Breaking Into Cybersecurity: Your Ultimate Guide to Landing an Entry-Level Job Without Experience

The Cybersecurity Job Market is Red Hot

The cybersecurity field is booming, with U.S. jobs growing 267% faster than the national average. 470,000 security-related job openings were posted in just 12 months, and Cybersecurity Ventures projects 3.5 million unfilled positions worldwide by 2025. Entry-level roles like cybersecurity specialists can earn $88,000 a year, with potential to grow into six-figure positions.

Multiple Paths Into the Security Field

For Recent Graduates or IT Newcomers

• CompTIA Security+ certification (most requested entry-level credential)
• Home lab setup to practice real security techniques
• Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions to prove your skills
• Open-source contributions on GitHub

For Career Changers with Transferable Skills

• Connect existing skills to security scenarios
• Complete a targeted security bootcamp or certification
• Leverage your professional network for security-adjacent opportunities

For Current IT Professionals Pivoting to Security

• Volunteer for security tasks in your current job
• Earn security certifications that complement your IT specialty
• Build relationships with security professionals in your organization

How to Build Experience When No One Will Give You Experience

• Create a home lab to simulate real-world scenarios
• Join bug bounty platforms like HackerOne and Bugcrowd
• Earn certifications like Security+, CEH, or SSCP

Backdoor Entry Points to an Entry-Level Cybersecurity Job

• IT help desk with security incident triage
• GRC coordinator positions for career changers
• Network administrator roles with firewall/IDS management for IT pros

Build Your Security Network (The Human Kind)

• Engage in online forums like Spiceworks security discussions
• Join local DEF CON Groups or OWASP chapters
• Volunteer at security conferences for face time with professionals

Develop a Security Mindset

• Think like an attacker to spot vulnerabilities
• Balance security controls with business needs
• Translate technical risks into business impacts

With strategic skill-building and networking, you can land that crucial first security position—even without traditional experience.