4 answers
Breona
Student
Norfolk, Virginia
1
Question
Asked
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What path should I take for Cybersecurity?
I recently started my associate's for cybersecurity. I started this semester. haven't even gotten to an cyber type classes yet. I need a job, and I want to start cyber security as soon as possible. Should I be taking a certification course? Will the cert even help with landing a job? If so, which course should I be taking? What jobs should I be applying for at that point?
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4 answers
Edmond Momartin ☁️
Public Cloud Security & Compliance AT&T | MBA InfoSec | OWASP-LA Board
85
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Edmond’s Answer
You don't need a cert to get a job. What I'd recommend is to attend the monthly meetings offered by related non-profits. These are OWASP (owasp.org), ISSA (issa.org), ISC2 (isc2.org), CSA (cloudsecurityalliance.org), etc. Check their websites for a listing of local chapters.
Some organize annual conferences offering free job and resume workshops. Attend their monthly meetings, network and ask for guidance, not just on resume, but how to better prepare yourself for internships/jobs. There's one close to you https://owasp.org/www-chapter-northern-virginia/
Some organize annual conferences offering free job and resume workshops. Attend their monthly meetings, network and ask for guidance, not just on resume, but how to better prepare yourself for internships/jobs. There's one close to you https://owasp.org/www-chapter-northern-virginia/
BLPC Solutions
1
Answer
Hauppauge, New York
Updated
BLPC’s Answer
To pursue a career in cybersecurity, start by gaining a foundational understanding of networking, operating systems, and basic security principles. Build hands-on experience through home labs, CTF challenges, and internships. Key certifications to consider early on include CompTIA Security+, CEH, and CCNA. As you progress, you can specialize in areas like ethical hacking, incident response, network security, or cloud security. Stay updated with the latest trends, join cybersecurity communities, and continuously develop your skills. Look for entry-level roles such as security analyst or network security administrator, and work your way up to more advanced positions like security engineer or CISO.
Srikanth T
Information technology - Consulting
4
Answers
Sacramento, California
Updated
Srikanth’s Answer
Here are the steps that you can take for cyber security . Given my experience in SAP ERP. Suggest you to explore that route that i mentioned below.
Wish you all the best.
1. High School Level
Focus on: Math, Computer Science, Technology, Critical Thinking.
Join CyberPatriot or coding clubs if available.
Try platforms like:
TryHackMe or Hack The Box (Beginner) – gamified learning.
Khan Academy – great for logic, computing, and networking basics.
2. After High School
Option 1: Degree Path
Associate's or Bachelor's in Cybersecurity, Information Security, or Computer Science.
Hands-on labs, networking basics, system administration, and eventually, cyber defense.
Option 2: Certification Path
Start with: CompTIA Security+ or Google Cybersecurity Certificate.
Then grow into:
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Cisco CyberOps Associate
Certified SOC Analyst (CSA)
Entry-Level Jobs to Target
Help Desk Support
IT Technician
Junior SOC Analyst
Security Operations Intern
Vulnerability Analyst (Jr.)
Cybersecurity Analyst (Jr.)
🛠 These jobs help build the practical, real-world experience most cybersecurity jobs require.
🔐 SAP Cybersecurity Path (Advanced/Specialized)
What is SAP?
SAP is a global software used by businesses to manage everything from finances to supply chain. SAP systems handle very sensitive data, so securing them is a critical niche in cybersecurity.
🛣️ SAP Cybersecurity Career Path
Step 1: General IT or Cyber Background
Learn core cybersecurity concepts first (Security+, networking, Linux, Windows security).
Get experience with general IT or security support.
Step 2: Learn SAP Basics
SAP has its own ecosystem and terminology.
Start with SAP ERP basics or SAP Basis (the admin layer).
Take beginner SAP courses (via OpenSAP, Coursera, or LinkedIn Learning).
Step 3: Get SAP-Specific Security Training
SAP Security & GRC (Governance, Risk, Compliance) training
Learn how SAP handles:
Role-based access control
Identity & authorization
Security auditing
Patch management
Step 4: Aim for These Roles
SAP Security Consultant
SAP GRC Analyst
SAP Authorization Specialist
SAP Security Administrator
🔑 SAP Cybersecurity is well-paying and in demand, especially in large corporations and government agencies.
🧠 Key Tips
Cybersecurity isn’t just hacking — it’s problem-solving, protecting people, and staying ahead of threats.
You don’t have to be a genius — just curious, willing to learn, and okay with tech.
There are roles for every interest — from hands-on (like a hacker) to policy-making and compliance.
It’s a career that pays well and grows with you — cyber skills are valuable everywhere.
Wish you all the best.
1. High School Level
Focus on: Math, Computer Science, Technology, Critical Thinking.
Join CyberPatriot or coding clubs if available.
Try platforms like:
TryHackMe or Hack The Box (Beginner) – gamified learning.
Khan Academy – great for logic, computing, and networking basics.
2. After High School
Option 1: Degree Path
Associate's or Bachelor's in Cybersecurity, Information Security, or Computer Science.
Hands-on labs, networking basics, system administration, and eventually, cyber defense.
Option 2: Certification Path
Start with: CompTIA Security+ or Google Cybersecurity Certificate.
Then grow into:
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Cisco CyberOps Associate
Certified SOC Analyst (CSA)
Entry-Level Jobs to Target
Help Desk Support
IT Technician
Junior SOC Analyst
Security Operations Intern
Vulnerability Analyst (Jr.)
Cybersecurity Analyst (Jr.)
🛠 These jobs help build the practical, real-world experience most cybersecurity jobs require.
🔐 SAP Cybersecurity Path (Advanced/Specialized)
What is SAP?
SAP is a global software used by businesses to manage everything from finances to supply chain. SAP systems handle very sensitive data, so securing them is a critical niche in cybersecurity.
🛣️ SAP Cybersecurity Career Path
Step 1: General IT or Cyber Background
Learn core cybersecurity concepts first (Security+, networking, Linux, Windows security).
Get experience with general IT or security support.
Step 2: Learn SAP Basics
SAP has its own ecosystem and terminology.
Start with SAP ERP basics or SAP Basis (the admin layer).
Take beginner SAP courses (via OpenSAP, Coursera, or LinkedIn Learning).
Step 3: Get SAP-Specific Security Training
SAP Security & GRC (Governance, Risk, Compliance) training
Learn how SAP handles:
Role-based access control
Identity & authorization
Security auditing
Patch management
Step 4: Aim for These Roles
SAP Security Consultant
SAP GRC Analyst
SAP Authorization Specialist
SAP Security Administrator
🔑 SAP Cybersecurity is well-paying and in demand, especially in large corporations and government agencies.
🧠 Key Tips
Cybersecurity isn’t just hacking — it’s problem-solving, protecting people, and staying ahead of threats.
You don’t have to be a genius — just curious, willing to learn, and okay with tech.
There are roles for every interest — from hands-on (like a hacker) to policy-making and compliance.
It’s a career that pays well and grows with you — cyber skills are valuable everywhere.
Patrick S
Security Specialist
16
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Breona,
To keep my response short and sweet, I would recommend you first become a Cybersecurity Analyst. A lot of my coworkers who work in different specialities like Security Engineering, Detection Engineering, Internal Security, Security Architecture, etc. all came from the analyst background initially.
Now is it a necessary choice and the end all be all? No, of course not. However it is the equivalent of starting in Helpdesk or service desk in the IT industry (to parallel with cybersecurity).
Now you might ask how do you get started with these roles? MDR and MSSPs are a good strategy, and some of those companies are Arctic Wolf, Huntress, ReliaQuest, CrowdStrike, Red Canary, etc.
Certifications wise, my favorite two for beginners are CompTIA Sec+ and CompTIA CySA+. I will say this… do not do the CySA+ unless you get the SOC Analyst experience first unless you are ahead of the game.
Best of luck in your decision making and career path!
- Patrick
To keep my response short and sweet, I would recommend you first become a Cybersecurity Analyst. A lot of my coworkers who work in different specialities like Security Engineering, Detection Engineering, Internal Security, Security Architecture, etc. all came from the analyst background initially.
Now is it a necessary choice and the end all be all? No, of course not. However it is the equivalent of starting in Helpdesk or service desk in the IT industry (to parallel with cybersecurity).
Now you might ask how do you get started with these roles? MDR and MSSPs are a good strategy, and some of those companies are Arctic Wolf, Huntress, ReliaQuest, CrowdStrike, Red Canary, etc.
Certifications wise, my favorite two for beginners are CompTIA Sec+ and CompTIA CySA+. I will say this… do not do the CySA+ unless you get the SOC Analyst experience first unless you are ahead of the game.
Best of luck in your decision making and career path!
- Patrick