I recently had the privilege of guest speaking for a college class I hadn’t taken since 2006. Security Management Practicesis one of the final courses that must be taken before earning an associate’s degree in Cyber Security. I came prepared with practical tips to help students apply what they’re learning to advance their careers.
While these topics sparked good discussions, the most common question I received was, “How do I land a job in the Information Security industry?” Many students shared their frustration with application rejections, often due to a lack of experience—even for entry-level positions.
To those facing the same challenges: You are not alone. I graduated over 17 years ago with four associate degrees. By the time I finished college, I had three years of technical experience working directly for my community college and had tutored CCNA students as a work-study student. I was part of the first two Collegiate Cyber Defense Competitions, graduated as part of the inaugural Cyber Security class, and even won my program’s first-ever “Outstanding Student Award” for contributions to Information Security. Despite these accolades, I struggled to find work.
The reality behind success stories: Colleges and technical institutions often highlight opportunities through former students’ successes but rarely delve into their full journeys. I didn’t land the Cyber Security job I envisioned right after graduation. Instead, I took an entry-level role at a local Internet Service Provider, earning just $19,000 annually. I handled technical support calls and, within a few months, earned a promotion to tackle more complex issues and company projects. However, opportunities in Corpus Christi, Texas, were limited, so I decided to move to Houston for better prospects.
During this transition, I took jobs cutting tarps for a manufacturing company, searching through the Craigslist gigs page helping out picking up after birthday parties and working in a call center selling internet and cable add-ons. Between 2007 and 2009, I submitted over 40 applications—each with tailored resumes and cover letters—and received just as many rejections. I kept copies of those rejection letters to remember those humbling moments and as the number increased it helped fuel the fire within me to prove those hiring managers wrong. I never stopped learning or applying Cyber Security where I could. I created a secure website for the manufacturing company and ensured security was considered while building the VoIP system at the ISP. At home, I maintained a Linux environment to experiment with firewalls, security configurations, and attack scenarios.
My advice:Keep practicing even if you don’t yet have the job you desire. Online resources, like YouTube videos on “Building a Cybersecurity Home Lab,” can guide you through setting up a test environment. Staying prepared is crucial because when your moment comes, you need to be ready. Network with others if you are currently in college there are so many professors that have connections. I highly recommend getting involved in the FBI’s InfraGard and your local ISACA chapter. Take advantage of resources out there like Qualys free training and other vendors that have incredible knowledge bases and trials to their software.
The turning point:My opportunity came two years after graduation. While working as customer support technician for one of the world’s largest web hosting companies, I faced a crossroads. Although I was excelling, I felt unheard. The company had a Cyber Security department but hadn’t promoted internally for over a year. I decided to take the initiative. I approached the CEO, who had an open-door policy, and shared my background and ongoing efforts to stay current in the industry. Right then, I was interviewed by the CEO and the Head of Information Security with a series of questions related to the industry. Over 15 years from that day, I am now awaiting the next chapter of my story.
Everyone’s journey is unique:If you gathered a room full of Cyber Security professionals, each would have a different story. That’s the beauty of tomorrow—it’s a blank book, and you hold the pen.
To current students and future industry leaders: Don’t give up. You are not alone. Stay resilient, keep pushing forward, and write your own story. Then someday you can share your journey. I’m long overdue in sharing mine, and I hope this helps you keep going