Breaking into cybersecurity or advancing your career can feel overwhelming. With countless tips and advice out there, it’s hard to know what truly works. I’ve been in your shoes, and through trial and error, I’ve discovered what actually makes a difference. Here are the five most impactful strategies that helped me skyrocket my career as a cybersecurity professional.
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1. Master Your Soft Skills
It’s a common misconception that cybersecurity professionals don’t need soft skills. In reality, non-technical skills like communication, teamwork, and understanding business operations are critical for career growth.
Technical expertise can only take you so far. If you lack the ability to communicate effectively or work well in a team, your career might stagnate. Soft skills are the bridge that connects your technical expertise to real-world applications.
To enhance my soft skills, I turned to books. Here’s a list of books that made a big impact on my career:
15 Minutes to a Better Interview
Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Principles by Ray Dalio
The Law of Success by Napoleon Hill
I committed to reading for an hour every day, which I later scaled back to 30 minutes to focus on technical skills. The takeaway? Dedicate time to building your non-technical skills—they’re just as crucial as technical expertise.
2. Specialize in a Cybersecurity Domain
One of the biggest mistakes I see is aspiring professionals with no clear direction. Simply wanting to "work in cybersecurity" is like saying you want to work in healthcare without specifying whether you want to be a doctor, nurse, or technician.
Cybersecurity is a vast field with roles like penetration tester, analyst, engineer, and compliance specialist. Start by exploring general fundamentals on platforms like TryHackMe, then dive deeper into what excites you. Your career trajectory becomes much clearer once you define your target role.
3. Leverage LinkedIn Consistently
LinkedIn is a goldmine for networking and career opportunities. Regularly sharing your achievements—whether it's completing a TryHackMe room, earning a certification, or solving a Hack The Box machine—can showcase your discipline and consistency.
That’s exactly how I landed my current role. By sharing my journey and keeping my profile updated, someone in my network noticed my dedication and referred me to their hiring manager. I didn’t even formally apply for the job. Building a professional presence on LinkedIn can set you apart and attract opportunities you didn’t know existed.
4. Earn Relevant Certifications
Certifications are powerful tools to demonstrate your expertise. While they’re not the be-all-end-all, they can significantly boost your credibility with recruiters and hiring managers. Certifications have been instrumental in my journey, helping me break into the field and advance my career.
The key is to continuously upskill. Don’t stop at one certification or one degree. Strive for a complete package: technical skills, certifications, soft skills, and networking.
5. Commit to Growth Outside of Work
Your career isn’t built during working hours alone. The saying, “Your 9-to-5 pays the bills, but your 6-to-midnight builds your skills,” couldn’t be more true in cybersecurity.
I dedicated 3-4 hours daily after work to studying for certifications and improving my skills. On weekends, I often put in 10-12 hours. It was a sacrifice, but it set me up for long-term success.
If you’re serious about entering or advancing in this field, be prepared to make sacrifices. Cut back on distractions like video games, TV, and social media. The time you invest now will pay off in the future.
Bonus: Don’t Fall for the One-Certification Myth
A common mistake is thinking that one certification or degree is enough to break into the field. While certifications are essential, they’re only one piece of the puzzle. Combine them with practical experience, soft skills, and networking to stand out in a competitive job market.
Final Thoughts
Cybersecurity isn’t just a career—it’s a journey. It requires dedication, sacrifice, and a love for the field. If you’re willing to put in the work, the rewards are worth it. Follow these five hacks, and you’ll be well on your way to building a successful cybersecurity career.
For more insights, check out my blog articles on soft skills and choosing the right cybersecurity role. Good luck and happy hacking!