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I am interested in doing cybersecurity work but am not majored in it, and only have a concentration. How realistic is it to do this work in my future What can i do to get there? ?

I am interested in doing cybersecurity work but am not majored in it, and only have a concentration. How realistic is it to do this work in my future? What can i do to get there?

college college-major it cybersecurity cyber-security
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Kyle’s Answer

Seth – Absolutely, you can break into cybersecurity without a degree specifically in the field—I’m living proof! My background is in technology education with a focus on AutoCAD, yet I’ve built a 12-year career in cybersecurity. What helped me make the transition was building a strong foundation in IT through entry-level roles like desktop support and help desk, which exposed me to real-world tech challenges and environments. I was always open about my interest in cybersecurity with my leaders, and they appreciated my clear ambitions and drive, often helping me find opportunities to grow in that direction. Building relationships with the cybersecurity team and asking to shadow or help on small projects gave me invaluable hands-on exposure and helped confirm that this was the right fit for me. My own career path went from desktop support to help desk, then help desk lead, junior security analyst, senior security analyst, sales engineer for a malware vendor, and finally cybersecurity consultant (advisory manager), with a senior manager role on the horizon. Each step built on the last, and none required a cybersecurity degree. Once you’re in the workforce, your accomplishments, skills, and attitude matter far more than your degree—the tech industry values what you can do and how you contribute. Stay curious, be proactive about your interests, and don’t be afraid to start in a related role and work your way up. The path to cybersecurity is flexible and absolutely achievable—your drive and willingness to learn will take you far!
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Piyush’s Answer

Start by building a solid foundation of knowledge. Understanding the basics is crucial, but you don't need a computer science degree. Just focus on core concepts like networking, operating systems, and common threats. Consider earning entry-level cybersecurity certifications like CompTIA Security+, (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC), or EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) to make your resume more attractive. There's a wealth of opportunities in this field with many areas to explore. Check out https://niccs.cisa.gov/audience/cybersecurity-students to find what interests you and start applying for jobs. Good luck!

Piyush recommends the following next steps:

brush up on fundamentals
get certified
find your preferred domain
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Angelie’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team

It's great that you're thinking about these questions while you're still in school and have lots of resources available. A good starting point is to ask your professors about their thoughts on where the field is headed. You can chat with them before or after class, visit during office hours, or send a short email to arrange a coffee chat for a deeper discussion. Another useful tool is LinkedIn, where you can connect with people in your industry to learn about market trends. Begin by reaching out to people who you share a connection with, like alumni from your high school, past internships, or college who are in cybersecurity. They might suggest other people or resources you can explore. It might take some time and effort, but advice from people in the field is very valuable!

If you're looking to gain more experience, don't worry that you have a concentration in cybersecurity and not a major. Many people switch roles once they're in the industry or a related one. Use the networking tips above to ask about internship opportunities. Also, check if your school offers scholarships or stipends. If your school can help fund a work experience, employers might be more willing to hire a student with less experience. For example, even though I'm not in cybersecurity, I got an internship in the industry last spring through a school-funded program. The work was mostly research-based, so I was qualified even without technical skills or knowledge.

Angelie, CareerVillage.org Team recommends the following next steps:

Ask professors about future of the industry
Ask professors about internship opportunities
Ask LinkedIn network about future of the industry
Ask LinkedIn network about internship opportunities
Look for scholarship/stipends for otherwise unpaid internships
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Edmond’s Answer

Cybersecurity is a very broad field - sometimes touching disciplines that might not seem to be related, so regardless of your major, there's a cybersecurity field that could benefit from your expertise.

Check the "Explore Cybersecurity Career Options" section of https://niccs.cisa.gov/education-training/cybersecurity-students - the page provides a great overview of all available areas in cybersecurity.

Pick one that you feel is a close fit or one that you'd like to pursue.
Check fbi.go, cia.gov, nsa.gov career sections can give you a good idea.
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