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What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in cybersecurity How can I best prepare for internships and entry-level roles while still in school??
What certifications or skills should I focus on to stand out as a cybersecurity intern during college?
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Jennifer’s Answer
As someone currently working in cybersecurity, here’s my advice for preparing for internships and entry-level roles while still in school:
1. Certifications matter: Earning beginner-friendly certs like CompTIA Security+, Google Cybersecurity Certificate, or Cisco CyberOps Associate can help you stand out to recruiters—they show you’re serious and have a solid foundation.
2. Learn the fundamentals: Focus on networking (TCP/IP, ports, DNS), operating systems (especially Linux), and basic scripting (Python or PowerShell).
3. Practice hands-on: Use free or low-cost platforms like TryHackMe, Hack The Box, and OverTheWire to simulate real-world environments and develop problem-solving skills.
4. Document your learning: Keep a GitHub or blog showing your projects, labs, or certifications—internship managers love to see initiative.
5. Network early: Join campus cybersecurity clubs, attend virtual conferences, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Relationships can lead to opportunities.
Focus on curiosity, consistency, and communication. Even if you’re not an expert yet, showing that you’re proactive and eager to learn will go a long way!!
1. Certifications matter: Earning beginner-friendly certs like CompTIA Security+, Google Cybersecurity Certificate, or Cisco CyberOps Associate can help you stand out to recruiters—they show you’re serious and have a solid foundation.
2. Learn the fundamentals: Focus on networking (TCP/IP, ports, DNS), operating systems (especially Linux), and basic scripting (Python or PowerShell).
3. Practice hands-on: Use free or low-cost platforms like TryHackMe, Hack The Box, and OverTheWire to simulate real-world environments and develop problem-solving skills.
4. Document your learning: Keep a GitHub or blog showing your projects, labs, or certifications—internship managers love to see initiative.
5. Network early: Join campus cybersecurity clubs, attend virtual conferences, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Relationships can lead to opportunities.
Focus on curiosity, consistency, and communication. Even if you’re not an expert yet, showing that you’re proactive and eager to learn will go a long way!!
Updated
Shivam’s Answer
Hi Quinton, check out this thread for some great advice from industry experts: https://www.careervillage.org/questions/1076130/what-info-can-you-give-me-about-cyber-security. I hope it’s useful. Feel free to reach out if you need more help - I'm always happy to assist!
Thank you for this!
Quinton
Updated
Gustavo’s Answer
You can create a profile in LinkedIn and leverage free courses from LinkedIn courses. same thing with other platforms such as Coursera or UDEMY.
In terms of internships, you can follow companies of your interest and stay informed about any openings for students. HP is one good option.
In terms of internships, you can follow companies of your interest and stay informed about any openings for students. HP is one good option.
This was super helpful, thank you!
Quinton
Updated
Sarthak’s Answer
To start your career in cybersecurity, first explore the different areas within the field to see what interests you. Some key areas include:
- Security operations
- Application security
- Network security
- Identity and access management
- Incident response
- Cloud security
- Risk management
- Security architecture
- Governance
Once you understand these areas, focus on the ones you like most. Consider earning certifications in those areas to boost your skills. Certifications like Security+ or ISC2 CC can give you a broad overview of cybersecurity, helping you decide where to specialize.
- Security operations
- Application security
- Network security
- Identity and access management
- Incident response
- Cloud security
- Risk management
- Security architecture
- Governance
Once you understand these areas, focus on the ones you like most. Consider earning certifications in those areas to boost your skills. Certifications like Security+ or ISC2 CC can give you a broad overview of cybersecurity, helping you decide where to specialize.
Edmond Momartin ☁️
Public Cloud Security & Compliance AT&T | MBA InfoSec | OWASP-LA Board
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Edmond’s Answer
You'd need a solid foundation - a CS degree will give you that. Certifications help but not required.
Cybersecurity is a very broad field - sometimes touching disciplines that might not seem to be related.
So spend some time and read through 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 best fits your non-cyber skills, talent, and aptitudes.
Cybersecurity is a very broad field - sometimes touching disciplines that might not seem to be related.
So spend some time and read through 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 best fits your non-cyber skills, talent, and aptitudes.
Updated
Timothy’s Answer
College courses in Computer Science usually focus on programming, but many cyber security jobs are more about network infrastructure. It's a good idea to look into courses in this area and maybe add certifications like Network+ or Security+. Depending on the school and local opportunities, technical schools or community colleges offering certificates can be just as good, or even better, at getting you ready for this field. If you choose an Associate degree instead of a certificate, you can use many of the courses towards a bachelor's degree later on. This is helpful if you want to move into a management role in the future.
If you're open to it, joining the armed forces can be a great way to start a career in cyber security. You'll gain valuable experience and get paid while you learn. They often provide certifications and might even offer credit courses. Plus, they can pay for your college education once your service is completed. This path almost guarantees a job in the field because of the high demand for professionals with security clearances.
If you're open to it, joining the armed forces can be a great way to start a career in cyber security. You'll gain valuable experience and get paid while you learn. They often provide certifications and might even offer credit courses. Plus, they can pay for your college education once your service is completed. This path almost guarantees a job in the field because of the high demand for professionals with security clearances.
Thanks for the advice.
Quinton