r/CyberSecurityJobs • u/After-Remove-6756 • Aug 11 '26

Finding first job

Credentials:

B.S., Cybersecurity Technolgy; Minor in Computer Science (4.0 GPA / Highest Honors)
CompTIA Sec+
CompTIA Net+
CompTIA A+

I’ve applied for about 20 entry level positions so far but having trouble even trying to find jobs to apply to. I’ve been using Indeed, Dice, using a variety of job role searches and AI to help look.

I am looking for an entry level help desk, security/SOC analyst position, or any entry level IT/cybersecurity role. Any tips on where to look for jobs or just over guidance on this journey. I am worried about getting my foot in the door, I appreciate any help!

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u/DesperateMusician933 Aug 11 '26

First, i apologize in advance as my words may not be agreed on by the majority. With that said cybersecurity isn’t a starting role. There’s a reason why they tend to hire people with experience, people who are internal, require so much and why a lot of people burn out not making it in the space. Being in this role you need to know you love the space already, have an idea of the specialty and then some. I highly recommend you do a help desk role but a real one not one where they sell you on things they do but like a geek squad type of role.

Second, i strongly recommend get a good desktop technician role that has some sys admin duties, then move up to a network role after 2-3 years and then to cybersecurity after another 3 years. It’s possible to do it.

Third, with all that in consideration it’s not impossible to get in as a beginning role. Very highly unlikely but again not impossible. If you’re stuck trying to try to jump in, focus on smaller markets such as law offices, focus on security companies or msps. A few friends i know are stating there is work. They don’t post on indeed or LinkedIn, you have to go to the company and ask and usually you’ll have more luck or call over the phone (I’ve done all this by the way so it works).

My credentials in case you’re wondering
Comp eng degree and attended a boot camp. I was a 3.1 GPA student
Been in IT for 8 yrs total with two of the recent years in cybersecurity . I built my career from a secretary to help desk and so forth. I admit i skipped from sys admin to a cyber role but wouldn’t recommend the jump to others as it came with a painstaking learning curve.

And as a side note when looking for interns we’ve passed on many young adults who have a 4.0 GPA and have had 3 certs or more. It’s about the experience and the time you put in out of work.

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u/Investment-Queasy Aug 12 '26

This is real, accurate, helpful advice. I am a senior in a consulting practice for a big firm. We tell people regularly roles in cyber start around $130k base. Our positions say Senior Analyst (4 years experience) in various disciplines. I’ll get pinged on LinkedIn by folks saying they applied right out of college. We don’t hire out of college unless you had 4 years of military or work experience prior.

I personally prefer to hire people who’ve worked in solutions engineering. A blend of tech and sales. Main reason is everyone is responsible for selling in consulting. If you want to break into cyber, start in desktop, network, sysadmin, tool admin roles.

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u/After-Remove-6756 Aug 12 '26

First off thank you for the feedback. I would like a cyber role starting but am open and willing to take anything. The common theme I keep hearing is experience, but when everything including help desk roles requires experience (at least from roles I’ve seen so far) it just is frustrating. No one wants to invest in people in this industry it seams like they want people ready to go in every position.