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How can I get a job with a cyber security certification only at 17 or 18 ?

I want to know if, at the age of 17 or 18, I could get a decent job in cyber security or IT if I only have a certificate for something in cyber security. I'm asking if there's a way I can get an excellent cyber security job with only a high school diploma and certificate rather than going to college for a couple of years.

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Gergő’s Answer

Hi Mohammed,

Companies are usually looking for experience our studies.
Experience shows that you worked on that given field/job, so you probably know what you do.
Studies are important as they give a perfect foundation to start your working career.
Honestly, it's highly unlikely you get an excellent job only with certificate and high school.
There's a chance you could get an entry level job and then in years work your way up.

Don't get discouraged by any of these options, if you work/study hard, opportunities will come!

I hope this helps!
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Atul’s Answer

Make sure you're prioritizing correctly. During high school, your main goal should be to achieve a high GPA. Push yourself to take on the challenge of Advanced Placement courses and broaden your experiences by getting involved in activities such as Robotics or similar, to boost your skills.

Having a strong foundation will set you up for success in any area, including cybersecurity. Remember, cybersecurity is a highly specialized field. Unless you're a certified genius and a proven hacker, it might be too ambitious to aim for this at your current age. So, focus on building your basics first.
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Kent’s Answer

Hello Mohammed,

I've always admired individuals who've faced rejection or been told "that's impossible," yet persisted. My first piece of advice to you is simple: within the bounds of legality, ethics, and morality, never accept a "no." Keep your spirits high and continue to forge ahead, no matter the obstacles.

Landing an IT or Cyber job in a Fortune 500 company with just a certification might be a tall order. However, don't let that discourage you. Consider starting small, perhaps with an IT support shop or a similar business. They might offer you basic tasks like delivering PCs to customers, which could provide you with some initial exposure.

The military is another viable option. I joined the Air Force straight out of high school and found it to be a rewarding experience. It offers numerous benefits: a steady paycheck, comprehensive training, hands-on experience, and a strong focus on cybersecurity, particularly in the Air Force and Navy.

If a full 4-year college degree isn't feasible for you at this point, consider technical schools or community colleges that offer shorter programs. Just be mindful to ensure that the credits you earn can be transferred to a 4-year program in the future.

Cybersecurity is a vast field with numerous specializations. I urge you to delve into the profession and identify what aspects you find most appealing. This will help guide your decisions regarding further training and certification.

Finally, start building your professional network now. Be proactive in reaching out to small consultancies and IT support shops. Attend local Chamber of Commerce or business association meetings. Engage in conversations, ask questions, share your aspirations, and don't hesitate to ask for introductions to others in the field.
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David’s Answer

I agree with the options above, military being a very good option depending on where you live. If in the US, this approach will provide a significant leg up, training, experience, and work opportunities after your service.

I would have some questions for you if we were speaking live:
- What have you done already to get a job? Where have you looked?...are there companies you want to work in, etc.?
- What type of cybersecurity work most interests you?
- What have you done to network in the industry? If you haven't done any, where is the easiest place for you to start growing a network?
- How are you defining "excellent"? Growth potential? Training? experiences provided? travel?
- How will you be able to define and know you have the job you are looking for?

These may be odd questions to you now, but these will be key for anyone to determine what their own path is and how to know if they are on the best one for them.

I would encourage you to take the time to contemplate these over time until you get clear on them. This can take hours or months. Ultimately, when things are not clear, move...don't sit still...go out and figure it out. <-- this is the essence of being in this field anyway.

Good luck!
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Anthony’s Answer

Hi Mohammed. I have worked in the CS space for close to 2 decades as of now with no college attendance. If you have an aptitude and command of the subject matter and can display those traits in technological settings acting in a role of a security analyst, coder or network security engineer you will likely be given an opportunity in the domain. Critical thinking and the ability to break down what is usually complex problems into smaller pieces that can be actioned independently goes a long way. Cyber Security professionals are often presented with challenges that include multi-dimensional data points that must be either correlated or dissected to work the problems. Dig in on learning and invest time into self training and pursue practical opportunities as this is often the best way to demonstrate your capabilities and add value immediately. Hope this helps.
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