When I first thought about diving into cybersecurity, I had no clue where to begin. It all seemed like a world reserved for tech geniuses or computer science majors. But guess what? That’s not true! You can build a successful cybersecurity career even starting from scratch.
I’ll walk you through 17 career paths in cybersecurity and give you a step-by-step approach to breaking into the field with no prior experience. You’ll have the tools and confidence to start your journey by the end. We’ll explore various roles, from security analysis to penetration testing, and discuss the skills necessary to excel in each area. In addition, I’ll highlight how understanding cybersecurity can create valuable career opportunities in venture capital, where firms seek knowledgeable professionals to assess the security posture of startups and investments. By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped not only to enter the cybersecurity realm but also to consider how these skills can open doors in related fields.
Why Choose Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing fields in tech. With cyber threats on the rise, companies are desperate for skilled professionals to protect their systems and data. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, there will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs globally by 2025. This means there’s a massive demand for talent.
Not only is it a secure career choice, but it’s also highly rewarding—professionally and financially. Starting salaries for entry-level positions can range from $60,000 to $90,000 annually in the U.S. depending on your role and location.
List of 17 Career in Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity offers diverse roles, so you’re bound to find something that suits your skills and interests. Let’s explore:
1. Information Security Analyst
What They Do: Monitor networks, identify vulnerabilities, and implement security measures to protect sensitive data.
Workplaces: Corporations, banks, government agencies, and healthcare institutions.
Latest Job Opportunity
Earning Potential: $80,000–$110,000 annually.
How to Get Started: Take online courses to gain foundational knowledge in IT and earn certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
2. Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)
What They Do: Simulate cyberattacks to find vulnerabilities in systems before real hackers do.
Workplaces: Tech firms, cybersecurity consultancies, and large corporations.
Earning Potential: $90,000–$130,000 per year.
How to Get Started: Learn programming languages (Python, Java), and get certified in Penetration Testing (OSCP). Practice by joining ethical hacking platforms like Hack The Box.
3. Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
What They Do: Monitor networks and systems in real-time for threats and respond to incidents.
Workplaces: Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) and corporate IT departments.
Earning Potential: $70,000–$90,000 annually.
How to Get Started: Start with basic IT skills, then get hands-on experience through internships. Certifications like CompTIA CySA+ can boost your resume.
4. Incident Responder
What They Do: Investigate and contain cybersecurity breaches to minimize damage.
Latest Job Opportunity
Workplaces: Large organizations, cybersecurity firms, and government agencies.
Earning Potential: $80,000–$120,000 per year.
How to Get Started: Learn forensic tools and techniques. Certifications like GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH) are highly recommended.
5. Cybersecurity Consultant
What They Do: Advise organizations on how to improve their cybersecurity posture.
Workplaces: Consulting firms or as an independent contractor.
Earning Potential: $100,000–$150,000 per year.
How to Get Started: Build expertise in risk assessment and network security. A CISSP certification can open doors to consulting roles.
6. Network Security Engineer
What They Do: Design and implement security solutions for computer networks.
Workplaces: Telecommunications companies, tech firms, and financial institutions.
Earning Potential: $90,000–$130,000 annually.
How to Get Started: Strong networking skills are a must. Cisco certifications like CCNA Security or CCNP Security are great starting points.
7. Forensic Analyst
What They Do: Investigate cybercrimes by analyzing digital evidence.
Workplaces: Law enforcement, private investigation firms, and large corporations.
Earning Potential: $75,000–$110,000 annually.
How to Get Started: Study digital forensics and cybersecurity. Certifications like Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) are valuable.
8. Cloud Security Specialist
What They Do: Protect cloud-based systems and ensure data integrity in the cloud.
Workplaces: Cloud service providers and companies using cloud platforms.
Earning Potential: $110,000–$150,000 per year.
How to Get Started: Learn about cloud platforms like AWS and Azure. Certifications like AWS Certified Security or Google Cloud Professional Security Engineer are essential.
9. Application Security Engineer
What They Do: Secure applications by identifying and fixing vulnerabilities in the code.
Workplaces: Software development companies and tech firms.
Earning Potential: $95,000–$140,000 annually.
How to Get Started: Learn secure coding practices and tools like OWASP. A background in software development helps.
10. Cybersecurity Manager
What They Do: Oversee an organization’s cybersecurity team, develop policies, and manage security strategies.
Workplaces: Large corporations, government agencies, and financial institutions.
Earning Potential: $120,000–$170,000 annually.
How to Get Started: Gain experience in cybersecurity roles like analyst or engineer, and develop leadership skills. Certifications like CISSP and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) are often required.
11. Risk Analyst
What They Do: Assess and minimize an organization’s exposure to cybersecurity risks.
Workplaces: Banks, insurance companies, and consultancy firms.
Earning Potential: $70,000–$100,000 per year.
How to Get Started: Learn risk management frameworks like NIST and ISO 27001. Certifications such as CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control) are helpful.
12. Security Architect
What They Do: Design and implement robust security systems to protect against cyber threats.
Workplaces: Tech companies, government institutions, and enterprise businesses.
Earning Potential: $120,000–$180,000 annually.
How to Get Started: Gain hands-on experience in roles like network or security engineer. Advanced certifications like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) are key.
13. Cryptographer
What They Do: Create encryption algorithms to secure sensitive data.
Workplaces: Financial institutions, government agencies, and tech companies.
Earning Potential: $100,000–$150,000 annually.
How to Get Started: A strong background in mathematics and computer science is essential. Certifications like GIAC Cryptography Engineer (GSE) can give you an edge.
14. Cybersecurity Researcher
What They Do: Identify new cyber threats and develop advanced defense strategies.
Workplaces: Research labs, universities, and private cybersecurity firms.
Earning Potential: $80,000–$120,000 annually.
How to Get Started: Dive into academic research or join a cybersecurity-focused organization. Publishing research papers in this field can help you stand out.
15. Identity and Access Management (IAM) Specialist
What They Do: Manage user access controls and ensure only authorized individuals have access to sensitive systems.
Workplaces: Enterprise IT departments and cloud service providers.
Earning Potential: $90,000–$130,000 per year.
How to Get Started: Learn IAM tools like Okta and Microsoft Azure AD. Certifications like Certified Identity and Access Manager (CIAM) can be advantageous.
16. Cyber Policy Analyst
What They Do: Develop and analyze policies to ensure organizations meet cybersecurity regulations and standards.
Workplaces: Government agencies, think tanks, and consulting firms.
Earning Potential: $75,000–$110,000 annually.
How to Get Started: A background in law or public policy with a focus on cybersecurity is valuable. Certifications in governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) are a plus.
17. Malware Analyst
What They Do: Study and reverse-engineer malicious software to understand and combat cyber threats.
Workplaces: Antivirus companies, cybersecurity firms, and government agencies.
Earning Potential: $90,000–$140,000 per year.
How to Get Started: Build skills in programming and malware analysis tools like IDA Pro and OllyDbg. Certifications such as GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM) are highly regarded.
How to Start a Career in Cybersecurity with No Experience
Step 1: Learn the Basics
Start by understanding the fundamentals of cybersecurity. Free resources like Cybersecurity Basics on YouTube or beginner courses on platforms like Coursera and Udemy can help. Focus on topics such as:
- Networking basics (IP addresses, DNS, firewalls)
- Common threats (phishing, malware, ransomware)
- Security principles (confidentiality, integrity, availability)
Step 2: Build Technical Skills
While you don’t need to be a coding expert, knowing some technical skills will set you apart. Here’s what to focus on:
- Networking Skills: Learn how data moves through networks. Books like Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach can help.
- Operating Systems: Familiarize yourself with Windows, Linux, and macOS.
- Scripting Languages: Python and Bash are great for automating tasks.
- Tools: Start experimenting with tools like Wireshark (network analysis) and Metasploit (penetration testing).
Step 3: Earn Certifications
Certifications prove your knowledge and can fast-track your career. Begin with entry-level certifications such as:
- CompTIA Security+ (covers basics of security)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Cisco’s CCNA Cyber Ops
Step 4: Gain Practical Experience
Even without a formal job, you can gain hands-on experience by:
- Joining online platforms like Hack The Box or TryHackMe to practice ethical hacking.
- Participating in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions.
- Volunteering to help small businesses secure their systems.
Step 5: Networking
Networking is essential in cybersecurity. Join communities like:
- OWASP for application security enthusiasts.
- LinkedIn groups focused on cybersecurity careers.
- Local cybersecurity meetups or conferences.
Step 6: Apply for Entry-Level Roles
Look for roles like SOC Analyst, IT Support Technician, or Junior Security Analyst. These positions don’t require extensive experience and are great for starting out.
Step 7: Keep Learning
Cybersecurity is ever-evolving. Stay updated by:
- Following industry news on sites like Krebs on Security.
- Taking advanced certifications like CISSP or CISM.
- Exploring niche areas like cloud security or AI-driven threats.
Is cyber security a good career?
Absolutely! Cybersecurity is one of the most rewarding and in-demand career paths today. With cyber threats increasing every day, businesses and governments need skilled professionals to protect sensitive data and systems. Here’s why it’s such a fantastic choice:
- Unmatched Demand: Over 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs worldwide means job security is rock solid.
- Competitive Salaries: Entry-level roles pay $60,000–$90,000, while experienced professionals can earn $130,000 or more.
- Endless Opportunities: Work across industries like finance, healthcare, and tech, with room to grow into roles like ethical hacker or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
- Flexible Work Options: Many roles offer remote or hybrid setups, allowing work-life balance.
- Meaningful Work: You’ll make a real difference, safeguarding people and businesses from cybercrime.
If you love problem-solving, learning, and innovation, cybersecurity could be your perfect fit!
Final Thoughts in Career in Cybersecurity
Breaking into cybersecurity without experience is possible. It’s all about taking small, consistent steps. Remember, every expert once started as a beginner. Don’t be afraid to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them. If I could do it, so can you!