How to Land Your First Cybersecurity Job: Breaking Into the Industry

The cybersecurity field is booming, with demand for skilled professionals far outpacing supply. Yet breaking in can feel like trying to solve a locked-room mystery without the key. Everyone wants experience, but how do you get experience without getting hired first? As someone who navigated this exact challenge, I want to share what actually works when trying to land that elusive first cybersecurity role. The Cybersecurity Catch-22 Let's address the elephant in the room: most job listings ask for years of experience and a laundry list of certifications. It's frustrating and can make the field seem impenetrable. What those job descriptions don't tell you is that employers are desperate for talent, and many are willing to take a chance on promising newcomers if you demonstrate the right combination of skills, mindset, and determination. Understand What You're Getting Into Before diving headfirst into applications, take time to understand the cybersecurity landscape. T...