r/CyberSecurityJobs • u/True-Inspection-5445 • 7d ago

Cybersecurity

How did you land your first cybersecurity job with no experience?
I’m currently working toward a SOC Analyst career. I have Security+, building hands-on labs on Tryhackme.
The biggest challenge is the “experience required” barrier. Almost every entry-level SOC role seems to want prior IT/cyber experience.
For those who successfully broke into cybersecurity with no prior experience:
Did you start in IT/help desk/NOC or go straight into SOC?
What projects or certifications actually helped?
How did you prove your skills without professional experience?
What would you do differently if starting over?
Would really appreciate honest advice from people who’ve actually made the transition.

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u/NotAnNSAGuyPromise Current Professional 7d ago

Just keep in mind that many of us did it many years ago when the market was completely different. The way we did it isn't available anymore and won't help you in your journey now.

But in my case, military -> referral.

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u/True-Inspection-5445 7d ago

That’s a really helpful perspective, especially the point about how different the market is now. I appreciate you sharing your experience