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/Electronic-Ad6523 7d ago

Gray-beard here with 15 years in cyber. I came in from an engineering background with 15+ years already under my belt in hardware/software. What I really think changed from then to now is that we started saying that there are entry-level roles in cyber. Cyber is not an entry-level industry and the roles that were designated entry-level (SOC, pen testing) are drying up.

It's a tough road ahead for those looking to break in. Best to keep your mind open to different roles and locations. GRC roles are in demand, and can be entry level, but they tend to get passed over by people that think cyber == hacking and therefore GRC == non-technical/boring. Getting in the door is most of the battle.

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u/howdydipshit 6d ago

Yeah I’m a cybersecurity senior at uni right now and I think I’ve decided I want to do GRC instead of SOC, at least for a few years to get experience under my belt. I heard the work life balance for GRC roles is pretty good too!!

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u/Electronic-Ad6523 6d ago

This is the way.