10 answers
Tanu
Student
Ontario
1
Question
Updated
5356 views
What’s the best way to break into the cybersecurity field as an international student with 9 months of studying cybersecurity experience, 500+ job applications, and an ongoing Security+ certification?
Hi everyone,
I’ve been studying cybersecurity for the past 9+ months and actively applying to internships and entry-level roles, with over 500 applications and 250+ LinkedIn connections so far. A few connections helped with referrals, but my resume still gets rejected.
Last month, I felt devastated and started doubting myself. But I gathered courage and started preparing for CompTIA Security+ to strengthen my foundation.
I’ve optimized my resume for ATS, participated in CTFs, and improved my LinkedIn, but I’m still struggling to land interviews.
Can someone please guide me?
What is the right approach to land my first cybersecurity internship/job?
What specific skills or certifications helped you get your first break?
How do I know if I’m "job-ready"?
Should I focus on one company or keep applying everywhere?
Any tips, encouragement, or actionable steps would mean the world. 🙏
Thank you!
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10 answers
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Tanu! The Cybersecurity Field has many applicants and participants. You will have attained accredited courses. You have attended to your resume quality. You have done many applications. This is because of the sheer numbers of applicants in this field. Do not doubt yourself, the situation is not your fault. Start increasing you web visibility to all people, not just employers. There are a number of ways to make your application stand out above the rest. The CompTIA Security+ results shall strengthen your application. The thing you need to instill in the prospective employer is that you have exemplary talents. Then they shall consider that it would be foolish not to employ you. One way to stand out above the rest is to achieve high academic results in your courses. I look at the things the brain needs to function at a high level. Specifically, those nutrients that facilitate academic performance! These are water, 33 milliliters per kilogram of body weight each day. Also, the protein amino acids, slow digesting low glycemic index complex carbohydrates, omega-three oils, the B vitamins, magnesium and zinc! SEE https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27599886/ (Burrows T, Goldman S, Pursey K, Lim R. Is there an association between dietary intake and academic achievement: a systematic review. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2017 Apr;30(2):117-140. doi: 10.1111/jhn.12407. Epub 2016 Sep 7. PMID: 27599886.) Seven small meals a day are the optimum. Use small amounts of pumpernickel rye black bread [1 to 2 slices] and about an ounce of protein food like lean meat, chicken, fish, egg, cheese, or a glass of milk. Salads are unrestricted. Use minimal omega-three oils like cod-liver oil [2 tablespoons a day].
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Tanu
Meet Shah
Security Engineer
3
Answers
Kirkland, Washington
Updated
Meet’s Answer
Hi Tanu, the first thing to do is figure out which area of security excites you the most. Are you interested in application security (AppSec), the offensive side like the Red Team, the defensive side like the Blue Team, or something more about compliance and policy like Assurance? Once you decide, start practicing with real-world examples. Join Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions, try creating your own tools, maybe even use AI, and work on a portfolio to showcase your skills. This will help you get ready for interviews, where they'll look at your technical skills and your passion for security. Also, don't forget the power of networking! Attend security events and meet people, as your first interview might come from someone you know. Good luck!
BHARATH PONUGOTI
PRODUCT ARCHITECT
1
Answer
San Jose, California
Updated
BHARATH’s Answer
Obtain CompTIA or CISSP certifications and work on your own project to gain practical experience. This will help you become ready for a job.
Sharven Rane
Data Scientist
15
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Sharven’s Answer
The truth that often gets overlooked especially for international students breaking into tech is that landing your first job is more about who you know than what you know. Most entry-level hires aren’t expected to know everything. They stand out because someone vouched for them. If you've applied to 500+ roles without referrals, it's likely your resume got buried in the ATS unless it was in the top 1–2%, and even then, only a tiny handful make it to a human review.
Instead of applying to 500 jobs, try talking to 500 people. Message hiring managers, recruiters, and professionals in your target companies. Join forums, events, or communities where people in the field hang out. Referrals not only bypass ATS filters they boost your odds of being seen, heard, and hired. The strongest skill you can showcase at the entry level isn’t knowing everything it’s clear communication, basic hands-on skills, and the ability to demonstrate curiosity and grit.
Always think from the hiring manager’s perspective: they don’t have time to review thousands of resumes. They lean on ATS and referrals to filter the crowd. It's not fair, but it's real. If you don’t stand out, you’re passed over even if you're capable. I’ve made the mistake of mass applying without networking, and I promise you: relationships move the needle more than any certification ever will.
Stay strong you got this !
Instead of applying to 500 jobs, try talking to 500 people. Message hiring managers, recruiters, and professionals in your target companies. Join forums, events, or communities where people in the field hang out. Referrals not only bypass ATS filters they boost your odds of being seen, heard, and hired. The strongest skill you can showcase at the entry level isn’t knowing everything it’s clear communication, basic hands-on skills, and the ability to demonstrate curiosity and grit.
Always think from the hiring manager’s perspective: they don’t have time to review thousands of resumes. They lean on ATS and referrals to filter the crowd. It's not fair, but it's real. If you don’t stand out, you’re passed over even if you're capable. I’ve made the mistake of mass applying without networking, and I promise you: relationships move the needle more than any certification ever will.
Stay strong you got this !
Your advice was so helpful!
Tanu
Marco Moreno
Talent Acquisition
3
Answers
Perris, California
Updated
Marco’s Answer
You're doing great work, and it's time to take your efforts to the next level. Here's how you can boost your chances of breaking into cybersecurity as an international student:
Improve Your Job Search
Focus on entry-level positions like SOC Analyst, Junior Security Analyst, or IT Support that involve security tasks.
Personalize each application by adjusting your resume and cover letter to include keywords from the job description.
Use specialized job sites like CyberSecJobs, Dice, and ClearanceJobs for security-related opportunities.
Gain Practical Experience
Create a home lab to practice skills like penetration testing, network monitoring, or malware analysis. Share your projects on GitHub.
Offer your cybersecurity skills to small businesses or nonprofits, even if unpaid, to build your credibility.
Join Capture the Flag competitions to demonstrate your abilities and connect with others in the industry.
Enhance Your Credentials
Complete the Security+ certification for a strong foundation, then consider:
CySA+ for analyst roles
CEH for ethical hacking
GIAC for specialized skills
Take short courses on LinkedIn Learning or Coursera to fill knowledge gaps and earn certificates to showcase.
Build Your Network
Attend cybersecurity meetups and conferences, whether local or virtual, to meet professionals and recruiters.
Connect on LinkedIn with alumni, hiring managers, and cybersecurity experts. Request informational interviews.
Find a mentor through platforms like MentorCruise or university programs.
Ace the Interview
Use the STAR method to prepare stories that highlight your problem-solving, quick learning, or pressure-handling skills.
Practice with mock interviews using platforms like Pramp to simulate technical interviews.
Manage Visa & Work Authorization
Target companies with global offices, as they are more likely to sponsor visas or offer OPT/CPT-friendly roles.
Showcase your adaptability and ability to work in diverse teams by highlighting your cross-cultural experiences.
Stay Resilient
Applying to over 500 jobs shows determination. Now, focus on quality over quantity by revising your resume or getting it evaluated.
Improve Your Job Search
Focus on entry-level positions like SOC Analyst, Junior Security Analyst, or IT Support that involve security tasks.
Personalize each application by adjusting your resume and cover letter to include keywords from the job description.
Use specialized job sites like CyberSecJobs, Dice, and ClearanceJobs for security-related opportunities.
Gain Practical Experience
Create a home lab to practice skills like penetration testing, network monitoring, or malware analysis. Share your projects on GitHub.
Offer your cybersecurity skills to small businesses or nonprofits, even if unpaid, to build your credibility.
Join Capture the Flag competitions to demonstrate your abilities and connect with others in the industry.
Enhance Your Credentials
Complete the Security+ certification for a strong foundation, then consider:
CySA+ for analyst roles
CEH for ethical hacking
GIAC for specialized skills
Take short courses on LinkedIn Learning or Coursera to fill knowledge gaps and earn certificates to showcase.
Build Your Network
Attend cybersecurity meetups and conferences, whether local or virtual, to meet professionals and recruiters.
Connect on LinkedIn with alumni, hiring managers, and cybersecurity experts. Request informational interviews.
Find a mentor through platforms like MentorCruise or university programs.
Ace the Interview
Use the STAR method to prepare stories that highlight your problem-solving, quick learning, or pressure-handling skills.
Practice with mock interviews using platforms like Pramp to simulate technical interviews.
Manage Visa & Work Authorization
Target companies with global offices, as they are more likely to sponsor visas or offer OPT/CPT-friendly roles.
Showcase your adaptability and ability to work in diverse teams by highlighting your cross-cultural experiences.
Stay Resilient
Applying to over 500 jobs shows determination. Now, focus on quality over quantity by revising your resume or getting it evaluated.
Thank you so much for this thoughtful and encouraging advice. As an international student working hard to break into cybersecurity, your insights on certifications, practical experience, and networking truly resonate with me. I’ll definitely apply these strategies to refine my approach and keep moving forward with clarity and purpose.
Tanu
Tanu
Atul Bhankharia
Sales
499
Answers
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Updated
Atul’s Answer
If you haven't mentioned whether you have an undergraduate degree, it's important to clarify. Nine months of education and applying for internships may not be enough to secure a position in cybersecurity. Consider what skills you've gained during this time and whether you have any certifications in ethical hacking.
Since you're in Canada, research cybersecurity companies there and study their job descriptions to understand what they require. This field is highly specialized, and nine months might not be sufficient preparation. It's crucial to focus on finding an internship in Canada, especially given the current political climate in the US.
If you're pursuing an undergraduate degree in cybersecurity, gaining expertise typically takes at least two years before employers will seriously consider you. The fact that you've applied to many places without success suggests that you should concentrate on further education and skill development to become more marketable.
Since you're in Canada, research cybersecurity companies there and study their job descriptions to understand what they require. This field is highly specialized, and nine months might not be sufficient preparation. It's crucial to focus on finding an internship in Canada, especially given the current political climate in the US.
If you're pursuing an undergraduate degree in cybersecurity, gaining expertise typically takes at least two years before employers will seriously consider you. The fact that you've applied to many places without success suggests that you should concentrate on further education and skill development to become more marketable.
Wendy Hower
Manager of Customer Success
1
Answer
Santa Clara, California
Updated
Wendy’s Answer
I completely agree with networking to build relationships in order to get referred for a job.
But(!), networking is a two-way street.
What not to do at a networking event:
1. Interrupt a conversation to hand out your business cards.
2. Talk about yourself without being curious about others at the event.
3. Fail to ask anyone any questions about him/herself.
4. Don't follow up with anyone you met for a deeper conversation.
It's a Givers' Gain game.
From Dr. Ivan Misner (Google him or ask your favorite AI chat platform), starting with what you can do for someone else will inevitably lead to your own gain (paraphrase). It may not be immediate or direct, but it will happen.
You may think ... "I have nothing to give! I'm just trying to get started!" Don't fall into this unhelpful way of thinking. You have a unique experience and perspective.
1. You perhaps use technology in a way that could benefit the person you're talking to.
2. By asking insightful questions about how they add value to their clients, customers, and company will make them feel heard and seen.
3. By offering to connect him/her to another person that can help them.
Remember this catch phrase: Know You, Like You, Trust You, Refer You.
With these phases in mind, you can gauge your "referrability" by another professional. You can force it, but rather move through the phases with authentic connection.
Good luck!
Find a local chapter of a professional organization in an industry of interest.
Find out when they are having their next meeting.
Join the meeting early to show your interest and enthusiasm.
Listen!
Intentionally follow-up with at least 2 people within 24 hours (a thank you). Within 7 days, interact with them online (eg. LinkedIn post they wrote). Within 30 days, ask for a meeting to connect.
But(!), networking is a two-way street.
What not to do at a networking event:
1. Interrupt a conversation to hand out your business cards.
2. Talk about yourself without being curious about others at the event.
3. Fail to ask anyone any questions about him/herself.
4. Don't follow up with anyone you met for a deeper conversation.
It's a Givers' Gain game.
From Dr. Ivan Misner (Google him or ask your favorite AI chat platform), starting with what you can do for someone else will inevitably lead to your own gain (paraphrase). It may not be immediate or direct, but it will happen.
You may think ... "I have nothing to give! I'm just trying to get started!" Don't fall into this unhelpful way of thinking. You have a unique experience and perspective.
1. You perhaps use technology in a way that could benefit the person you're talking to.
2. By asking insightful questions about how they add value to their clients, customers, and company will make them feel heard and seen.
3. By offering to connect him/her to another person that can help them.
Remember this catch phrase: Know You, Like You, Trust You, Refer You.
With these phases in mind, you can gauge your "referrability" by another professional. You can force it, but rather move through the phases with authentic connection.
Good luck!
Wendy recommends the following next steps:
Kent Howard
Security Risk Management
14
Answers
Frisco, Texas
Updated
Kent’s Answer
At it's core, Cybersecurity is made up of and formed around Information Technology (IT). While you certainly would not want to get "stuck" in IT, you need to understand the core principles of IT. How does networking work? What is a database and how does it work? What is an operating system and how does it work? How does Cloud Computing work?
Then, you need to understand the implications of security in each of those areas. How do you secure things in each of those areas? What security components work together to tie it all together?
You have gotten some great advice from others that have responded to your question. Some additional inputs for you include:
- Do you know what area within Cybersecurity you want to be involved in? The field is REALLY broad. Try to drill down a bit and focus on getting experience (yes, even volunteer as one person suggested) in the area you want to be in. But realize that you may not be deep enough to be in that particular area, so be willing to start smaller and grow into the area.
- Never stop learning. I am toward the twilight end of my career and I am just finishing up a Master's degree and a project management certification. Why? Not because of what I am currently involved with, but because of where I want to go once I say "tata" to a 9-5 corporate role.
- Network. Network. Network. Get to know as many people as you can in and around Cybersecurity. Remember, it's not just who you know, but who those people know, and who those people know, and on and on. Build a network. Be intentional with it. Don't just send an invite in LinkedIn and then count that person as a member of your network. You've got to care for your network, feed it, nurture it. Build it.
Then, you need to understand the implications of security in each of those areas. How do you secure things in each of those areas? What security components work together to tie it all together?
You have gotten some great advice from others that have responded to your question. Some additional inputs for you include:
- Do you know what area within Cybersecurity you want to be involved in? The field is REALLY broad. Try to drill down a bit and focus on getting experience (yes, even volunteer as one person suggested) in the area you want to be in. But realize that you may not be deep enough to be in that particular area, so be willing to start smaller and grow into the area.
- Never stop learning. I am toward the twilight end of my career and I am just finishing up a Master's degree and a project management certification. Why? Not because of what I am currently involved with, but because of where I want to go once I say "tata" to a 9-5 corporate role.
- Network. Network. Network. Get to know as many people as you can in and around Cybersecurity. Remember, it's not just who you know, but who those people know, and who those people know, and on and on. Build a network. Be intentional with it. Don't just send an invite in LinkedIn and then count that person as a member of your network. You've got to care for your network, feed it, nurture it. Build it.
Etienne Mas
Security Architect
2
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Etienne’s Answer
Focus your job search on specific targets to make up for your lack of experience in cybersecurity.
Reach out to people on LinkedIn who are doing cybersecurity internships or who hire entry-level talent at companies you like. Try to set up a short call with them to discuss job opportunities.
Join local security professional meetups like ISSA or OWASP and attend their meetings. These events are great for getting advice on how to begin your career.
Go to a cybersecurity job fair to talk to recruiters and hiring managers. Ask them which projects or skills they find most impressive in intern candidates.
Reach out to people on LinkedIn who are doing cybersecurity internships or who hire entry-level talent at companies you like. Try to set up a short call with them to discuss job opportunities.
Join local security professional meetups like ISSA or OWASP and attend their meetings. These events are great for getting advice on how to begin your career.
Go to a cybersecurity job fair to talk to recruiters and hiring managers. Ask them which projects or skills they find most impressive in intern candidates.
Sean Frazier
Security Leadership
4
Answers
Frederick, Maryland
Updated
Sean’s Answer
hey Tanu,
it's been said here but worth reiterating, build a network. Attend events if you can. if there are some local to you that's great. The more you're out there the mort opportunities there might be, Also, if this is your passion take the opportunity to absorb as much as you can in your passion area. Do you like to break (and then fix) things? This is great for red/blue teamers and appsec folks. are you analytical and like numbers? then maybe cyber risk or compliance is your game. Lots of areas of focus that require different skill sets and mentalities.
don't give up. if you really want to do security you will And don't believe the hype about AI taking all the jobs. There is still plenty for us mere mortals to do to train and evaluate and review the prompts and models.
it's been said here but worth reiterating, build a network. Attend events if you can. if there are some local to you that's great. The more you're out there the mort opportunities there might be, Also, if this is your passion take the opportunity to absorb as much as you can in your passion area. Do you like to break (and then fix) things? This is great for red/blue teamers and appsec folks. are you analytical and like numbers? then maybe cyber risk or compliance is your game. Lots of areas of focus that require different skill sets and mentalities.
don't give up. if you really want to do security you will And don't believe the hype about AI taking all the jobs. There is still plenty for us mere mortals to do to train and evaluate and review the prompts and models.