3 answers
Amanda
Student
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
1
Question
Asked
2895 views
How do I network with myself to obtain an entry level position in Cybersecurity?
I'm interested in perusing a career in cybersecurity, and I plan to get the appropriate certifications soon (e.g CompTIA Security+, CEH, etc) but as I was researching I kept seeing the common pattern of "a friend of a friend got me access to this position", I don't interact with people outside of my family and really tight friend group. I want to try working for an international company one day, how do I connect with others?
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3 answers
James Patterson Wicks
Cyber Security Leader
29
Answers
West Orange, New Jersey
Updated
James Patterson’s Answer
1. Become comfortable with the idea of professional contacts outside of your existing friend and family circles.
2. Actively participate in platforms like LinkedIn, Reddit's r/cybersecurity, or Discord servers. Sharing your learning journey and insights builds your visibility and credibility.
3. Look for cybersecurity-focused meetups or webinars through platforms like Meetup.com or local industry events in South Africa. Even virtual attendance can lead to valuable connections.
4. Participate in online cybersecurity competitions and CTF challenges to collaborate with peers worldwide. This practical involvement can help you build relationships and demonstrate your skills to potential employers.
5. Consider creating a cybersecurity-focused blog, TikTok/Instagram posts, LinkedIn posts, or YouTube channel documenting your certification journey and insights. This increases your exposure to recruiters and industry professionals internationally.
6. Contribute to open-source cybersecurity projects or volunteer for non-profits needing cybersecurity assistance (church, schools, community service programs). This proactive approach helps you build meaningful connections and demonstrates your passion to potential employers globally.
2. Actively participate in platforms like LinkedIn, Reddit's r/cybersecurity, or Discord servers. Sharing your learning journey and insights builds your visibility and credibility.
3. Look for cybersecurity-focused meetups or webinars through platforms like Meetup.com or local industry events in South Africa. Even virtual attendance can lead to valuable connections.
4. Participate in online cybersecurity competitions and CTF challenges to collaborate with peers worldwide. This practical involvement can help you build relationships and demonstrate your skills to potential employers.
5. Consider creating a cybersecurity-focused blog, TikTok/Instagram posts, LinkedIn posts, or YouTube channel documenting your certification journey and insights. This increases your exposure to recruiters and industry professionals internationally.
6. Contribute to open-source cybersecurity projects or volunteer for non-profits needing cybersecurity assistance (church, schools, community service programs). This proactive approach helps you build meaningful connections and demonstrates your passion to potential employers globally.
James Patterson Wicks
Cyber Security Leader
29
Answers
West Orange, New Jersey
Updated
James Patterson’s Answer
1. Become comfortable with the idea of professional contacts outside of your existing friend and family circles. It's true that many opportunities are found through friends of friends, so you must increase your number of professional friends online.
2. Actively participate in platforms like LinkedIn, Reddit's r/cybersecurity, or Discord servers. Sharing your learning journey and insights builds your visibility and credibility.
3. Look for cybersecurity-focused meetups or webinars through platforms like Meetup.com or local industry events in South Africa. Even virtual attendance can lead to valuable connections.
4. Participate in online cybersecurity competitions and CTF challenges to collaborate with peers worldwide. This practical involvement can help you build relationships and demonstrate your skills to potential employers.
5. Consider creating a cybersecurity-focused blog, TikTok/Instagram posts, LinkedIn posts, or YouTube channel documenting your certification journey and insights. This increases your exposure to recruiters and industry professionals internationally.
6. Contribute to open-source cybersecurity projects or volunteer for non-profits needing cybersecurity assistance (church, schools, community service programs). This proactive approach helps you build meaningful connections and demonstrates your passion to potential employers globally.
2. Actively participate in platforms like LinkedIn, Reddit's r/cybersecurity, or Discord servers. Sharing your learning journey and insights builds your visibility and credibility.
3. Look for cybersecurity-focused meetups or webinars through platforms like Meetup.com or local industry events in South Africa. Even virtual attendance can lead to valuable connections.
4. Participate in online cybersecurity competitions and CTF challenges to collaborate with peers worldwide. This practical involvement can help you build relationships and demonstrate your skills to potential employers.
5. Consider creating a cybersecurity-focused blog, TikTok/Instagram posts, LinkedIn posts, or YouTube channel documenting your certification journey and insights. This increases your exposure to recruiters and industry professionals internationally.
6. Contribute to open-source cybersecurity projects or volunteer for non-profits needing cybersecurity assistance (church, schools, community service programs). This proactive approach helps you build meaningful connections and demonstrates your passion to potential employers globally.
Rafael Diaz Montelongo
Consultant
378
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
Hi Amanda,
Networking is essential for any career and even for entering the cybersecurity field, especially for students aiming for international roles. Use LinkedIn to build a strong profile and connect with professionals. I advise to join online groups and forums, attend virtual events, and participate actively. Professional organizations in cybersecurity can help you meet others in the field. Engage in CTF competitions and online challenges to improve your skills and network. Also, seek informational interviews with industry experts and leverage educational institutions' networks when obtaining certifications. Hope this helps!
Networking is essential for any career and even for entering the cybersecurity field, especially for students aiming for international roles. Use LinkedIn to build a strong profile and connect with professionals. I advise to join online groups and forums, attend virtual events, and participate actively. Professional organizations in cybersecurity can help you meet others in the field. Engage in CTF competitions and online challenges to improve your skills and network. Also, seek informational interviews with industry experts and leverage educational institutions' networks when obtaining certifications. Hope this helps!