Few inventions throughout history rival the Internet. Without this tool, the world as we know it wouldn’t exist.
While this utility comes with boundless opportunities, it also comes with certain dangers. There’s no shortage of cybercriminals looking to procure sensitive information, which has created a major need for cyber security professionals. Embarking on a cyber security career can be fulfilling and lucrative, and you don’t always need experience to do so.
Starting your career in this field is easier than most people anticipate, and we’ve put together a guide that outlines the key information you should know. Let’s explore how to get entry-level cyber security jobs with no experience.
Determine Your Needs
Before starting your career in this space, it’s essential to determine your needs. This involves figuring out what you want your day-to-day responsibilities to be. Some cyber entry-level jobs are more demanding than others, and you’ll need a strong understanding of what you’re getting into.
At first, it can seem complicated to determine what you want when you don’t have experience. Since cyber security is such a diverse industry, you shouldn’t have trouble pinpointing the type of job that’s ideal for you.
Decide Your Ideal Role
Once you’ve established what you want to get out of your career, you can then determine your ideal role. To do so, however, you’ll need to fully understand the most common entry-level positions. Listed below are some of the most notable.
Information Security Officer (ISO)
People in this position are responsible for creating a company’s cyber security strategy. They work with other departments to integrate their strategies, as well.
This is one of the most important roles you can pursue, and it requires solid communication skills. However, it doesn’t always require a technical background, making it a great way for people to break into the industry.
Cyber Risk Manager
As the name implies, this job focuses on identifying and assessing cyber security risks. A key component of the role is creating management procedures and plans.
Without the right level of risk management, most organizations would fall victim to criminal activity. The cybercrime industry is projected to cost the world over $10 trillion by the end of 2025, and hackers are showing no signs of slowing down.
Cyber Security Analyst
This role is also tasked with managing cyber security risks. Cyber security analysts also create and implement policies to keep information safe. It’s not uncommon for them to frequently audit a company’s security architecture, as well.
Having a solid background in data analytics can improve your chances of securing a cybersecurity analyst role. This knowledge will convey that you understand how to assess, organize, and handle crucial information.
Obtain a Certification/Qualification
There are numerous certifications available that can help your resume stand out when applying for cybersecurity jobs. Two of the most recognized ones include the CompTIA Security+ and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certifications. These credentials signal to potential employers that you have a strong foundational understanding of cyber security principles.
If you’re aiming for more advanced certifications, you might consider the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or the GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) once you gain some experience.
It’s recommended to dedicate time to self-study or enroll in preparatory courses before attempting certification exams. These tests can be challenging and often come with steep fees, so thorough preparation ensures that your investment pays off. Platforms like Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and CompTIA provide valuable learning resources to help you get started.
Gain Hands-On Experience Through Labs & Projects
Even if you don’t have formal work experience, demonstrating hands-on skills can set you apart in the hiring process. One of the best ways to gain practical cyber security knowledge is by participating in virtual labs, Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges, and simulated cyber defense events.
Platforms like Hack The Box and TryHackMe offer accessible environments where beginners can practice penetration testing, vulnerability analysis, and network security techniques.
Additionally, consider setting up a home lab environment using open-source tools such as Kali Linux, Wireshark, or Metasploit. Running practical exercises and documenting your findings in a blog or GitHub portfolio enhances your credibility and demonstrates real-world competency to future employers.
Leverage Open-Source Contributions & Personal Projects
One of the most impactful ways to showcase your technical aptitude is by contributing to open-source projects or developing your own projects related to cyber security. Platforms such as GitHub and GitLab feature many security-focused repositories where contributors can help refine existing tools, fix vulnerabilities, and document security best practices.
If you’re feeling ambitious, consider launching a personal project—such as writing a custom Python script for network security monitoring or developing a simple intrusion detection system. Employers highly value candidates who take the initiative to build security solutions and document their findings.
Additionally, participating in security research write-ups or guest blogging on cyber security forums can establish you as a credible professional in the industry. Websites like Medium and Infosec Writeups provide platforms where aspiring cyber security specialists share their experiences and research.
Network With Professionals
Networking is something to prioritize even before you have a job in the industry. Going to security conferences and events can help you meet key individuals who can help you get started with your career.
There’s also a chance you’ll meet other people who were once in your situation. They’ll likely have advice for navigating the obstacles you face while looking for your first role. It’s not uncommon for people to find job opportunities at industry events, as well.
Startups often attend conferences and events to look for new hires. Since these companies are smaller, their hiring guidelines aren’t as strict.
There’s a chance they’ll care more about your eagerness to learn and your communication skills instead of your industry experience. All it takes is one opportunity in the industry to open countless doors that can help you advance your career. Keep this in mind when moving forward.
Attend a Bootcamp
A cyber security bootcamp can help you quickly develop the required knowledge and skills to get your first job. Reputable organizations also have industry connections you can leverage.
For example, they might be able to put you in touch with companies that frequently hire candidates for entry-level positions who have little experience. It’s important to note that bootcamps are often rigorous, so you’ll need to take them seriously. The last thing you want is to waste time and money on an opportunity without getting the desired results.
Finding a Bootcamp
It’s crucial to find the right bootcamp so you can get the best results. Before making a decision, consider the organization’s past reputation.
What do other students have to say about the experience they had? Were they satisfied with the program overall? The answers to questions like these can quickly help you narrow down your decision.
Pricing is another attribute to consider. You often get what you pay for, and it’s not recommended to choose the cheapest opportunities. Bootcamps that offer rock-bottom prices typically don’t provide the highest quality information.
However, it’s also not necessary to spend as much money as possible. There’s a point of diminishing returns regarding what you pay for. To clarify, spending more money doesn’t mean you will proportionally get better results.
Instead, a bootcamp in the middle of the price range will be sufficient without stretching your budget. Does the bootcamp place enough emphasis on the topics you want to learn about?
This is crucial to consider, as it’s the only way to ensure you get the desired results. You risk wasting your resources learning irrelevant topics if you don’t choose the right provider. With enough due diligence, you’ll find a bootcamp provider that can help you realize your ambitions.
Cyber Security Work-Life Balance
The industry is renowned for having a solid work-life balance compared to many other career choices. This is especially true when considering alternative routes you can take in the tech industry.
For example, someone who works in high-level IT support could frequently work overtime and deal with stressful deadlines. Even software engineers have periods of immense stress that can lead to burnout. It’s worth noting that not every company will offer a good work-life balance for cyber security professionals.
You’ll need to do your research before applying so you can find an organization where you’re comfortable. It’s important to be flexible, though.
Before you have industry experience, you likely won’t land your dream job. Consider working at a company that’s less than ideal until you have a year or two of experience in your role.
Afterward, you can apply for positions at other companies. You can also improve your work-life balance by educating yourself in your free time.
The better you become at your job, the less stressful it will be. You’ll also get your tasks done faster, which can increase the amount of downtime you have on a typical workday.
Consider Freelancing
Even with a solid resume, breaking into the cyber security field can take time. Freelancing offers a way to gain experience, refine skills, and build a portfolio before landing a full-time role. Many companies and startups seek freelance professionals for tasks such as vulnerability assessments, security audits, and penetration testing.
Platforms like Upwork and Freelancer list cyber security gigs that allow you to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. Additionally, contributing to bug bounty programs on sites like HackerOne or Bugcrowd can help you earn recognition while improving your skills.
Creating a professional website or GitHub repository showcasing completed projects, documented case studies, or security research can increase your credibility. Make sure to highlight your problem-solving abilities and practical solutions, which employers and clients highly value.
Get Entry-Level Cyber Security Jobs With No Experience
It’s easier than it seems to get entry-level cyber security jobs with no experience. The tips in this guide will ensure you get started on the right track and make the most of the opportunities that come your way.
Coding Temple prides itself on helping people change their lives in a matter of months. We allow our students to quickly explore different career paths and determine which avenue is best for them. You’ll learn more about what we can do when you get in touch with us today.
