10 answers
luke
Student
Kent, Ohio
1
Question
Asked
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What profession along the lines of cyber security do you not have to go to college for?
Hello, I am having a rough time trying to figure out what I would like do for a career. What are some good career option if i am really interested in computers?
I love computers and have been tinkering/building them ever since I was little.
I'm not really looking to go to college, I am 20 years old and wanting to get into a profession and stay in it. I was looking at things like cyber security and anything along those lines. Does anyone have experience with a company who pays for your training as you're employed?
Thanks!
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10 answers
Goodera Careervillage
63
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Goodera’s Answer
If you prefer the "tinkering" and hands on aspect of computers/technology, you could consider a vocational type education vs a traditional college. These types of schools are a more hands on introduction to technology, networks, security, etc. These programs also tend to take less time than a 4 year college diploma.
Right out of a vocational school, you would be employable as a Tier 1 support for an organization or at a service provider. From there, you can start to grow and advance your career down a path you focus on, including security. Working within IT and focusing on an area like security will help you immediately synthesize information on a regular basis and grow your capabilities.
You can generally also get work placements during a vocational IT program to give you job skills throughout your course, as well as potential employment during summer/off months.
Right out of a vocational school, you would be employable as a Tier 1 support for an organization or at a service provider. From there, you can start to grow and advance your career down a path you focus on, including security. Working within IT and focusing on an area like security will help you immediately synthesize information on a regular basis and grow your capabilities.
You can generally also get work placements during a vocational IT program to give you job skills throughout your course, as well as potential employment during summer/off months.
Sean Frazier
Security Leadership
4
Answers
Frederick, Maryland
Updated
Sean’s Answer
hey Luke,
the answer is it depends on how YOU learn. There are many cyber programs in many schools that are fantastic but I will tell you I have worked with many practitioners over the last 20 years who do not have a college degree and some of them are the most successful folks I've ever worked with. The key is to "learn" how you best learn. If that's reading or if that's getting your hands dirty there are many ways to do this without stepping foot in a classroom. It's also a good idea to join communities (LinkedIn, BlackHat/DefCon, local b-sides etc,) and meet folks and get perspectives.
it's an amazing, every changing industry and I've never, ever been bored in my 20 plus years.
the answer is it depends on how YOU learn. There are many cyber programs in many schools that are fantastic but I will tell you I have worked with many practitioners over the last 20 years who do not have a college degree and some of them are the most successful folks I've ever worked with. The key is to "learn" how you best learn. If that's reading or if that's getting your hands dirty there are many ways to do this without stepping foot in a classroom. It's also a good idea to join communities (LinkedIn, BlackHat/DefCon, local b-sides etc,) and meet folks and get perspectives.
it's an amazing, every changing industry and I've never, ever been bored in my 20 plus years.
Travis Evers
Senior Knowledge Engineer
3
Answers
Vancouver, Washington
Updated
Travis’s Answer
Hi Luke,
I actually started in tech without a degree at a type of IT provider called a Managed Service Provider (MSP). Most towns have several companies like this that provide IT services to local companies. This is often considered a very fast-paced job where you are thrown into difficult situations, but this results in learning a lot about technology very quickly. Within less than 3 years I had enough experience to easily move to a more security-focused role. Don't be afraid to start at the bottom. It is not that long of a climb!
I actually started in tech without a degree at a type of IT provider called a Managed Service Provider (MSP). Most towns have several companies like this that provide IT services to local companies. This is often considered a very fast-paced job where you are thrown into difficult situations, but this results in learning a lot about technology very quickly. Within less than 3 years I had enough experience to easily move to a more security-focused role. Don't be afraid to start at the bottom. It is not that long of a climb!
Etienne Mas
Security Architect
2
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Etienne’s Answer
Consider starting as a level 1 analyst in a Security Operations Center (SOC). Many companies provide training to help you grow in your career. As a level 1 analyst, you'll be the first to respond to security alerts, check out suspicious activities like phishing, and decide if issues need to be passed on to senior analysts.
You might also look into becoming an IT Support Specialist with a focus on security. In this role, you'll handle IT problems, manage user access, apply security updates, and make sure devices are protected. Both paths offer great opportunities to learn and advance in the field of cybersecurity.
You might also look into becoming an IT Support Specialist with a focus on security. In this role, you'll handle IT problems, manage user access, apply security updates, and make sure devices are protected. Both paths offer great opportunities to learn and advance in the field of cybersecurity.
Rosa Joy M.
Computer Security, AI and Cloud
26
Answers
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Updated
Rosa’s Answer
Hi Luke. I will commend you for taking time to think about your life ahead. It is good to consider several options because plans sometimes don't follow our line of thinking. I will encourage you if possible go to college. It is the introduction chapter into adulthood and self dependency. If you are very constrained, choose a nice of your preference and follow it up by self study and working. in general, studying the underlying principles of anything is encouraged before being a practitioner. This is for safety of all involved by skipping classic mistakes. Apart from that cybersecurity is part of law. sometimes evidence has to be presented in a court of law and having proper credential for everyone handling the evidence is a plus for trustworthiness.
Consider your own thought on the issue. Most of the time you know what best for you. Wishing you well.
Consider your own thought on the issue. Most of the time you know what best for you. Wishing you well.
Sumitra Biswal
Independent researcher in the intersection of AI and Cybersecurity
40
Answers
India
Updated
Sumitra’s Answer
Hi Luke,
You don’t always need a college degree to start in cybersecurity. What matters most is skills and proof of practice. Certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CEH, hands-on labs (Hack The Box, CTFs), and entry-level SOC roles can help you break in. Many companies even sponsor training while you work. With your curiosity and tinkering spirit, you’re already on the right track.
Warm regards,
Sumitra
You don’t always need a college degree to start in cybersecurity. What matters most is skills and proof of practice. Certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CEH, hands-on labs (Hack The Box, CTFs), and entry-level SOC roles can help you break in. Many companies even sponsor training while you work. With your curiosity and tinkering spirit, you’re already on the right track.
Warm regards,
Sumitra
Kent Howard
Security Risk Management
14
Answers
Frisco, Texas
Updated
Kent’s Answer
Hi Luke. I'm going to take a different approach than the others that have responded. This is not to suggest that what folks have said isn't right or isn't true. They're all spot on with their feedback, and there's a lot or really good wisdom in those responses.
I went into the military (USAF) after High School. No college degree needed, per se. I was trained in a field that I had not had any exposure to prior to joining. However, after Basic Training and 10 months of Technical School, I was a Satellite Communications Tech. and the gov't paid for the security clearance that I needed, in addition to my housing and uniforms, etc.
The Navy, Air Force and Space Command all have outstanding Cybersecurity programs at this point. I believe the Army has some Cyber, but I am not as familiar with that program.
If you were to opt for the military, you wouldn't have to stay in forever. You could spend 4-6 years getting trained and experienced, and you would then be in a fantastic position to jump to the civilian world or to work for some other aspect of the government.
Alternatively, you can also go to college and join the military as an officer. Many universities have ROTC programs that will pay for or nearly pay for your tuition. Yes, you have to commit to military service after graduation, but you'd serve as an officer and be gaining valuable leadership experience.
The military is not for everyone. I get it. But it's a heck of a way to have your training paid for, and be set up for jobs upon separation.
Give it some thought.
I went into the military (USAF) after High School. No college degree needed, per se. I was trained in a field that I had not had any exposure to prior to joining. However, after Basic Training and 10 months of Technical School, I was a Satellite Communications Tech. and the gov't paid for the security clearance that I needed, in addition to my housing and uniforms, etc.
The Navy, Air Force and Space Command all have outstanding Cybersecurity programs at this point. I believe the Army has some Cyber, but I am not as familiar with that program.
If you were to opt for the military, you wouldn't have to stay in forever. You could spend 4-6 years getting trained and experienced, and you would then be in a fantastic position to jump to the civilian world or to work for some other aspect of the government.
Alternatively, you can also go to college and join the military as an officer. Many universities have ROTC programs that will pay for or nearly pay for your tuition. Yes, you have to commit to military service after graduation, but you'd serve as an officer and be gaining valuable leadership experience.
The military is not for everyone. I get it. But it's a heck of a way to have your training paid for, and be set up for jobs upon separation.
Give it some thought.
Nate Scott
Software Engineer & Cybersecurity Engineering
3
Answers
Mukilteo, Washington
Updated
Nate’s Answer
Many students claim that they really like computer science, and my three college roommates were no exception, but without exception, they all changed their majors because they failed to pass all the courses. Computer science has many foundational courses involving a large amount of mathematics and engineering. If you don’t plan to attend college, there are other paths you can take, but you need to understand that this path will be long. You can choose to join the military; the army provides various training, and if you obtain security clearance, the job is more secure. However, the process may be somewhat difficult. You need to understand that liking something means accepting all of it, not just parts of it. For example, if you like dogs, you have to accept that dogs shed hair.
George Valencia
Information Security
1
Answer
Elk Grove, California
Updated
George’s Answer
Hello Luke,
Cybersecurity can seem daunting because it goes far and wide. A college degree is not needed but some still require for senior roles or manager positions.
Some good resources to discover what type of roles are out there are:
- NICE Framework - a framework of different roles and their definition - https://niccs.cisa.gov/tools/nice-framework
- Cyberseek.org - a look at the open roles across the country or in your region to explore
- For certification, if you choose that path for education, Paul Jerimy put together a certification roadmap that is extremely helpful to describe level and area of expertise - https://pauljerimy.com/security-certification-roadmap/
Hope this helps you in your journey. Just remember, its a journey, so get your foot in the door and explore.
Cybersecurity can seem daunting because it goes far and wide. A college degree is not needed but some still require for senior roles or manager positions.
Some good resources to discover what type of roles are out there are:
- NICE Framework - a framework of different roles and their definition - https://niccs.cisa.gov/tools/nice-framework
- Cyberseek.org - a look at the open roles across the country or in your region to explore
- For certification, if you choose that path for education, Paul Jerimy put together a certification roadmap that is extremely helpful to describe level and area of expertise - https://pauljerimy.com/security-certification-roadmap/
Hope this helps you in your journey. Just remember, its a journey, so get your foot in the door and explore.
James Patterson Wicks
Cyber Security Leader
32
Answers
West Orange, New Jersey
Updated
James Patterson’s Answer
You can definitely get started in cyber security without a college degree, especially by pursuing industry-recognized certifications. Programs like CompTIA Security+, CompTIA A+, Network+, or even beginner-friendly options like the Google Cybersecurity Certificate can help you stand out when applying for entry-level roles. These credentials, combined with hands-on skills, can lead to positions such as IT support technician, help desk analyst, or junior security analyst. Some companies, particularly in IT support or managed service provider environments, will even pay for training and certifications while you work, giving you a chance to gain both experience and education at the same time.
That said, a college education plays a much bigger role in the long-term picture. While certifications show your technical ability, a degree helps you develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills that make you more adaptable in an ever-changing technical landscape. Many degree programs also weave certifications into their coursework, meaning you can graduate with both academic credentials and industry certifications. More importantly, leadership and senior-level roles often require or strongly prefer a degree, and without one, your career growth may eventually hit a ceiling.
It’s also important to understand that pursuing a technical route and a college route is not an either/or decision. You can take online or evening courses while working, completing your degree as you gain real-world technical expertise and experience at your company. When leadership roles become available, you’ll be positioned with both education and experience, making you a strong candidate for advancement. In short, certifications can get your foot in the door, but combining them with a degree over time ensures you have the foundation to build a successful and adaptable career in cyber security.
That said, a college education plays a much bigger role in the long-term picture. While certifications show your technical ability, a degree helps you develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills that make you more adaptable in an ever-changing technical landscape. Many degree programs also weave certifications into their coursework, meaning you can graduate with both academic credentials and industry certifications. More importantly, leadership and senior-level roles often require or strongly prefer a degree, and without one, your career growth may eventually hit a ceiling.
It’s also important to understand that pursuing a technical route and a college route is not an either/or decision. You can take online or evening courses while working, completing your degree as you gain real-world technical expertise and experience at your company. When leadership roles become available, you’ll be positioned with both education and experience, making you a strong candidate for advancement. In short, certifications can get your foot in the door, but combining them with a degree over time ensures you have the foundation to build a successful and adaptable career in cyber security.