How to Start a Career in Cyber Security with No Experience Reddit? : Starting a career in cyber security can feel overwhelming when you’re just getting started. But here’s the truth: with a strategic plan and persistence, breaking into the field is absolutely possible even without prior professional experience. In this post, we’ll walk through practical steps to launch your cyber security career using the collective wisdom of Reddit threads and subs. From finding entry-level roles that value aptitude over credentials to identifying key skills certifications to pursue, you’ll get real talk on setting yourself up for success.
We’ll also cover mistakes to avoid and networks to tap into so you can get your foot in the door. Even if tech wasn’t your college major or you’re switching careers, have hope – people just like you are getting hired in cyber security every day. Stick with us to start mapping out a game plan tailored to your background.
Why Cyber Security Is a Great Career Choice
These days, cyber security is a fast-growing, in-demand field. Here are a few reasons why it’s a great career choice, even if you have no prior experience:
Cyber security jobs pay well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for information security analysts in the U.S. is over $99,000 per year. With the increasing demand, salaries are very competitive.
There are many career paths. Whether you’re interested in technical roles like penetration testing, non-technical roles like security risk analysis, or management roles like Chief Information Security Officer, there are lots of options to choose from. You can start in an entry-level position and work your way up as you gain experience.
The job market is booming. Cyber security jobs are growing at a rate of over 30% per year, much faster than the average job market. Companies in nearly every industry need security professionals to help protect data, networks, and systems. There is no shortage of opportunities.
Start a Career in Cyber Security
You can get started with certifications. While a degree in a technical field can be helpful, it is not always required to land an entry-level cyber security job. Earning recognized certifications like the CompTIA Security+ or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) can help you gain the knowledge and skills to launch your career, even with no prior experience.
You’ll be facing interesting challenges. If you enjoy problem-solving and working with new technologies, a career in cyber security may be very appealing. No two days are the same, as you work to monitor threats, detect intrusions, and defend networks against attacks. The field is constantly evolving, so there is always more to learn.
The work is rewarding. There is a certain satisfaction that comes from helping to protect people and businesses from cyber threats. By working in cyber security, you can have a direct impact on securing sensitive data and keeping critical infrastructure safe. The challenges may be great, but the rewards can be even greater.
Overall, cyber security offers a promising career path for anyone with an aptitude for technical skills and a desire to do meaningful work protecting today’s digital world. With opportunities at every level, this dynamic field is open to people from all backgrounds and experience levels. So don’t be afraid to jump in—with time and dedication, you can build a successful career in cyber security.
Skills Needed to Succeed in Cyber Security
To succeed in a cyber security career with no prior experience, you need to develop some key technical and soft skills. While cyber security degrees and certifications can be helpful, developing the right skills and mindset will set you up for success in this growing field.
Some of the most important technical skills for a career in cyber security include:
- Familiarity with operating systems like Windows, Linux, and Mac. Cyber security professionals need to understand how these systems work in order to identify vulnerabilities and threats.
- Knowledge of networking fundamentals. Things like routers, switches, firewalls, and protocols are essential for many cyber security jobs.
- Coding and scripting skills. Languages like Python, JavaScript, and SQL are commonly used in cyber security. Even if you’re not an expert coder, learning the basics will help you understand cyber threats and automate some security tasks.
Equally as important as technical skills are soft skills like:
- Problem-solving. Cyber security professionals are constantly solving complex problems and thinking on their feet. Strong problem-solving skills are a must.
- Adaptability. Technology is always changing, so cyber security professionals need to keep their skills and knowledge up-to-date. Adaptability and a willingness to learn are essential.
- Communication. Explaining cyber security issues and solutions to non-technical stakeholders and users is key. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required for most roles.
- Curiosity. The desire to understand how systems and software work and why cyber threats exist is important for success in the field. An innate curiosity about technology will serve you well.
Developing a mix of technical skills and soft skills, even without a degree or certification, can open up many entry-level opportunities in cyber security. Hands-on experience, networking, and joining online communities are other ways to launch your career with little or no experience. With time and persistence, you can build a successful career in this exciting field.
Education Pathways for Beginners With No Experience
If you have no background in cyber security, don’t worry – there are several ways to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to land an entry-level job. The field of cyber security is growing so quickly that many employers recognize that formal education or certifications are not always required. However, some education or training can help you build a solid foundation and open up more career opportunities.
Earn a degree in cyber security (or related field)
Pursuing a degree in cyber security, information technology, or computer science is one of the best ways to prepare for a career as an entry-level cyber security professional. Associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in these areas will expose you to concepts like networking, risk management, and security controls. While earning a degree takes time and money, it shows employers you have a broad range of relevant knowledge.
Complete online courses and tutorials
If earning a degree isn’t feasible, you can gain valuable skills through free or low-cost online courses. Websites like Coursera, Udacity, and Udemy offer courses on everything from “Introduction to Cyber Security” to “Ethical Hacking.” You can also find many useful video tutorials on platforms like YouTube and Khan Academy. While online courses alone may not be enough for some roles, they are a great way to learn foundational concepts and supplement other experience.
Gain hands-on experience
In cyber security, practical experience is highly valued. Some ways to gain hands-on experience include:
- Participating in hacker capture the flag events. These events allow you to practice skills like penetration testing in a controlled environment.
- Completing an internship. An internship in cyber security is ideal for gaining on-the-job experience. Many companies hire interns for entry-level roles.
-Developing a home lab. Build your own cyber security testing environment at home using virtual machines and open-source tools. Practice tasks like vulnerability scanning, log monitoring, and more.
-Contributing to open-source projects. The open-source community is filled with opportunities to contribute to software related to cyber security. This shows your skills and passion for the field.
With the right combination of education, practical experience, and persistence, you can break into a cyber security career, even without a traditional background. While the road may not always be easy, many find that the rewarding work makes the effort worthwhile.
Entry-Level Cyber Security Jobs to Get Your Foot in the Door
Many tech-savvy people are interested in starting a career in cyber security but feel held back by a lack of relevant experience. The good news is there are several entry-level jobs that can help launch your career in this fast-growing field.
Information Security Analyst
This role involves monitoring systems for security breaches and conducting risk assessments. While a bachelor’s degree and experience are typically preferred, some employers may consider candidates with an associate’s degree or certificate in a related field like network security. The key is having a solid understanding of risk management frameworks and security controls.
Security Operations Center Analyst
SOCs are at the front line of cyber defense, detecting and responding to security incidents. SOC analysts monitor systems and networks, analyze alerts, and investigate potential threats. This role provides valuable on-the-job experience and often does not require a 4-year degree. Relevant certifications (like Security+) and a technical background can make you a strong candidate.
Penetration Tester
Also known as “ethical hackers,” pen testers attempt to break into systems and uncover vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them. This role typically requires at least a bachelor’s degree in cyber security or a related field, as well as certifications like the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) credential. However, some pen testing jobs may accept candidates with equivalent experience obtained through internships, bootcamps, or entry-level security roles.
Cyber Security Technician
This broad role covers tasks like installing and maintaining security software, monitoring networks, and providing technical support. While a degree in IT or cyber security may be preferred, a degree isn’t always required. Relevant certifications, hands-on experience, and a technical aptitude can qualify you for this role. It offers an opportunity to start building cyber security experience, which you can leverage to move into other roles.
Continued learning and persistence will serve you well in obtaining an entry-level cyber security job with little or no experience. Build up your knowledge, get certified, look for opportunities to gain experience, and don’t get discouraged. With hard work, you can launch a successful career in this exciting field.
How to Gain Relevant Experience Through Certifications, Volunteering and More
To start a career in cyber security with no experience, gaining relevant experience is key. There are several ways you can do this without a job in the field just yet.
Get Certified
Cyber security certifications are a great way to build your knowledge and show employers you have the necessary skills. Some good options for beginners include:
- CompTIA Security+: Covers core security concepts and best practices. Widely recognized entry-level cert.
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): Focuses on networking and network security. Valuable for many cyber security roles.
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Requires several years of experience but is a highly respected credential. Aim for this once you have some experience under your belt.
Study for and take certification exams to start gaining the credentials that will make you a strong candidate.
Volunteer Your Skills
Look for opportunities at local non-profits, schools, libraries or community organizations to volunteer your technical and security skills. Some options could be:
- Helping organizations improve their security practices and policies.
- Assisting with technical projects like setting up secure networks or databases.
- Educating staff and users on security best practices like strong passwords, phishing awareness, and safe web browsing.
Any hands-on experience you can gain will be valuable for your resume and for learning new skills.
Build a Home Lab
Setting up your own home lab is a great way to experiment with different technologies, practice your craft, and gain practical experience. You might build a virtual network to:
- Test firewalls, routers, switches and other networking equipment.
- Set up a domain environment to practice Active Directory, group policies, etc.
- Try out different operating systems like Kali Linux to learn penetration testing techniques.
- Build a web application and try to hack into it yourself to learn software vulnerabilities and how to defend against attacks.
With dedication, these types of experience-building activities can launch you into an entry-level cyber security role in no time. Keep learning, stay up-to-date with trends, and never stop honing your skills. Before you know it, you’ll be advising others on how to get into the cyber security field!
Conclusion
So there you have it – a few ideas to get your cyber security career off the ground, even if you’re starting from scratch. The key is being hungry to constantly learn new skills and technologies, getting hands-on practice, networking in online communities, earning entry-level certifications, and looking for internships or apprentice roles. Sure the road ahead takes dedication, but if cyber security really ignites your passion, you now have a blueprint of practical steps to set yourself up for success.
Stay motivated by remembering why you were drawn to the field in the first place, whether it was the challenging problems, the chance to protect people, or the opportunity to use cutting-edge tools. And who knows – maybe in a few years you’ll be the one sharing advice with aspiring newbies. The world needs cyber talent. Now get out there and start your journey!
