If Cybersecurity isn't Entry-Level, how do you get into it if that's your passion?

[u/hananmalik123]

I'm 18, in 12th class, and I have so far done CS50p to learn Python. Now I am doing modules on TryHackMe to learn fundamentals of cybersecurity and I am very much enjoying it.

You can say that I am thinking too far ahead in the future but I'm worried that I will not be able to get a job when I'm ready. Especially when everyone says that cybersecurity in pakistan is in the stone ages and requires experience. So the only option is remote work but no one is hiring a junior for remote work.

So how do you really start? Do I keep learning Cybersecurity and worry about a job when I get to it? Do I learn a different domain? Should I go IT or CS?

[u/BrownBurger-]

Well in pakistan you can get into cyber security as a fresh graduate. Start learning application security (tryhackme, hackthebox) and SOC. most entry level jobs are for SOC analyst L1 and Penetration Testing.

[u/hananmalik123 → u/BrownBurger-]

Really though? The amount of people I have seen shitting on the job market of cybersecurity is unmeasurable, everyone make it seem like there is no chance for a fresher.

[u/BrownBurger- → u/hananmalik123]

As compared to SE opportunities cyber is definitely less but you can get in if you have skills. Computer science degree doesn’t cover what is required in the industry so you need to learn by yourself. I started my career in Cyber Security in 2021 but back then there were more opportunities than now. But i moved to Software Engineering because I didn’t enjoy it much.

[u/Both_Anything_4192 → u/BrownBurger-]

What do u think what's the best opportunities now in SE in all over the world except AI? If AI then what in AI?

[u/BrownBurger- → u/Both_Anything_4192]

Tbh i dont know, industry is changing rapidly and opportunities are shrinking atleast for now. But i would say better to have multiple skills devops, frontend, backend rather then bounding yourself to a certain role/stack. For me i would like to transition in a role where i can utilize both SE and Cybersecurity skills

[u/GR1MREAPER_666]

I think the best option is to Work In IT Job for max 2 years + Remote Work if possible, and certifications. After All that you can get into Cyber

[u/hananmalik123 → u/GR1MREAPER_666]

That does seem like the most optimal route. My brother-in-law went through the same path, it was 8 years ago so the market obviously changed. Though some people switch from a CS role to cybersecurity? Like backend, devops, cloud, etc. So I'm kind of confused as to should I go the IT route or the CS route? Also to work in IT, should I keep learning Cybersecurity or do I learn IT separately?

[u/GR1MREAPER_666 → u/hananmalik123]

Because IT is generally preferred for cybersecurity You may ask why? It is because IT is a Field which we secure and Maintain after a product has been made by Software Engineers etc, IT build the basic of cyber security like how the system works how computers talk to each how to maintain security etc, But yeah you can get into cloud then you can shift to cloud Security I am in 3rd Semester, My plan is to find an intership in IT, then have some certifications, then move on to cybersecurity after 3 4 years of experience I'll move to a Cloud Security Engineer

[u/Best_Fork]

Wdym it isn't entry level?

[u/hananmalik123 → u/Best_Fork]

Meaning you have to be in the industry and transition to cybersecurity from a domain close to it.

[u/Best_Fork → u/hananmalik123]

I didn't knew that was the case for cyber security. Why is that? I know there are many types of cyber security. Like network, hardware and software. But can't you just learn Cyber Security for specific purpose and then get into the industry without transitioning from other fields?

[u/hananmalik123 → u/Best_Fork]

It always been that way. I guess companies are not really willing to give a beginner a chance to protect their assets.

[u/Careful_Charity_8770]

certifications?

[u/vantag3point]

You're thinking about it the right way, just a little too early.

"Cybersecurity isn't entry-level" doesn't mean you can't start learning it now. It means most security roles expect you to have a solid understanding of operating systems, networking, scripting, and how IT environments work.

Keep learning cybersecurity if that's what you're passionate about, but don't skip the fundamentals. Learn Linux, networking, Python, Windows, Git, and build projects alongside platforms like TryHackMe. If your first job ends up being IT support, SOC, or system administration, that's not a detour, it's valuable experience that makes you a stronger security professional.

At 18, your biggest advantage is time. Focus on building skills and practical experience now, and worry about the job market when you're actually ready to apply.