How to Enhance Your Tech Career with Cybersecurity Skills

10 things i would do today … if i were to get into cybersecurity. (Cybersecurity career week edition) 1. Ask yourself WHY you are interested to be in cybersecurity vs other field ? 2. Understand that cybersecurity isn’t one role - its very broad with wide array of domains & roles -> see which domain speaks to you most & is of your interest. linked few pathway resources ⬇️ 3. Once you know which area of cyber, start building your skills through self study, certs, formal education, extra curricular activities such as Cyber Defense competition, CTF, internships or combination of all etc -> i did a combination of all. 4. For certs i recommend to start with basics ISC2 CC, Security+ then expand on more specializations depending on your interest. I started with Net+, Sec+, Cysa+ then to CISA, CCSK, SANS GCLD, 4x AWS, 2x Azure certs etc. Goal is to build skill so do hands on labs to help stick the concepts. 5. Get on LinkedIn - look for folks with positions you aspire to be in…follow their journey, posts, listen to podcasts they were on & talks, conversations to learn about that space. Also look into the roles you want to be in, see the job requirements to make sure you get yourself ready accordingly. 6. Document your learning, school projects, internships you have done. If you are a career changer bring on your relevant essential skills. If you are pivoting to a different role or domain do make sure to translate the skills from your prior roles -> i switched from IT internship, security auditing -> infosec engineering -> cloud security engineering. 7. If you are currently in an IT or some other role consider looking for cybersecurity opportunities internally to job shadow & make connections. This can be done by speaking to your leaders & letting your intentions/goals be known for such possible arrangements -> I did this when i was an IT intern. 8. Network, make connections, request for informational interviews. Be part of a community to build your connections & confidence. Being part of communities will actually get you the mentorship you need - usually they have mentors as part of the programming. 9. Build your personal brand. It’s important to stand out from the crowd & makes it easier to be tapped in for opportunities. That’s why it’s important to establish professional online presence sharing what you do, your learning, your expertise, challenges, wins & perspectives on security topics - get on LinkedIn -> I got my current role & many opportunities through LinkedIn - I created a whole LinkedIn course on the HOW 🔗 ⬇️ 10. Refine your resume combining all to apply for roles. Even if you don’t meet all the requirements apply anyway. Keep trying while learning from each interview & working on areas of improvement. Bonus- Be a continuous learner & follow these cyber folks posting great resources & insights 👇🏾 Ps. what did I miss 🤔 #cybercareers #cybersecurity #choosecyber #cybercareerweek #cybersecurityawarenessmonth #careers

As President of WiCyS Kansas City, I’m often asked: “Where do I start if I want to build a career in cybersecurity, and specifically in GRC?” Here are a few tried‑and‑true tips and resources to help you level up: 1. Master the Fundamentals ☑️ Learn the basics: Networking, operating systems, and security concepts. Resources: CompTIA Network+ and Security+ study guides, Cisco’s Cyber Ops coursework, Cybrary’s free “Intro to IT & Cybersecurity” modules. ☑️ Understand risk frameworks: Familiarize yourself with NIST 800‑53, ISO 27001, and COBIT. These are the bedrock of any GRC program. 2. Get Hands‑On Experience ☑️ Volunteer or intern: Offer to help with policy reviews, risk assessments, or compliance audits at your school, a local non‑profit, or within your current organization. ☑️ Lab environments: Spin up virtual networks with VirtualBox or AWS Free Tier to practice secure configurations and audit logging. 3. Build Your Network & Mentorship ☑️ Join WiCyS KC: Connect with seasoned pros who’ve walked the path you’re on. ☑️ Attend meetups & webinars: Look for GRC‑focused sessions through ISACA KC, InfraGard, and local OWASP chapters. 4. Invest in Key Certifications Start broad, then specialize in GRC: ☑️ CompTIA Security+ – Validates foundational security skills. ☑️ Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) – Focuses on enterprise risk management & control. ☑️ Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) – Emphasizes audit, control, and assurance. ☑️ Certified in Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT) or ISACA’s GRCP – Deep dives into governance practices. ☑️ (Pro tip: Map each cert to your career stage—Security+ first, then risk/audit tracks with CRISC/CISA, and governance with CGEIT/GRCP.) 5. Leverage Free & Low‑Cost Learning ☑️ NIST Cybersecurity Learning Portal: Official guidance straight from the source. ☑️ Coursera & edX: Audit courses like “Risk Management Framework” (University System of Georgia) or “Introduction to Compliance” (University of Pennsylvania) at no cost. ☑️ YouTube & Podcasts: Channels like The CyberWire and Risky Business offer real‑world GRC discussions. 6. Document & Share Your Journey ☑️ Write blog posts or LinkedIn articles on small projects, policy templates, or lessons learned. ☑️ Create a GitHub repo for your risk-assessment frameworks, audit checklists, or sample control matrices. Final thought: GRC sits at the intersection of policy, technology, and business. By combining solid technical chops with an understanding of frameworks and governance, you’ll position yourself as a strategic partner, able to both secure and guide your organization. Ready to take the next step? Drop a comment or DM me. #WiCySKC #CybersecurityCareers #GRC #SecurityPlus #CRISC #CISA #Governance #RiskManagement #Compliance #CareerTips

Trying to land a job in cybersecurity? Here's the secret: Skills matter more than credentials. And the best way to build those skills? Practice. Here’s how I’d start if I were you: -Set up a home lab using tools like Snort, Suricata, or Zeek. -Simulate attacks using Exploit DB and Kali Linux. -Document your findings on LinkedIn, YouTube, Medium, or GitHub.   Want to take it up a notch? -Compare IDS systems (ex. Snort, Suricata, Zeek, Wazuh etc.) -Compare integration methods (ex. Splunk vs. ELK Stack) -Present work at a conference. -Write a paper. (Ex. https://lnkd.in/g9uZmnxH)   ✍️Certificates/Degrees are great, but you won't go far if you can't talk about the concepts! Projects show initiative. Plus, it helps with small talk during interviews. Here’s a few examples with links: 1.Monitor Your Home Network: -Set up Snort: https://www.snort.org/ -Ex. Use it to log and analyze traffic—like web browsing or SSH connections. 2.Simulate Attacks in a Safe Environment -Download Kali Linux and Metasploitable2: https://lnkd.in/gzebUBeE -Ex. Run mock attacks (port scans, brute force attempts, etc.) and test detection ability. 3. Write Your Own Rules -Create custom Snort rules to detect behaviors: https://lnkd.in/g7PUp4H2 -Ex. Blocking access to admin pages or spotting malicious uploads. 4.Visualize Your Findings -Integrate Snort with Splunk or ELK Stack to build dashboards: https://www.splunk.com/ -Ex. Visualize alerts, traffic trends, and risks. 5. Practice with Real Vulnerabilities -Use the Exploit-DB to explore known exploits: https://lnkd.in/gGs8QHfT -Simulate attacks in your lab and see how Snort responds. Start small. Experiment. Build confidence. You GOT THIS! 🤩

Q&A with Dr. Esona: Skip Entry-Level in Cybersecurity You’ve put in the years. You’ve led teams. You’ve managed operations, compliance, or risk. And now, you’re ready to pivot into cybersecurity. But the internet keeps telling you: "Start from scratch. Entry-level only. Analyst 1, maybe help desk first..." Let’s clear this up. 💡 You can go straight into a mid-level role in cybersecurity—if you reposition your experience and back it up with strategy. Today, I’m answering 5 of the most common questions I get from mid-career professionals ready to level up without starting over. 1. Can I go straight into a mid-level cyber role? ↳ Yes, but not with a junior-level mindset. ↳ Roles like GRC Analyst II, Privacy Program Manager, Risk & Controls Lead, or Vendor Risk Specialist are excellent landing spots. ↳ Focus less on “breaking in” and more on bridging your existing experience with cyber language. 2. How do I talk about my past roles in a way that lands interviews? ↳ Translate your outcomes: “I reduced onboarding risk by 30%” → “I designed and enforced process controls.” ↳ Use the STAR method to tell results-driven stories that match cyber job descriptions. ↳ Highlight your risk thinking, documentation, and cross-functional leadership—those are high-value in GRC. 3. What should I include in a project portfolio to make up for no direct experience? ↳ A fictional GRC audit with ISO 27001 controls ↳ A sample risk register with identified threats, impact levels, and remediation plans ↳ A policy and compliance checklist for a small business (real or imagined) You don’t need a job title to build proof—you need execution. 4. What are the best certs for a mid-career pivot? ↳ ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (foundation + credibility) ↳ ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Auditor (for audit alignment) ↳ OneTrust Privacy Tech Pro or CIPP/US (if targeting privacy/data roles) Certs give you language and structure. But projects give you leverage. 5. How do I convince recruiters I’m not just “starting out”? ↳ Update your resume to reflect cybersecurity-aligned outcomes from your past roles ↳ Include your portfolio URL on your resume and LinkedIn ↳ Speak confidently about governance, frameworks, and impact—not just your titles You’re not new to leadership. You’re just new to this language. 📩 Got a question about pivoting into cybersecurity without losing your momentum? Drop it in the comments or DM me—we might feature it in a future Q&A. Ready to skip the “entry-level” trap and aim higher? Book a 1:1 session and let’s build your mid-career cyber strategy together. 🔔 Follow for more cyber career insights! ♻️ Repost if this was helpful or tag someone who's ready to level up in cyber!

🔁 If I had to start over and get into cybersecurity in 2025 — here's exactly what I'd do... 💡 1. Pick a Focus (Start With SOC/Blue Team) Cybersecurity is huge — don’t try to learn everything at once. Start with Security Operations Center (SOC) roles, which are excellent entry points. 📍 SOC Analyst is where you learn real-world detection, logs, alerts, and response — hands-on defense. 📚 2. Learn the Fundamentals Get a rock-solid foundation in: -Networking (OSI model, ports, protocols) -Operating Systems (especially Windows and Linux basics) -Security Concepts (CIA triad, types of threats, malware, phishing) -How the Internet Works (DNS, HTTP/S, IP addressing) 🔧 Use free resources: Networking Basics by Professor Messer: https://lnkd.in/eufUA_dr TryHackMe: https://lnkd.in/eqaAfNeM Blue Team Labs Online: https://lnkd.in/eHRVKqsh 🛠️ 3. Build Hands-On Skills ASAP You don’t need a job to get experience — simulate it. Try: -TryHackMe (THM) & Hack The Box for labs -Use Security Splunk Free -Practice parsing logs, detecting attacks, analyzing alerts -Track what you do. Post your progress online — it builds credibility. 🎓 4. Pick a Cert and Own It Don’t get 10 certs. Get one, go deep, then apply it. 🔥 Starter certs: -CompTIA Security+ → for foundational knowledge: https://lnkd.in/eQdJvsdS -Blue Team Level 1 (BTL1) → hands-on SOC training -Splunk Core Certified User → relevant for many SOC roles: https://lnkd.in/er6SYCYP 🌐 5. Build a Personal Brand -Start posting what you’re learning. Even if it feels basic to you — someone out there is where you were yesterday. -Post “What I Learned This Week” -Share “Alert Analysis Walkthroughs” 💼 6. Apply for Internships or Entry-Level SOC Roles You don’t need to be a rockstar. You need to be consistent, curious, and willing to learn. Search for: -SOC Analyst I -Cybersecurity Intern -IT Support with a Security Focus #CyberSecurity #CyberSecurityCareers #InfoSec #BlueTeam #SOCAnalyst #EntryLevelCyber #FromZeroToCyber

🔑 How to Land Your First Cybersecurity Role: A Guide for 2025 🚀 Friends and Fam, I’ve been getting a few messages asking, “How do I land my first cybersecurity job?” Trust me, I've been there before. Breaking into cybersecurity can seem overwhelming, but with the right preparation, mindset, and resources, it’s more achievable than you think. Whether you’re starting fresh or transitioning into the field, here’s a roadmap w/ guidance and resources to get you closer to that first role: 1️⃣ Build Your Foundation w/ Certifications This shows employers you’re serious about cybersecurity, even if you don’t have experience. Top picks for beginners: CompTIA Security+ - 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gbv5Y-eW ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) - 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gsJ2_Zzz Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) - 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gm-XNN3E 2️⃣ Gain Hands-On Experience Certifications are great, but practical skills are priceless. Here’s where to start: Explore simulation platforms to practice ethical hacking and pen testing 🔗 https://tryhackme.com 🔗 https://www.hackthebox.com 3️⃣ Leverage Free Learning Resources Not everything valuable comes with a price tag. Check these out: Microsoft Learn – Access free, Cybersecurity training w/ Microsoft 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gy_e3A_y Coursera Courses for Beginners 🔗 https://www.https://https://lnkd.in/gQyshCDA SANS Free Cyber Security Training 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gmyPYTEv 4️⃣ Tailor Your Job Applications Cybersecurity job descriptions can feel intimidating, but don’t let that stop you. 📣 Highlight transferable skills like problem-solving, communication, or experience with tools 📣Tailor your resume to the job posting and include hands-on projects from labs or certs. 📣Get Past the ATS: https://lnkd.in/g2_HnCFm 5️⃣ Network, Network, Network! The cybersecurity community is full of people who love to help beginners. 🎯 Join LinkedIn groups like Women in Cybersecurity or Cybersecurity Professionals 🎯Attend local meetups, webinars, and conferences 🎯Reach out to cybersecurity professionals for advice and insights 6️⃣Target Entry-Level Roles 🔗 Refer to my Entry-Level Jobs Post for inspiration https://shorturl.at/2kNcy 🗝️ Major Key: Lock In & Stay Focused This requires dedication and sacrifice. Lock in on your goals and understand that this journey might require long hours of studying and consistent effort. While I love Microsoft, remember that Microsoft isn’t the only great company out there. Explore opportunities w/ other amazing companies where you can get your first start and build your career. I’m rooting for you and your future success! Keep striving, keep learning, and most importantly, keep applying. 🚀 If you’re on this journey, share your progress below or tag someone who’s just getting started! #CyberSecurity #EntryLevelCyberJobs

If you’re aiming to break into the tech industry, especially cybersecurity, there’s one thing you absolutely need: hands-on experience. Here’s why it’s so critical and how you can get it without needing to jump to a new company. I always recommend starting by looking for shadowing or volunteer opportunities at your current company. Here’s why: 1. Discover What You Really Want: Shadowing can reveal whether a role is truly a fit for you. Sometimes, what seems appealing on paper might not align with your expectations after you’ve seen it up close. 2. Pivot Efficiently: Transitioning into a cybersecurity role is often smoother when you’re already at a company that knows you. By being upfront with your leadership about your passion for learning, you might even find that a new position is created just for you—this approach worked for me! One of the biggest perks? The expectation is already set that you’ll be learning on the job, which I call getting paid to learn. But for any of this to work, you need to demonstrate your commitment to learning before approaching your leadership. This could be as simple as attending online training or earning a certification. If you’re not sure where to start, Forage offers a great resource with job simulations that can give you a leg up in your career transition. You can explore their offerings here: https://lnkd.in/gwX-fxa4 Ultimately, success in cybersecurity requires action and dedication. If you found this advice helpful, please consider sharing it with someone who might benefit. #CyberSecurity #TechCareer #CareerTransition #HandsOnExperience #LearningByDoing

"I Have My Certification and Cyber Field of Interest—Now What?" Breaking into cybersecurity is a thrilling journey, but after earning your first certification and identifying your field of interest—whether it's penetration testing, SOC analysis, GRC, cloud security, or another exciting area—the next steps can feel daunting. Here's a roadmap to keep you moving forward: 1. Research Job Descriptions: Identify 10-20 job postings in your chosen field and analyze them. Look for trends in required skills, responsibilities, certifications, and educational requirements. This step gives you a clear picture of what employers are seeking. 2. Assess and Address Skill Gaps:  Compare the job requirements to your current resume. Are you missing any skills, certifications, or experience? If so, create a plan to bridge those gaps. This could involve hands-on labs, free training resources, or additional certifications. (I know, I know... more learning... it truly never ends. Yay!) 3. Network with Professionals:   Connect with people already working in your field of interest. Join LinkedIn groups, attend local cybersecurity meetups, or participate in webinars and conferences. Building relationships can open doors to mentorship and opportunities. (Yes it's true, cyber is the definition of "It's not what you know, but who you know." Unfortunately, us computer nerds have to talk to real human beings sometimes, what a shame.) 4. Tailor Your Resume:   Once you've sharpened your skills and gained relevant experience, update your resume to reflect your readiness for the roles you're targeting. Highlight your certifications, lab projects, and any relevant transferable skills. (A.K.A. "Word-smithing") 5. Apply with Confidence:   With your updated resume and network support, start applying for roles. Be persistent, stay positive, and keep learning along the way. (It might hundreds of applications before you hear back...I wish that number was exaggerated. Persistence is key!) Remember, cybersecurity is a vast and ever-evolving field. Your journey will be unique, but the key is to stay focused, adaptable, and proactive. You've got this!! #thelearningcontinues #Cybersecurity #CyberJobs #EntryLevelCyber

Breaking into cybersecurity can be tough: Skill gaps. Certification overload. Networking woes. Here’s how to tackle 7 common problems ↓ #1 Skill Gap Bridging ▪️The rapid evolution of cyber threats often outpaces traditional education, creating a skills gap for entry-level applicants. ☑Solution: Gain practical skills through online courses, internships, and labs. ▪️Platforms like TryHackMe and Hack The Box offer hands-on experiences that can fill the gap ↳ Also, I have a great lab on setting up a Detection environment for free :) Day Johnson also has loads of free content. #2. Certification Overload ▪️With numerous certifications available, it's challenging to determine which ones are most valuable for career advancement. ☑ Solution: Look at the jobs that you want to go for, and see what certs they are looking for. ↳ This can sway depending on if you are a govt contractor, or a private employee. I'd say, look for the best possibly ways to get hands on experience with certs like PNPT, OSCP, BTL1, etc. Sec+ is also a great place to start. #3. Networking in a Digital Age ▪️Building professional connections has become more difficult in an increasingly remote work environment. ☑ Solution: Use LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals in the sphere that you are looking to pivot to. ↳ Connect with professionals who are at the point you are looking to get into and pick their brain! This is where building a brand can help in your favor #4. Resume Optimization ▪️Standing out among hundreds of applicants requires a well-crafted resume. ☑Solution: Include relevant keywords and focus on achievements, rather than fillers. ↳ Use bullet points to highlight your skills and experience. Tailor your resume for each job application. #5. Specialization vs. Generalization ▪️The field offers various specializations, but choosing between becoming a specialist or a generalist can be daunting. ☑ Solution: Start as a generalist to understand the broad landscape. ↳ As you gain experience, specialize in an area that interests you, like penetration testing or incident response. #6. Continuous Learning ▪️Keeping up with rapidly changing technologies and threat landscapes is crucial but time-consuming. ☑ Solution: Follow cybersecurity blogs, podcasts, and news sites. ↳ Set aside dedicated time each week for learning. Consider joining a study group or online community. #7. Interview Preparation ▪️Cybersecurity interviews often include technical assessments and scenario-based questions that can be challenging to prepare for. ☑ Solution: Practice with mock interviews and technical challenges. ↳ Review common interview questions and prepare your answers. By addressing these problems and their associated solutions, you can significantly improve your chances of moving the needle into the cybersecurity field, even in a highly competitive job market. PS: What are some problems that you are facing?

How to Gain Cybersecurity Experience Before Getting Hired All aspiring cyber professionals land their first job without formal paid work experience IN cyber. Makes sense right? Your first job in cyber is the one you get based on all the other stuff you've done: hands-on projects, self-directed learning, and contributions to security communities. Here’s how to SHOWCASE your skills & experience in a way that gets noticed. Step 1: Contribute to Open-Source Security Projects - Working on security projects in open communities can help you gain real-world experience. - Get involved in vulnerability research or bug bounty programs to demonstrate analytical skills. - Collaborate on GitHub security projects to gain exposure to real-world coding and security practices. Step 2: Build a Home Lab Using Key Tools - Hiring managers value hands-on skills. Setting up a home lab lets you develop practical experience before getting hired. - Configure Splunk for log analysis, Wireshark for packet inspection, and Metasploit for penetration testing. - Simulate security incidents and practice responding to them. - Document what you learn so you can talk about it in interviews. Step 3: Share Your Work on LinkedIn or GitHub - Hiring managers pay attention to candidates who actively share their learning journey. - Write case studies or blog posts breaking down your security projects. - Engage in cybersecurity discussions and share insights from your work. One of my coaching clients started documenting his home lab projects online. A hiring manager saw his posts and reached out with a job offer. He had no prior experience—just a strong track record of applying what he learned. Need help structuring your experience? Check out the Weekly Launch Lab Group Coaching Program for expert guidance. https://lnkd.in/eZUDZjzG