Cybersecurity

Can you get a cybersecurity job without any experience? It is possible! When it comes to landing a cybersecurity job hiring managers in the cybersecurity industry are most concerned with the skills and credentials you have. If you have the technical skills, the soft skills, and a willingness to learn, you can find entry level cybersecurity jobs and enter the cybersecurity world!

To break into a skilled industry, you have to start somewhere. But how do you prove yourself when you haven’t yet earned experience on paper? Here are some ways you can find an entry-level cybersecurity role:

• Start with Internships, Volunteer Experiences, or Early Career Development Programs
  • Many companies offer cybersecurity internships or early career development programs like the ones offer at NSA and Capital One.
  • Internships and early career development programs are specifically designed for students and recent graduates. These opportunities provide hands-on experience, mentorship, and the chance to work on real-world projects.
    • Ex. CISA offers rotating internships annually!
  • Students and graduates should also explore cyber-related job experiences or job shadows to work on real projects, which you can then highlight on your resume for future employers! Check out the “Gain Experiences” section on this page.
• Explore Entry-Level Positions
  • Like becoming a processional in any field, you will need to do you research on entry-level types cybersecurity roles that fit your unique career goals!
  • Consider researching entry-level jobs such as: cybersecurity analyst, penetration tester, cybersecurity auditor, forensic analyst, incident responder, and system administrator.
• Explore “Feeder Roles”
  • Feeder roles are jobs outside of the cybersecurity sector that can serve as a pathway into the field. These positions cultivate key skills and knowledge that are transferable to cybersecurity. Common feeder roles include: 
    • Network engineer– Like many cybersecurity professionals, network engineers monitor, maintain, and administer network systems. They also anticipate, identify, and mitigate network vulnerabilities. 
    • Software engineer– These professionals design, test, and deploy software applications. This common feeder role equips cybersecurity professionals with testing and programming skills. 
    • Financial risk analyst– This feeder role builds risk analysis and risk mediation skills. Like cybersecurity professionals, financial risk analysts use data to predict risks and recommend solutions. 
    • IT support– These professionals maintain, diagnose, and repair hardware and software systems—all foundational cybersecurity skills. 
• Utilize Your Network
  • Networking is another powerful tool for landing your first cybersecurity job. Reach out to friends, family, and acquaintances who work in your field of interest. Also don’t overlook making a simple LinkedIn post stating that you’re open to work and asking for help from your connections.
  • Lastly, attend job fairs and other events related to your industry. These events are a great opportunity to meet people who can provide valuable insights and help you connect with potential employers!
• Tailor Your Resume And Cover Letter For Each Application
  • Take the time to tailor your resume and cover letter to the job or internship you are applying for. Highlight your relevant skills and experience, even if it’s not directly related to the job.
  • Consider using a functional resume format that focuses on your transferable skills and abilities rather than your work experience.
  • In addition, remember to always use keywords mentioned in the job description on your resume because many companies use AI software to match your resume with keywords found in job descriptions.
• Build A Strong Online Presence
  • Establishing a professional online presence can help employers discover you.
  • Maintain and update your LinkedIn profile, and participate in relevant online communities, and showcase your projects or contributions on platforms like GitHub.
  • This visibility can increase your chances of being noticed by potential employers and industry professionals.

If you are mid-level professional and you are considering a move into cybersecurity but feel like it is impossible because you do not have any related experience – you are not alone. Thousands of mid-level experienced professionals are turning to cybersecurity to build upon their careers as the cyber security field yields an exciting career with great employment opportunities and generous remuneration.

• Switching Careers – Advice for Career Changers
  • Transitioning to cybersecurity should build on existing professional experience. In many cases, making a successful switch is a matter of refining specific skills, and highlighting transferable skills from your past experience.
  • Spend time researching the technical and soft skills your ideal cybersecurity job requires, and spend time updating your resume and applications to be sure you have noted all your current/newly acquired skills, relevant certifications, and transferable skills from your past experience.
  • Whether you have a IT-related background or a non-IT related background, you can make a career change into the cybersecurity field.
• Explore “Feeder Roles”
  • If you are a mid-career professional looking to transition into the cybersecurity field, you may want to research feeder roles to get started. Feeder roles are jobs outside of the cybersecurity sector that can serve as a pathway into the field. These positions cultivate key skills and knowledge that are transferable to cybersecurity. Common feeder roles include: 
    • Network engineer– Like many cybersecurity professionals, network engineers monitor, maintain, and administer network systems. They also anticipate, identify, and mitigate network vulnerabilities. 
    • Software engineer– These professionals design, test, and deploy software applications. This common feeder role equips cybersecurity professionals with testing and programming skills. 
    • Financial risk analyst– This feeder role builds risk analysis and risk mediation skills. Like cybersecurity professionals, financial risk analysts use data to predict risks and recommend solutions. 
    • IT support– These professionals maintain, diagnose, and repair hardware and software systems—all foundational cybersecurity skills. 
• Popular Cybersecurity Jobs To Explore
  • As you begin considering career options, you might want to spend some time researching the various cybersecurity career paths out there and which aligns closest with your passions and skillsets.
  • While researching specific roles, you will want to consider researching some of the top companies looking to hire cybersecurity professionals.
• Popular Cybersecurity/Technology Job Boards To Explore
  • You are probably asking, where can you find jobs with great technology and cybersecurity companies? Well, tech and cybersecurity-related job boards are one place you can start!
  • Click on “Jobs and Internships” on the Career Edge homepage to browse SNHU’s job board Handshake.

As a seasoned professional in the technology field, employers may be expecting that you have not only the experience in the field, but the technical knowledge and certifications to prove your expertise! Career paths for more experienced cybersecurity professionals are diverse and wide ranging. With experience and proven success, senior cybersecurity professionals can progress to more senior roles or even executive-level positions.

As you gain experience in cybersecurity, you may choose to advance toward a leadership position within your organization. Cybersecurity managers oversee an organization’s network and computer security systems. In this role, you might manage security teams, coordinate between teams, and ensure security compliance. Some cybersecurity specialist jobs, such as chief information security officer (CISO), can require a master’s degree. It’s never too late to get a degree that will support you in your pursuit of a cybersecurity career!

• Technical Knowledge for Cybersecurity Majors
  • Technical cybersecurity skills encompass proficiency in various programming languages and tools.
  • When creating a resume for a cybersecurity career, it’s important to highlight the relevant skills that demonstrate your expertise and qualifications in the field.
  • Here are some key technical skills:
    • Programming Languages & Operating Systems: Python, JavaScript, PHP, SQL, Linux, Windows and C++
    • Network Security Tools: firewalls, security protocols, antivirus software, cloud security, intrusion prevention, threat modeling
• Cybersecurity Certifications
  • Cybersecurity certifications can quickly and affordably improve your skills and job prospects in the tech industry.
  • Its import you take the time to first explore certification types and find options to find the best fit for your unique career goals!
  • Common cybersecurity certifications include:
    • CCSP
    • CEH
    • CISM
    • CCNP
    • CompTIA Security+ (CySA+, CASP+, PenTest+)