Cyber security offers an exciting, varied career with great opportunities to increase your earnings and move up the computer science ladder. But there’s more than one way to get into the field. Follow these nine tips to stand the best chance of securing your first position..
If you’re looking to enter the field of cyber security for the first time, there’s no one-size-fits-all route. Whether you’re starting from scratch or transitioning from another area of IT, you’ll find there are plenty of options for breaking into the sector, with potential routes depending on your current skills, qualifications and what specialisms you see yourself moving into.
Cyber security offers an exciting, varied career with great opportunities to increase your earnings and move up the computer science ladder. So what will you need to enjoy success in this sector for years to come? From getting a degree in cyber security to taking one of the less academic cyber security career paths via work experience or entry-level positions, here are nine steps you can take to get into a cyber security job.
Cyber security is a wide-ranging field with many specialties, so it can seem overwhelming at first. A good start is to take a look at the cyber security roles out there and decide which ones might appeal to you. This should be in line with any skills and interests you already have, but don’t be put off if there are any gaps, as all cyber security professionals have to start somewhere. Early on, it helps to know whether you lean towards hands-on technical work, such as penetration testing, or strategy and governance, as the two call for different skills.
A solid grounding in core IT skills matters whatever role you target. Aim for a working knowledge of operating systems (Windows, macOS and Linux), networking, virtualisation, databases and a scripting language such as Python. Many people move into cyber security from IT or networking roles, bringing much of this knowledge with them.
However, technical capabilities alone aren’t enough. You’ll also need strong soft skills, from problem-solving and clear communication to explaining security risks to non-technical colleagues. Entry-level roles don’t expect all of this from day one, but every gap you close improves your chances of selection..
Practical experience is one of the best ways to build and prove your skills – and the good news is that much of it is free. TryHackMe is the standout for complete beginners, with guided ‘rooms’ and learning paths that walk you through the concepts. Hack The Box also offers a free beginner track before moving on to realistic hacking challenges, while PortSwigger’s Web Security Academy is a completely free, browser-based way to learn web security. For Linux and problem-solving basics, try OverTheWire.
Certifications prove your knowledge to employers and often appear in job adverts, so they’re worth pursuing early. At entry level, the goal is a solid foundation rather than advanced specialisms. Vendor-neutral options are the most widely recognised. CompTIA Security+ is the one you’ll see most often in entry-level adverts, while (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity makes a good no-experience starting point.
If you have a clear cyber security career path in mind, you may also consider vendor-specific qualifications tied to the tools you’ll use, such as Microsoft’s SC-900 or Cisco’s CCNA. Match your choice to the roles you’re targeting, then add more advanced credentials as you progress.
You can start building credibility with recruiters long before applying for a cyber security job. Contributing to open-source security projects is a great way to sharpen real skills and create a visible portfolio that employers can actually see. This could be reporting bugs, improving documentation or writing security tooling on GitHub. Capture-the-flag competitions and a home lab work well too. If you already work in IT, help desk, support and networking roles are among the most common stepping stones into cyber security, giving you hands-on systems experience.
If classroom study isn’t for you, an apprenticeship lets you learn on the job. In the UK, there are several dedicated cyber security options, which run from the Level 3 Cyber Security Technician (equivalent to A-levels) and the Level 4 Cyber Security Technologist (a Higher National Certificate) up to degree-quivalent Level 6 apprenticeships. Across all of them, you’ll split your time between paid, hands-on work and structured training, learning on real systems alongside experienced colleagues. Among the key benefits of this route are that you’ll earn a wage from day one while also building practical experience and working towards a recognised qualification.
AI is transforming how cyber security works and employers are racing to hire people who understand it. According to the AI Workforce Consortium, 28.5 per cent of cyber security job postings across the G7 economies now ask for AI skills – double the share of just a year earlier. Building AI literacy, from how machine learning works to securing AI systems against attack, makes your CV stand out in a crowded field. It also widens your options, qualifying you for a growing band of emerging roles that blend traditional security work with AI, which many applicants simply can’t fill.
When thinking about how to get into a career in cyber security, don’t overlook networking. Not only will talking with others in the industry have the potential to open doors, it’ll also help you to build your knowledge on the subject and lead you towards an area of specialism in the long run.
Many of the best roles are filled through word of mouth rather than job boards. Events like Cyber Security EXPOs, which take place at various locations throughout the UK, put you face to face with hundreds of hiring managers in a day, giving you direct access to employers and roles you won’t see advertised elsewhere. Go prepared and follow up afterwards.
Your CV is your first impression, so make it count. For starters, it shouldn’t be generic. Instead, tailor it to each role, mirroring the language and requirements in the job description rather than sending the same version everywhere. Lead with the skills, certifications and hands-on practice that match what the employer is asking for. These should be backed up with evidence, such as labs you’ve completed or projects you’ve built. Leave out irrelevant history, vague buzzwords and anything you can’t speak about confidently during an interview. Once it’s sharp, you’re ready to start applying and begin your new career in cyber security.
Yes, though competition is strong. Plenty of people start from scratch or move across from other fields. Routes like IT support roles, apprenticeships, entry-level certifications and free hands-on practice all help you build the credibility employers want.
No. A degree can help, but it isn’t essential. Many professionals get in through apprenticeships, industry certifications and hands-on experience instead. What matters most to employers is proof you can do the job, however you gained those skills.
It depends on the route. An entry-level certification like CompTIA Security+ can take a few weeks or months of study, depending on how much you already know, while apprenticeships typically run from 18 months to a few years and a full degree usually takes three years.
Plenty. You can get a long way at no cost. TryHackMe offers guided beginner paths, PortSwigger’s Web Security Academy teaches web security free, while OverTheWire and picoCTF build core skills through challenges. Many run entirely in your browser.
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