7 answers
Jay
Student
The Woodlands, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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What would be the best first step to getting into the Cyber Security Field after college?
What would be the best first step to getting into the Cyber Security Field after college?
I am trying to get into the field with a AA in Information Technology while working towards my Bachelor's.
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7 answers
Timothy Davis, MBA, CISA
8
Answers
Panama City, Florida
Updated
Timothy’s Answer
Usually training in college in Computer Science focuses on programming, while most (not all) cyber security positions are focused primarily on network infrastructure. I would strongly encourage seeking out these types of courses if possible and maybe augment with training in Network+, Security+, or similar certifications. If you have any control over what programming languages you take at your university, I would steer you to more scripting languages such as Python. Also, not sure how you feel about the armed forces, but they are probably the best path into getting into the field as you will get valuable experience (and pay!) while you learn. They can even reimburse you for college and allow you enroll as an officer once you graduate.
Mike Wilson, CPA, CISSP, CISA, CHCO
IT Security
3
Answers
Hendersonville, Tennessee
Updated
Mike’s Answer
I wouldn't wait until after college to get started. Get started now...
Cybersecurity has a variety of exciting branches, including technical roles like infrastructure engineers who set up and maintain networks, software engineers who code, auditors who assess security, and white hat hackers who test security. There's a good chance you'll find a field that interests you!
To get started, try connecting with a professional in your desired field and ask about the main organizations they belong to. Then, consider joining those groups to expand your network.
As an IT auditor myself, I'm part of several organizations, such as ISACA, ISC2, ISSA, and AICPA. Students can often join these groups at discounted rates, which gives you the chance to network with professionals, access job boards, and find recruitment opportunities.
I remember attending an ISSA meeting last November where local colleges had student tables and recruiters were present. Don't forget to also explore resources at your college or university, like career guidance and job fairs, to help you find the perfect cybersecurity path!
Contact your local college university recruiting office.
Make friends with a professional who is in the field you want to be in and ask them advice.
Look for the professional societies that operate in the field you are interested in and look into student membership/chapter information.
Cybersecurity has a variety of exciting branches, including technical roles like infrastructure engineers who set up and maintain networks, software engineers who code, auditors who assess security, and white hat hackers who test security. There's a good chance you'll find a field that interests you!
To get started, try connecting with a professional in your desired field and ask about the main organizations they belong to. Then, consider joining those groups to expand your network.
As an IT auditor myself, I'm part of several organizations, such as ISACA, ISC2, ISSA, and AICPA. Students can often join these groups at discounted rates, which gives you the chance to network with professionals, access job boards, and find recruitment opportunities.
I remember attending an ISSA meeting last November where local colleges had student tables and recruiters were present. Don't forget to also explore resources at your college or university, like career guidance and job fairs, to help you find the perfect cybersecurity path!
Mike recommends the following next steps:
Walter Collins Jr
Solutions Consultant
4
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Walter’s Answer
Hello,
The answers that are already provided here are good advice.
I would just add by saying, first of all, find out what you want to do in Cybersecurity.
In the old days, cybersecurity was just a small part of general IT. Now, it has been changing and evolving to the point its now its own field. And there are a number of areas in this field (ethical hacking, SOC analyst, security engineering, etc.)
So, think about you. Ask yourself what most interests you about this field? What would I be happy learning about? What area is so interesting to me that I feel I could study it for the rest of my career and stay interested in it? Once you understand this, then you can focus on finding the right path that leads to a job in that area of interest within Cybersecurity.
Hope this helps....
The answers that are already provided here are good advice.
I would just add by saying, first of all, find out what you want to do in Cybersecurity.
In the old days, cybersecurity was just a small part of general IT. Now, it has been changing and evolving to the point its now its own field. And there are a number of areas in this field (ethical hacking, SOC analyst, security engineering, etc.)
So, think about you. Ask yourself what most interests you about this field? What would I be happy learning about? What area is so interesting to me that I feel I could study it for the rest of my career and stay interested in it? Once you understand this, then you can focus on finding the right path that leads to a job in that area of interest within Cybersecurity.
Hope this helps....
Kris Philipsen
Managing Director
5
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Kris’s Answer
I'm a big proponent of hands-on learning. From experience and reading up/learning a lot from the great free resources out there. There are some fun projects out there that you can play with yourself such as Kali Linux (ethical hacking) or Remnux (forensics). There is no substitute for learning how things work, what works and what doesn't and why... figuring these things out is usually a fun way to learn new things. There are some great chatboards out there where you can have discussions and even just do some of your own research. In addition to that I would suggest considering getting an entry level Cybersecurity Certification, such as those available at places such as ISC2. Good luck! It's an exciting field to be in!
Edmond Momartin ☁️
Public Cloud Security & Compliance AT&T | MBA InfoSec | OWASP-LA Board
75
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Edmond’s Answer
I can't really improve upon the two other answers here - they're both spot on. You didn't mention what is your major but this site has suggested classes and courses clearly listed https://niccs.cisa.gov/education-training/cybersecurity-students
Atul Bhankharia
Sales
476
Answers
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Updated
Atul’s Answer
While you are earning your BS undergrad, look for summer internships in the cybersecurity industry.
Need to identify where you want to do this. The geo locations are VA, MA, CO, CA and WA where most cybersecurity companies are located.
Research companies since this is a vast field with many different segments.
If you want to work for Govt Agencies like NSA or DNI or FBI - find out what it takes to apply for internships.
Most cybersecurity companies will give you test to know what kind of software language expertise you have. Your GPA do not matter. Passing their test is paramount to land a job as well as for internships.
Try to go to cybersecurity trade shows like RSA or Blackhat to witness what area and what type of companies offering what solutions.
Need to identify where you want to do this. The geo locations are VA, MA, CO, CA and WA where most cybersecurity companies are located.
Research companies since this is a vast field with many different segments.
If you want to work for Govt Agencies like NSA or DNI or FBI - find out what it takes to apply for internships.
Most cybersecurity companies will give you test to know what kind of software language expertise you have. Your GPA do not matter. Passing their test is paramount to land a job as well as for internships.
Try to go to cybersecurity trade shows like RSA or Blackhat to witness what area and what type of companies offering what solutions.
TRAVIS UPCHURCH
Federal Contract Admin
128
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
I would ask your professors this question. They most likely are involved in the industry or know of recent graduates who are on the same path that you are seeking. Many instructors at community colleges are also full-time working professionals. This is a sensible route because a lot of employers will pay for you to continue your education while you work for them. There are large employers in the area you live and also with more and more remote opportunities you should have a greater chance at finding a position that suits you. While attending classes also sign up with the college career services so you are aware for any job fairs or job postings at the college you may be interested in. If the opportunity comes up to do an internship over the summer break while attending college be sure to apply to those. That is an excellent way to get your foot in the door with a company once you graduate. Start building your linkedin profile now. It is okay to include pending certifications or education completion dates. In lieu of work experience you can include school projects or freelance work you are proud of. If you do have work experience it is fine to include, even if it isn't in the career field you are seeking.