10 things to do to get into Cybersecurity
10 things i would do today … if i were to get into cybersecurity.
CYBERSECURITY
Zinet Kemal
1/2/20242 min read
10 things i would do today …
if i were to get into cybersecurity.
Based on experience for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.
1. Ask yourself WHY you are interested to be in cybersecurity vs other field ?
2. Understand that cybersecurity isn’t one role - its very broad with wide array of domains and roles -> see which domain speaks to you most & of your interest - do you like GRC, defense, offensive side or bridging the two? Here are some resources from
3. Once you know which area of cyber, start building your skills through self study, certs, formal academics, extra curricular activities such as Cyber Defense competition, CTF, internships or combination of all etc -> i did a combination of all.
4. For certs i recommend start with basics ISC2 CC, Security+ then expand on more specializations to intermediate & advanced ones depending on your interest or where you want to head. I started with Net+, Sec+, Cysa+ then to CISA, CCSK, SANS GCLD, AWS certs, ISC2 CC etc. Do hands on labs that will help you stick the concepts faster & longer.
5. Get on LinkedIn look for folks with positions you aspire to be in…follow their journey, posts, listen to podcasts they were on, talks, conversations to learn about that space.
Also look into the roles to see what are job requirements so that you make sure you get yourself ready accordingly.
6. Document your learning, projects, internships you have done. If you are a career changer bring on your relevant skills such as essential skills. If you are pivoting to a different role or domain do make sure to translate the skills from your prior roles -> i switched from IT/security auditing to security engineering now to cloud security engineering.
7. If you are currently in an IT or some other role consider looking for opportunities internally to job shadow & make connections. This can be done by speaking to your leaders & letting your intentions/goals be known for such possible arrangements -> I did this when i was an IT intern at a local government.
8. Network, make connections, request for informational interviews. Be part of a community to build your connections & confidence. Look for mentors that will be able to guide you. Being part of communities will actually get you the mentorship you need - usually they have mentors as part of the programming.
9. Build your personal brand. It’s important to stand out from the crowd & makes it easier to be tapped in for opportunities. That’s why it’s important to establish professional online presence sharing what you do, you learned, your expertise, challenges, wins & perspectives on security topics - get on LinkedIn -> I got my current role through LinkedIn & created a whole LinkedIn course on the topic.
10. Refine your resume combining all to apply for roles. Even if you don’t fulfill all the requirements apply anyway. Keep trying while learning from each interview & working through areas of improvement. Be continuous learner.
Thank you for reading!
Check out my children's books on cybersecurity careers and online safety. As well as my first TEDx talk on Hack-Proofing Childhood: Ensuring our children's online safety.
Learn more about me & my career and connect with me on Linkedin.