Work in Incident Response: Stop attacks in real-time.
Be a Cyber Policy Expert: Write rules to keep companies safe.
4. Certifications Are Your BFFs:
Cybersecurity is one field where certs matter. Start with foundational ones like:
CompTIA Security+
Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
5. Join the Community:
Cybersecurity pros are super friendly. Join online forums, Discord groups, or LinkedIn communities. Networking here isn’t just about connections—it’s about memes too.
---
Why Cybersecurity Rocks (And Why It’s Worth Considering):
Job Security: There’s a massive demand for cybersecurity experts. (Hackers don’t take days off, so neither do job opportunities.)
High Pay: Let’s be real—this career pays well.
Impact: You’re genuinely protecting people. Every password saved is a win for humanity.
Constant Learning: If you like challenges and staying ahead of the game, this field never gets boring
Lando, it’s okay to be unsure right now! The best way to decide is to try a bit of everything—cybersecurity, coding, even making TikToks (hey, content creators are important too!). But if protecting the digital world sounds even remotely exciting, give it a shot. Worst case? You walk away with some cool skills. Best case? You become a cybersecurity hero. Win-win.
Loved reading this, thanks!
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Hey Lando,
So I started my career in business. Specifically sales. Little did I know that cybersecurity would be one of the things I would end up selling. I had no experience with it as a new college grad. So I tried my best to learn about it and to do my job. I grew to love it. The ever-changing landscape and how foreign and mysterious it was made it so interesting to me. So I leaned in and tried my best to learn as much about it as I could. This led to me selling quite a bit of it and eventually landing in a role developing cybersecurity products. I find the work interesting and the fact that you hear increasingly more about cybersecurity and its importance is an exciting challenge that makes the work feel impactful.
So I started my career in business. Specifically sales. Little did I know that cybersecurity would be one of the things I would end up selling. I had no experience with it as a new college grad. So I tried my best to learn about it and to do my job. I grew to love it. The ever-changing landscape and how foreign and mysterious it was made it so interesting to me. So I leaned in and tried my best to learn as much about it as I could. This led to me selling quite a bit of it and eventually landing in a role developing cybersecurity products. I find the work interesting and the fact that you hear increasingly more about cybersecurity and its importance is an exciting challenge that makes the work feel impactful.
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Hi Lando,
You have already received lots of good information but I want to add a bit.
As mentioned, cyber security is a huge field with many career options. However, you will need an even more diverse background and skills sets to become a cyber security professional. You will need to become familiar with software, firmware and hardware so you become versed in many aspects of programming and design. You need to understand how the systems work so you can figure out the problems. You will also need to understand networking, cloud, connectivity and many other facets.
What this all means is that, along your journey to become a cyber security professional, you will experience a great many different aspects of computers and technology. This journey will provide many additional career opportunities so you are not locked in to cyber security. You can swerve into any path you enjoy. It also means that, even if you do end up in cyber security, you are not locked in. With that breadth of knowledge, you can switch careers easily. You will have a tremendous number of options and opportunities.
One more thing to keep in mind. Especially in technology, you are never locked in to a specific career. It will change over time so you always have different opportunities. For now, enjoy the journey, learn everything you can and don't worry about the future.
Best of luck!
You have already received lots of good information but I want to add a bit.
As mentioned, cyber security is a huge field with many career options. However, you will need an even more diverse background and skills sets to become a cyber security professional. You will need to become familiar with software, firmware and hardware so you become versed in many aspects of programming and design. You need to understand how the systems work so you can figure out the problems. You will also need to understand networking, cloud, connectivity and many other facets.
What this all means is that, along your journey to become a cyber security professional, you will experience a great many different aspects of computers and technology. This journey will provide many additional career opportunities so you are not locked in to cyber security. You can swerve into any path you enjoy. It also means that, even if you do end up in cyber security, you are not locked in. With that breadth of knowledge, you can switch careers easily. You will have a tremendous number of options and opportunities.
One more thing to keep in mind. Especially in technology, you are never locked in to a specific career. It will change over time so you always have different opportunities. For now, enjoy the journey, learn everything you can and don't worry about the future.
Best of luck!
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Lando, it's completely natural to feel uncertain when it comes to committing to a career path, especially in a highly specialized field like cybersecurity. Many people explore various options and take time to figure out what aligns with their interests, strengths, and long-term goals. If you’re considering cybersecurity but aren’t sure if it’s the right fit just yet, there are several alternative careers that can provide valuable experience and potentially lead you into the cybersecurity field down the road.
For example, **IT support** is a great entry point. It offers hands-on experience with hardware, software, networking, and troubleshooting—skills that are directly transferable to cybersecurity. Many cybersecurity professionals start in IT support before branching into security-focused roles. Similarly, if you enjoy coding and problem-solving, **software development** can be a rewarding career. Developers often transition into roles like application security, where their deep understanding of how software is built becomes a valuable asset for ensuring it’s secure.
Another path to consider is **network administration**. This role focuses on maintaining and managing an organization’s network infrastructure, providing a strong foundation in networking, which is crucial for roles like network security engineer. If you have a knack for working with data, **data analysis** might also be a good fit. Data analysts play a crucial role in cybersecurity, particularly in threat intelligence and security analytics, where data-driven insights are key.
If you’re more inclined to **system administration**, this role involves managing IT infrastructure, including servers and operating systems, laying the groundwork for a transition into cybersecurity engineering or system security administration. Another interesting area is **risk management**, which focuses on identifying and mitigating risks within an organization. While this is a more business-oriented field, it’s closely tied to cybersecurity, and many professionals make the leap into roles like cybersecurity risk analyst or compliance officer.
If you have an interest in criminal justice, **digital forensics** could be an exciting area to explore. Digital forensics professionals analyze cybercrimes and digital evidence, and this niche is directly embedded within cybersecurity. If you’re drawn to leadership and organization, **project management** in IT could be a great fit, offering exposure to cybersecurity projects as you manage timelines and resources. Over time, you could transition into a more specialized cybersecurity project manager role.
For those who enjoy variety and working across industries, **consulting** can offer a broad view of cybersecurity needs, allowing you to specialize as you gain experience. Similarly, **education and training** in IT can be a fulfilling career if you enjoy mentoring others while staying on top of the latest technologies. Many educators move into cybersecurity-specific roles like training or instructional design once they gain the necessary expertise.
To help you make the right choice, consider doing a **self-assessment** to identify your interests, strengths, and long-term goals. Research the day-to-day responsibilities of each career and see which aligns best with what excites you. You could also take introductory courses or earn certifications (such as CompTIA A+, Network+, or Security+) to deepen your understanding of each field. **Networking** with professionals in these areas and gaining **hands-on experience** through internships or entry-level positions can give you a clearer sense of where you feel most at home.
Remember, it's okay to explore different paths before settling on one. Many professionals pivot multiple times throughout their careers, and cybersecurity is a dynamic field that will always have room for growth. The key is to pursue a career that not only offers opportunities but also ignites your passion and aligns with your strengths. You can try exploring resources like Codevo Academy - (https://www.codevoacademy.com/index.php) for additional guidance and opportunities.
For example, **IT support** is a great entry point. It offers hands-on experience with hardware, software, networking, and troubleshooting—skills that are directly transferable to cybersecurity. Many cybersecurity professionals start in IT support before branching into security-focused roles. Similarly, if you enjoy coding and problem-solving, **software development** can be a rewarding career. Developers often transition into roles like application security, where their deep understanding of how software is built becomes a valuable asset for ensuring it’s secure.
Another path to consider is **network administration**. This role focuses on maintaining and managing an organization’s network infrastructure, providing a strong foundation in networking, which is crucial for roles like network security engineer. If you have a knack for working with data, **data analysis** might also be a good fit. Data analysts play a crucial role in cybersecurity, particularly in threat intelligence and security analytics, where data-driven insights are key.
If you’re more inclined to **system administration**, this role involves managing IT infrastructure, including servers and operating systems, laying the groundwork for a transition into cybersecurity engineering or system security administration. Another interesting area is **risk management**, which focuses on identifying and mitigating risks within an organization. While this is a more business-oriented field, it’s closely tied to cybersecurity, and many professionals make the leap into roles like cybersecurity risk analyst or compliance officer.
If you have an interest in criminal justice, **digital forensics** could be an exciting area to explore. Digital forensics professionals analyze cybercrimes and digital evidence, and this niche is directly embedded within cybersecurity. If you’re drawn to leadership and organization, **project management** in IT could be a great fit, offering exposure to cybersecurity projects as you manage timelines and resources. Over time, you could transition into a more specialized cybersecurity project manager role.
For those who enjoy variety and working across industries, **consulting** can offer a broad view of cybersecurity needs, allowing you to specialize as you gain experience. Similarly, **education and training** in IT can be a fulfilling career if you enjoy mentoring others while staying on top of the latest technologies. Many educators move into cybersecurity-specific roles like training or instructional design once they gain the necessary expertise.
To help you make the right choice, consider doing a **self-assessment** to identify your interests, strengths, and long-term goals. Research the day-to-day responsibilities of each career and see which aligns best with what excites you. You could also take introductory courses or earn certifications (such as CompTIA A+, Network+, or Security+) to deepen your understanding of each field. **Networking** with professionals in these areas and gaining **hands-on experience** through internships or entry-level positions can give you a clearer sense of where you feel most at home.
Remember, it's okay to explore different paths before settling on one. Many professionals pivot multiple times throughout their careers, and cybersecurity is a dynamic field that will always have room for growth. The key is to pursue a career that not only offers opportunities but also ignites your passion and aligns with your strengths. You can try exploring resources like Codevo Academy - (https://www.codevoacademy.com/index.php) for additional guidance and opportunities.