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What was the hardest and crucial part about becoming a Cybersecurity Specialist ? #Spring25

What was the hardest and crucial part about becoming a Cybersecurity Specialist? #Spring25

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Patrick’s Answer

Clayton,


The most difficult part of becoming a Cybersecurity Specialist is two parts. One is access to opportunities -this really impacts everyone and can be associated with luck.

The second part is discipline, and I mean it. Train yourself to set goals and deadlines for obtaining certifications, learning new skillsets that specialists use (OSINT, malware analysis, etc.) outside of your work and school. You are usually competing with the best when applying for these jobs, so you have to make yourself stand out.

My opportunity for a specialist position was derived from my work history in managing multiple Active Directory and Microsoft environments. It gave me an edge over other applicants as I was able to answer questions related to vulnerabilities targeting Microsoft products and services.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Good luck!


- Patrick
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James Patterson’s Answer

The most challenging part about becoming a cyber security specialist is understanding that working in cybersecurity is similar to serving in the military or law enforcement—it's a 24/7/365 commitment due to constantly evolving threats. While specific projects, such as deploying a new firewall or enabling MFA, may have defined timelines, the overall responsibility of a cybersecurity professional—including ongoing training and education—is never truly "finished." It is essential for cybersecurity professionals to establish a healthy work/life balance for themselves; otherwise, they risk being overwhelmed by the continuous battle between threat actors and the good guys.
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Edmond’s Answer

For me the biggest challenge was accepting the fact that cybersecurity is just an "enabler" for the business and of no real value on its own (unless it's in academia).

Seeing things through the lens of business is the most crucial skill you should be cultivating.
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