6 answers
Bryan
Student
Stafford, Virginia
1
Question
Asked
842 views
What is the best way to get a level entry job into IT or Cyber. What else could prepare me to be a good fit and get hired for this positions?
My major is currently IT and I'm planning on getting a security+ certificate
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6 answers
Usman Garba
Cloud Support Engineer
3
Answers
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
Updated
Usman’s Answer
Hi Bryan, your IT major will give you important knowledge and make you credible to employers. To boost your learning, try online courses or boot camps on cybersecurity basics, like ethical hacking, network security, or cloud security. Platforms like Udemy offer many of these courses.
Next, getting certifications is crucial to show your skills and dedication. Besides the CompTIA Security+ certification you plan to get, think about these beginner-friendly options:
- CompTIA Network+: Focuses on basic networking, essential for cybersecurity jobs.
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Teaches how to find security weaknesses.
- GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC): Covers topics like cryptography and network defense.
Hands-on experience is key for your first job. You can build skills with home labs by setting up virtual environments using VirtualBox or VMware. Practice network configuration, basic security tools with Wireshark and Nmap, Linux administration, and Windows server administration. Kali Linux is a good operating system with tools for penetration testing.
Alternatively, platforms like TryHackMe or Hack The Box are great for practicing penetration testing and threat detection if you don't want a home lab. Document your work on GitHub or a personal website. Share scripts you've written, security assessments you've done in test environments, and network setups you've created. Python automation is particularly valuable.
When applying for jobs, highlight skills like system administration, network security, or programming languages (like Python) that you've learned. Include certifications and personal projects to show your practical experience. Tailor your resume to each job by using keywords from the job posting.
On LinkedIn, I found entry-level roles like SOC Analyst, Junior System Administrator, and Junior Penetration Tester. These jobs can lead to more specialized roles like Incident Responder or Security Analyst.
Breaking into cybersecurity takes time. Apply widely, even if you don't meet all the job requirements. Many entry-level jobs list qualifications that aren't strictly needed. Keep learning through certifications, projects, and networking. Check out Reddit communities like r/cybersecurity and r/ITCareerQuestions. Good luck!
Next, getting certifications is crucial to show your skills and dedication. Besides the CompTIA Security+ certification you plan to get, think about these beginner-friendly options:
- CompTIA Network+: Focuses on basic networking, essential for cybersecurity jobs.
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Teaches how to find security weaknesses.
- GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC): Covers topics like cryptography and network defense.
Hands-on experience is key for your first job. You can build skills with home labs by setting up virtual environments using VirtualBox or VMware. Practice network configuration, basic security tools with Wireshark and Nmap, Linux administration, and Windows server administration. Kali Linux is a good operating system with tools for penetration testing.
Alternatively, platforms like TryHackMe or Hack The Box are great for practicing penetration testing and threat detection if you don't want a home lab. Document your work on GitHub or a personal website. Share scripts you've written, security assessments you've done in test environments, and network setups you've created. Python automation is particularly valuable.
When applying for jobs, highlight skills like system administration, network security, or programming languages (like Python) that you've learned. Include certifications and personal projects to show your practical experience. Tailor your resume to each job by using keywords from the job posting.
On LinkedIn, I found entry-level roles like SOC Analyst, Junior System Administrator, and Junior Penetration Tester. These jobs can lead to more specialized roles like Incident Responder or Security Analyst.
Breaking into cybersecurity takes time. Apply widely, even if you don't meet all the job requirements. Many entry-level jobs list qualifications that aren't strictly needed. Keep learning through certifications, projects, and networking. Check out Reddit communities like r/cybersecurity and r/ITCareerQuestions. Good luck!
Dinesh Singh
Technical Manager
68
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Dinesh’s Answer
First, consider choosing a clear path. IT or Cybersecurity might seem daunting at first, but there’s a straightforward and achievable journey to securing an entry-level position. Here’s a practical guide to help you get started:
1. Choose a Focus (Start Broad, Then Narrow):
- IT Support / Help Desk: A great entry point into IT.
- Cybersecurity Analyst / SOC Analyst: Entry roles are available here too!
- Networking, Systems, or Cloud Admin: Provides a solid foundation for both IT and cyber.
2. Get the Right Certifications - These are well-respected, beginner-friendly, and affordable:
For IT:
- CompTIA A+: Covers foundational hardware, software, and troubleshooting.
- CompTIA Network+: Basics of networking (also useful for cyber).
For Cybersecurity:
- CompTIA Security+: The best first certification for breaking into cyber.
- Google Cybersecurity Certificate (Coursera – highly recommended).
- Microsoft SC-900 (Security Fundamentals – short and useful).
3. Build Practical Experience: Even if it’s not through a job yet, you can show you’re hands-on:
- Set up a home lab (use VirtualBox, install Linux, set up a basic network).
- TryHackMe or Hack The Box – Learn offensive/defensive cyber skills interactively.
- Volunteer or freelance IT support for friends, nonprofits, or local businesses.
4. Create a Job-Ready Resume: Focus on skills, labs, certifications, and projects. Showcase anything hands-on you’ve done, even personal or course projects.
With determination and the right steps, you can confidently step into the IT or Cybersecurity field. Keep moving forward!
Choose a Focus
Get the Right Certifications
Build Practical Experience
1. Choose a Focus (Start Broad, Then Narrow):
- IT Support / Help Desk: A great entry point into IT.
- Cybersecurity Analyst / SOC Analyst: Entry roles are available here too!
- Networking, Systems, or Cloud Admin: Provides a solid foundation for both IT and cyber.
2. Get the Right Certifications - These are well-respected, beginner-friendly, and affordable:
For IT:
- CompTIA A+: Covers foundational hardware, software, and troubleshooting.
- CompTIA Network+: Basics of networking (also useful for cyber).
For Cybersecurity:
- CompTIA Security+: The best first certification for breaking into cyber.
- Google Cybersecurity Certificate (Coursera – highly recommended).
- Microsoft SC-900 (Security Fundamentals – short and useful).
3. Build Practical Experience: Even if it’s not through a job yet, you can show you’re hands-on:
- Set up a home lab (use VirtualBox, install Linux, set up a basic network).
- TryHackMe or Hack The Box – Learn offensive/defensive cyber skills interactively.
- Volunteer or freelance IT support for friends, nonprofits, or local businesses.
4. Create a Job-Ready Resume: Focus on skills, labs, certifications, and projects. Showcase anything hands-on you’ve done, even personal or course projects.
With determination and the right steps, you can confidently step into the IT or Cybersecurity field. Keep moving forward!
Dinesh recommends the following next steps:
Martha Beaugard
Hardware/ Management
2
Answers
Walnut, Iowa
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Improve communication skills, communicating well is always key and also your problem-solving skills so you are prepared when you interview. Stay updated with the latest trends and take online courses. AI is huge now and the more you know the more you will be ready to take on the future of technology. Seek mentorship, and build relationships with people working in your field of choice. Mentors are a great resource and can lead to job opportunities as well. Earn more certifications, they greatly enhance your resume and speaking of such, tailor your resume, as a manager, a good looking resume always catches my attention and then practice for interviews. Have some answers in mind and relax, be yourself and happy job hunting!
Yvonne E. Butler
Cybersecurity Tech Writer
2
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Yvonne E.’s Answer
When people ask about a career in cybersecurity, I tell them it's a field with many different paths.
For example, saying you want to go into medicine is just the start. Going into "medicine" could mean you want to be a doctor, a nurse, or a technician.
Just like other big fields, you should do some research and figure out what you want to do. Think about your interests and skills. What do you want to achieve with your certifications? What parts of cybersecurity excite you the most?
Here are a few questions to help you focus deeper on what you actually want to do:
Do you want a job where you watch screens all day?
Are you interested in working on rules and policies?
Do you want to sell security products?
Do you want to conduct assessments?
Are you interested in being an ethical hacker?
I myself have take online courses to get a feel of what others are doing in the field. And, to keep current in the latest trends.
This will always make you more marketable foryour dream job.
For example, saying you want to go into medicine is just the start. Going into "medicine" could mean you want to be a doctor, a nurse, or a technician.
Just like other big fields, you should do some research and figure out what you want to do. Think about your interests and skills. What do you want to achieve with your certifications? What parts of cybersecurity excite you the most?
Here are a few questions to help you focus deeper on what you actually want to do:
Do you want a job where you watch screens all day?
Are you interested in working on rules and policies?
Do you want to sell security products?
Do you want to conduct assessments?
Are you interested in being an ethical hacker?
I myself have take online courses to get a feel of what others are doing in the field. And, to keep current in the latest trends.
This will always make you more marketable foryour dream job.
Radhika Tomar
Career Counselling
3
Answers
Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Updated
Radhika’s Answer
Hi Bryan!
You’re already on the right track by majoring in IT and planning to earn the Security+ certification—that’s a strong foundation. To further boost your chances:
Steps to Prepare for Entry-Level IT/Cyber Roles:
• Hands-on Projects: Build small cybersecurity projects like setting up a home lab or simulating attacks using tools like Wireshark, Kali Linux, etc.
• Internships or Volunteer Work: Even unpaid internships with nonprofits or local businesses can help you gain practical experience.
• Networking: Join cybersecurity communities (Reddit, Discord, LinkedIn groups) and attend local meetups or virtual conferences.
• Certifications: After Security+, you can consider CompTIA CySA+, Cisco’s CCNA, or Microsoft SC-900 depending on your area of interest.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight technical projects, lab experience, and certifications. Use keywords like “network security,” “vulnerability assessment,” and “incident response.”
Job Titles to Look For:
• IT Support Technician
• SOC Analyst (Tier 1)
• Junior Security Analyst
• Helpdesk Technician with security responsibilities
Start small, build consistently
You’re already on the right track by majoring in IT and planning to earn the Security+ certification—that’s a strong foundation. To further boost your chances:
Steps to Prepare for Entry-Level IT/Cyber Roles:
• Hands-on Projects: Build small cybersecurity projects like setting up a home lab or simulating attacks using tools like Wireshark, Kali Linux, etc.
• Internships or Volunteer Work: Even unpaid internships with nonprofits or local businesses can help you gain practical experience.
• Networking: Join cybersecurity communities (Reddit, Discord, LinkedIn groups) and attend local meetups or virtual conferences.
• Certifications: After Security+, you can consider CompTIA CySA+, Cisco’s CCNA, or Microsoft SC-900 depending on your area of interest.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight technical projects, lab experience, and certifications. Use keywords like “network security,” “vulnerability assessment,” and “incident response.”
Job Titles to Look For:
• IT Support Technician
• SOC Analyst (Tier 1)
• Junior Security Analyst
• Helpdesk Technician with security responsibilities
Start small, build consistently
Dr. Rita Stafford
Director Business Resilience & Crisis Management
11
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Dr. Rita’s Answer
There are so many opportunities for entry level jobs in IT and Cyber.
When I graduated - object oriented software engineering was the technology buzz. My background for how to do that helped me.
Today - AI is all the buzz and experience with AI will open doors / opportunities for you. Consider taking online courses that deepen your AI knowledge, create a project or two leveraging AI that you can put on your resume as experience, and look for opportunities to apply AI to real world problems (help a charity, small business, etc.) to also put on your resume.
All the best in your job search!
rita
When I graduated - object oriented software engineering was the technology buzz. My background for how to do that helped me.
Today - AI is all the buzz and experience with AI will open doors / opportunities for you. Consider taking online courses that deepen your AI knowledge, create a project or two leveraging AI that you can put on your resume as experience, and look for opportunities to apply AI to real world problems (help a charity, small business, etc.) to also put on your resume.
All the best in your job search!
rita