5 answers
Brandon
Student
Burlington, North Carolina
1
Question
Asked
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What steps do I need to take to start a career in IT/Cybersecurity?
I am pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity as well as taking courses on Coursera to obtain a few certifications.
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5 answers
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
523
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Starting a career in IT/Cybersecurity is a great choice, given the increasing demand for skilled professionals in this field. Here are some thoughtful steps to help you on your journey:
1. **Educational Foundation**: Pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity is an excellent start. Make sure to excel in your coursework and understand the core concepts thoroughly.
2. **Certifications**: Your plan to obtain certifications is commendable. Certifications like CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) can boost your credentials and marketability.
3. **Hands-on Experience**: Practical experience is invaluable. Set up a home lab or participate in cybersecurity challenges and Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions. Real-world problem-solving will enhance your skills.
4. **Networking**: Attend IT and Cybersecurity conferences, workshops, and local meetups. Building a professional network can provide you with insights, mentorship, and potential job opportunities.
5. **Stay Updated**: Cybersecurity is a dynamic field. Subscribe to industry news, blogs, podcasts, and follow cybersecurity experts on social media to stay informed about emerging threats and technologies.
6. **Internships**: Seek internships or part-time positions in IT or cybersecurity-related roles. Practical experience in a professional setting can be a stepping stone to a full-time career.
7. **Soft Skills**: Develop strong communication and problem-solving skills. Cybersecurity professionals often need to explain complex issues to non-technical stakeholders and find creative solutions to security challenges.
8. **Ethical Mindset**: Embrace ethical principles in your work. The cybersecurity field demands a commitment to protecting information and systems with integrity and responsibility.
9. **Resume Building**: Keep your resume up-to-date and tailor it for cybersecurity roles. Highlight your education, certifications, relevant coursework, and any projects or internships.
10. **Job Search**: When you're ready to apply for jobs, utilize online job boards, company websites, and professional networks like LinkedIn. Don't be discouraged by rejection; persistence is key.
11. **Continuous Learning**: Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field. Dedicate time for ongoing learning and skill development. Consider pursuing advanced degrees or more specialized certifications as you progress.
12. **Ethical Hacking**: If you're interested in penetration testing or ethical hacking, consider participating in bug bounty programs. This can be a lucrative way to gain experience and contribute to security.
Remember that a career in IT/Cybersecurity requires dedication and adaptability. Be prepared to learn continuously and adapt to the evolving threat landscape. Your proactive approach to education and certifications is a strong foundation for success. Good luck on your journey!
1. **Educational Foundation**: Pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity is an excellent start. Make sure to excel in your coursework and understand the core concepts thoroughly.
2. **Certifications**: Your plan to obtain certifications is commendable. Certifications like CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) can boost your credentials and marketability.
3. **Hands-on Experience**: Practical experience is invaluable. Set up a home lab or participate in cybersecurity challenges and Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions. Real-world problem-solving will enhance your skills.
4. **Networking**: Attend IT and Cybersecurity conferences, workshops, and local meetups. Building a professional network can provide you with insights, mentorship, and potential job opportunities.
5. **Stay Updated**: Cybersecurity is a dynamic field. Subscribe to industry news, blogs, podcasts, and follow cybersecurity experts on social media to stay informed about emerging threats and technologies.
6. **Internships**: Seek internships or part-time positions in IT or cybersecurity-related roles. Practical experience in a professional setting can be a stepping stone to a full-time career.
7. **Soft Skills**: Develop strong communication and problem-solving skills. Cybersecurity professionals often need to explain complex issues to non-technical stakeholders and find creative solutions to security challenges.
8. **Ethical Mindset**: Embrace ethical principles in your work. The cybersecurity field demands a commitment to protecting information and systems with integrity and responsibility.
9. **Resume Building**: Keep your resume up-to-date and tailor it for cybersecurity roles. Highlight your education, certifications, relevant coursework, and any projects or internships.
10. **Job Search**: When you're ready to apply for jobs, utilize online job boards, company websites, and professional networks like LinkedIn. Don't be discouraged by rejection; persistence is key.
11. **Continuous Learning**: Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field. Dedicate time for ongoing learning and skill development. Consider pursuing advanced degrees or more specialized certifications as you progress.
12. **Ethical Hacking**: If you're interested in penetration testing or ethical hacking, consider participating in bug bounty programs. This can be a lucrative way to gain experience and contribute to security.
Remember that a career in IT/Cybersecurity requires dedication and adaptability. Be prepared to learn continuously and adapt to the evolving threat landscape. Your proactive approach to education and certifications is a strong foundation for success. Good luck on your journey!
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
Brandon
Narasimhan RK
Sales Support
2
Answers
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Updated
Narasimhan’s Answer
Hello Brandon,
Cybersecurity is a crucial field that the world is currently focusing on. It's fantastic that you've chosen this path for your learning journey. The certifications you're working towards will provide you with a solid theoretical foundation. However, it's equally important to understand how to apply these concepts practically. Here are some steps that can guide you on your journey.
1. Dive Deep into Learning - It's essential to thoroughly understand the concepts, not just for certification purposes but to truly master the subject. The deeper you delve into the concepts, the more knowledgeable you'll become, propelling you towards expertise.
2. Foster Innovation - Imagine a situation where you're tasked with protecting a company's cybersecurity. This will help you think creatively and innovatively.
3. Approach Problems with Solutions - Always approach issues with potential solutions in mind, rather than focusing solely on the problem itself.
4. Seek the Perfect Fit - As you near the completion of your degree, or even during your final year, start looking for a company that can offer you a position as an internal trainee. This hands-on experience will help you translate your theoretical knowledge into practical skills, allowing you to improve daily.
Best of luck on your journey!
Cybersecurity is a crucial field that the world is currently focusing on. It's fantastic that you've chosen this path for your learning journey. The certifications you're working towards will provide you with a solid theoretical foundation. However, it's equally important to understand how to apply these concepts practically. Here are some steps that can guide you on your journey.
1. Dive Deep into Learning - It's essential to thoroughly understand the concepts, not just for certification purposes but to truly master the subject. The deeper you delve into the concepts, the more knowledgeable you'll become, propelling you towards expertise.
2. Foster Innovation - Imagine a situation where you're tasked with protecting a company's cybersecurity. This will help you think creatively and innovatively.
3. Approach Problems with Solutions - Always approach issues with potential solutions in mind, rather than focusing solely on the problem itself.
4. Seek the Perfect Fit - As you near the completion of your degree, or even during your final year, start looking for a company that can offer you a position as an internal trainee. This hands-on experience will help you translate your theoretical knowledge into practical skills, allowing you to improve daily.
Best of luck on your journey!
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Brandon
Amit Agrawal, CISA, CISSP
Technology Audit
2
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Amit’s Answer
Hello Brandon,
You're already making great strides with your CyberSecurity degree and online courses. I suggest you start examining job listings to identify the most sought-after skills and certifications in your field. This will help you focus your learning and development efforts.
It's also beneficial to identify a few companies that pique your interest. The Big10 Accounting/Consulting firms are particularly welcoming to fresh college graduates and could be an excellent starting point for your career.
Networking is key. Try to connect with people who are already working in these firms. Remember, persistence is crucial when it comes to follow-ups. People are generally willing to help, but sometimes they need a gentle nudge.
Above all, never lose hope or give up on your goals!
Best of luck!
Amit Agrawal
You're already making great strides with your CyberSecurity degree and online courses. I suggest you start examining job listings to identify the most sought-after skills and certifications in your field. This will help you focus your learning and development efforts.
It's also beneficial to identify a few companies that pique your interest. The Big10 Accounting/Consulting firms are particularly welcoming to fresh college graduates and could be an excellent starting point for your career.
Networking is key. Try to connect with people who are already working in these firms. Remember, persistence is crucial when it comes to follow-ups. People are generally willing to help, but sometimes they need a gentle nudge.
Above all, never lose hope or give up on your goals!
Best of luck!
Amit Agrawal
Thank you for the advice.
Brandon
Bharath Anche
Senior Salesforce Engineer
11
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Bharath’s Answer
Hello Brandon,
Thank you for your inquiry.
In the ever-evolving world of technology, cybersecurity careers have steadily gained prominence. This is due to the increasing need for specialized skills to safeguard companies from escalating security incidents. Many individuals who initially ventured into the field as computer support technicians or network administrators have since amplified their expertise through certification courses or further education.
Choosing a career in cybersecurity is a promising decision, given the constant demand for professionals in this field across various industries. This is largely due to the ongoing battle against the surge of data breaches. In fact, the unemployment rate for cybersecurity professionals plummeted to 0% in 2016 and has remained steady since then. Equipping yourself for this career will grant you a valuable skill set that ensures consistent employment opportunities.
Potential job titles in this field include Network Security Analyst, Cybersecurity Forensics Analyst, Application Security Engineer, and Network Security Engineer.
The typical educational background for these roles includes a Bachelor's degree in business, computer science, or liberal arts. Relevant certifications include Cisco Certified CyberOps Professional, Certified Ethical Hacker, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and DevSecOps Foundation.
The salary range for these positions is typically between $75,000 and $100,000.
Here are some certifications that might be beneficial for you:
- [Splunk Core Certified User](https://www.splunk.com/en_us/training/certification-track/splunk-core-certified-user.html)
- [Splunk Core Certified Power User](https://www.splunk.com/en_us/training/certification-track/splunk-core-certified-power-user.html)
- [Splunk Core Certified Advanced Power User](https://www.splunk.com/en_us/training/certification-track/splunk-core-certified-advanced-power-user.html)
- [Splunk Cloud Certified Admin](https://www.splunk.com/en_us/training/certification-track/splunk-cloud-certified-admin.html)
- [Splunk Certified Developer](https://www.splunk.com/en_us/training/certification-track/splunk-certified-developer.html)
Why choose Splunk? Splunk allows you to prevent major issues, absorb shocks, and accelerate transformation. With visibility into all your digital systems, you can address incidents before they impact your business. This automation saves time and resources, reduces downtime by 82%, and quickens the mean time to remediation by 80%.
Furthermore, Splunk allows you to confidently roll out new code, update legacy infrastructure, or try out a new business model with full visibility into how changes will impact your digital environment. This leads to a 50% faster time to market for new apps.
Best regards,
Bharath Anche
Splunker
Thank you for your inquiry.
In the ever-evolving world of technology, cybersecurity careers have steadily gained prominence. This is due to the increasing need for specialized skills to safeguard companies from escalating security incidents. Many individuals who initially ventured into the field as computer support technicians or network administrators have since amplified their expertise through certification courses or further education.
Choosing a career in cybersecurity is a promising decision, given the constant demand for professionals in this field across various industries. This is largely due to the ongoing battle against the surge of data breaches. In fact, the unemployment rate for cybersecurity professionals plummeted to 0% in 2016 and has remained steady since then. Equipping yourself for this career will grant you a valuable skill set that ensures consistent employment opportunities.
Potential job titles in this field include Network Security Analyst, Cybersecurity Forensics Analyst, Application Security Engineer, and Network Security Engineer.
The typical educational background for these roles includes a Bachelor's degree in business, computer science, or liberal arts. Relevant certifications include Cisco Certified CyberOps Professional, Certified Ethical Hacker, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and DevSecOps Foundation.
The salary range for these positions is typically between $75,000 and $100,000.
Here are some certifications that might be beneficial for you:
- [Splunk Core Certified User](https://www.splunk.com/en_us/training/certification-track/splunk-core-certified-user.html)
- [Splunk Core Certified Power User](https://www.splunk.com/en_us/training/certification-track/splunk-core-certified-power-user.html)
- [Splunk Core Certified Advanced Power User](https://www.splunk.com/en_us/training/certification-track/splunk-core-certified-advanced-power-user.html)
- [Splunk Cloud Certified Admin](https://www.splunk.com/en_us/training/certification-track/splunk-cloud-certified-admin.html)
- [Splunk Certified Developer](https://www.splunk.com/en_us/training/certification-track/splunk-certified-developer.html)
Why choose Splunk? Splunk allows you to prevent major issues, absorb shocks, and accelerate transformation. With visibility into all your digital systems, you can address incidents before they impact your business. This automation saves time and resources, reduces downtime by 82%, and quickens the mean time to remediation by 80%.
Furthermore, Splunk allows you to confidently roll out new code, update legacy infrastructure, or try out a new business model with full visibility into how changes will impact your digital environment. This leads to a 50% faster time to market for new apps.
Best regards,
Bharath Anche
Splunker
Thank you for the advice, Bharath.
Brandon
Naomi Touchet
software engineer—security research
2
Answers
Olympia, Washington
Updated
Naomi’s Answer
Hey there! It's awesome that you're showing an interest in cybersecurity. There's plenty of work to be done and problems to solve.
Here are two great articles on getting into the field from a security engineering perspective:
* [Get into Security Engineering](https://noncombatant.org/2016/06/20/get-into-security-engineering/)
* [So You Want to Work in Security?](https://medium.com/free-code-camp/so-you-want-to-work-in-security-bc6c10157d23)
Some resources that could be helpful depending on your interests:
* [Web Security](https://portswigger.net/web-security)
* [Pwn College](pwn.college)
* [LiveOverflow on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@LiveOverflow)
Also, to stay in the loop with the latest research and tools, [TLDRSec](https://tldrsec.com/) is a fantastic resource. Happy exploring!
Here are two great articles on getting into the field from a security engineering perspective:
* [Get into Security Engineering](https://noncombatant.org/2016/06/20/get-into-security-engineering/)
* [So You Want to Work in Security?](https://medium.com/free-code-camp/so-you-want-to-work-in-security-bc6c10157d23)
Some resources that could be helpful depending on your interests:
* [Web Security](https://portswigger.net/web-security)
* [Pwn College](pwn.college)
* [LiveOverflow on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@LiveOverflow)
Also, to stay in the loop with the latest research and tools, [TLDRSec](https://tldrsec.com/) is a fantastic resource. Happy exploring!
Thanks for your encouragement!
Brandon