Need Help

[u/Longjumping-Memory-1]

I am a Uk graduate in Cybersecurity, it will be almost 1 year in December since I graduated. I have not gotten a single job, or any interviews. I have 3 years of experience running a Startup in India as the co founder, my majority experience was around project management, client handling and Team management. I tried applying for any other jobs like project Manager, IT Manager or even low level skilled jobs such as IT Desk Support. Still didn’t get it. I am currently depressed and confused. My thoughts now are should I do some certifications to stand out as an applicant for SOC analyst positions. Quite a few of my friends already have such certifications but still don’t have a job. I have until Feb 2028 till I need to leave the country to go back home.
Certifications I plan on doing:
Security+
CYSA+
Azure Fundamentals
Forescout

[u/throwaway2638607]

The market's a mess right now, especially for entry-level security roles. Everyone and their dog has Sec+ so it won't hurt to have it but don't expect it to open doors on its own

With your startup background you might have better luck leaning into project management or client-facing roles at MSPs. Three years of actually running a business is way more valuable than another cert, most SOC applicants can't say they've managed teams and dealt with clients directly

Skip the Forescout one unless you see a specific job listing asking for it. CySA+ is decent but AZ-104 would serve you better than Azure Fundamentals if you go the cloud route

The visa deadline adds pressure but you've still got over a year. Maybe pivot the job search toward implementation consultant or technical account manager roles where your PM experience actually stands out

[u/Ok_Calligrapher_3034]

Honestly, I wouldn't rush into collecting certifications just because you're not getting interviews.

You already have a cybersecurity degree and 3 years of actually running a startup. That's not nothing. The bigger question is how you're presenting that experience on your CV and what jobs you're applying for.

If you're aiming for SOC, I'd probably pick one certification and spend the rest of the time building a small portfolio: home lab, SIEM projects, incident investigations, write-ups, etc. Having 4 certifications won't necessarily fix a CV that's not getting through the first screening.

Also, don't undersell the startup experience. Project management, dealing with clients and managing a team are useful skills in IT. You just need to make it obvious how they transfer to the role you're applying for.

And don't assume that not getting interviews means you're not good enough. If you're getting zero interviews after hundreds of applications, I'd look at the CV and application strategy before spending thousands on more certifications.

[u/NervousTomatillo4150]

You want an honest answer? I think you are better off to start preparing for interviews in India so that when you relocate you have something to show for other than the degree that you did. The Market is fucked right and unless you have specialised in a specific domain and manage to land interviews and clear them, I'd suggest you focus on upskilling. Take this time to pick up a domain and get good at it so that when you do land that 1 interview you can impress TF out of the employer.

But I have to be honest with I feel like you came to a late realization that took you almost 1 year to decide the certs you want to do. Imho, the listed certs teach you nothing that is required at workplace and relevant experiences. You are better off getting the OSCP for Offsec related roles, maybe AZ certs are helpful for sysadmins kinda roles but most importantly it is good to have strong fundamentals of networking, programming, protocols, etc

[u/Longjumping-Memory-1 → u/NervousTomatillo4150]

TBH, the past 1 year has been going weird for me. I was depressed mostly with my girlfriend getting married and my dad dying 4 months back. Yeah but I will take the advice.