How to Get Into Cybersecurity Without a Degree

The field of cybersecurity is experiencing significant growth thanks to the demand to keep businesses and individuals safe from hackers, cyberattacks, and security breaches. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that this profession will grow by 33 percent between 2023 to 2033 [1].

While it's possible to earn a cybersecurity degree or study a relevant major to begin a cybersecurity career, there are other ways to get started in this in-demand and high-paying field without a college degree. Explore ways to get into cybersecurity without a degree and discover some entry-level positions in cybersecurity to consider. Afterward, consider enrolling in the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate to build your knowledge in this key area.

How to get into cybersecurity without a degree

A degree is an excellent way to gain formal knowledge about a subject and build skills, and it may eventually be necessary as you seek to advance in your career. Still, it’s only one of the methods available to prepare for a cybersecurity career, and there are other ways to get into cybersecurity without a degree.

1. Earn a cybersecurity certification.

Consider building your resume with tangible credentials, like certifications and Professional Certificates, that validate your knowledge. You’ll find a range of cybersecurity certifications available, covering a wealth of areas.

Some certifications you might consider include:

• CompTIA PenTest+

• CISCO Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

• EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

• OffSec Certified Professional+ (OSCP+)

• GIAC Security Essential Certification (GSEC)

• ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

2. Consider self-study.

Self-study is an excellent learning strategy that offers many options to choose from. It’s highly flexible, allowing you to take on as much as you want to around your schedule, learning in a format that suits you best. You may opt for books, podcasts, online courses, or video tutorials. You’ll find many free options, but it’s vital to make sure you use credible sources.

3. Attend a cybersecurity boot camp.

Boot camps are a great way of building your practical skills and knowledge. Boot camps are usually run online by industry professionals, allowing you to learn and practice technical skills in a flexible way that suits your schedule. Boot camps are available at a range of levels, and often, beginner courses allow you to gain the skills you need for an entry-level role rather quickly.

4. Build your cybersecurity experience.

In this fast-changing technical role, experience is essential. Some employers may give on-the-job training, but it’s still beneficial to have experience before you apply for a role to maximize your chances. Look for opportunities to gain experience in programming, analysis, database administration, or an IT role, if not in cybersecurity directly.

Experience can come from something other than paid work. Look for volunteer work or even get experience through personal projects. Gaining experience in an entry-level role, such as a systems administrator, junior penetration tester, or security specialist, can help you build your skills and professional background.

5. Develop essential cybersecurity skills.

Employers look for cybersecurity skills that are a mixture of technical and workplace skills. While cybersecurity is a specialized profession and requires you to understand programming, have knowledge of hardware and software, and network security, you also need the workplace skills necessary to work with others, solve problems, and think and work under pressure.

Below, you’ll find some essential capabilities to focus on developing:

Important cybersecurity technical skills

• Cloud security

• Wireless security

• Network security

• Operating systems

• Risk analysis

• Data analysis

• Programming and coding

• Ethical hacking

• Threat modeling

Important cybersecurity workplace skills

• Attention to detail

• Creativity

• Problem-solving

• Leadership

• Working under pressure

• Decision-making

• Critical thinking 

• Communication

• Curiosity

6. Network.

Building a solid network of cybersecurity professionals helps you learn new things, gain insight about working in the industry, access resources, and provide connections you might be able to use to gain employment. Check out professional organizations and the National Cybersecurity Society, online communities like NetSec Focus, and use professional networking platforms like LinkedIn. Attend networking events, conferences, and workshops in person.

7. Find a mentor.

Learning from more senior professionals helps to boost your skills, gives you personal insight into a role, and allows you to avoid mistakes. A mentor may also answer any questions you have and advise you on an industry they know well. You’ll find formal mentoring programs where you work with a mentor, or it can be an informal relationship.

8. Strengthen your resume.

Work on tailoring your cybersecurity resume with the steps you've taken to build your knowledge in the field. Add any certifications or education you've completed, highlight the key skills you've developed, and list any experience you've gained through freelancing, volunteering, or other avenues.

Is one year enough to learn cybersecurity?

Although earning a degree in cybersecurity can take several years, choosing an alternative path, such as learning cybersecurity through a boot camp, can enable you to develop the proper cybersecurity qualifications and skills in a short time frame, often under a year.

Cybersecurity jobs that may not require a degree

The positions below may not always require a degree and can be a great entry point into a cybersecurity career.

• Security Operations Center (SOC) analyst, level 1

• IT security specialist

• Junior security administrator

• Cybersecurity technician

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