Thinking about starting a career in IT or cybersecurity? Smart move.
Industry reports predict that IT employment will increase 11% by 2033. That means thousands of new opportunities are opening up for people who know how to manage networks, protect data, and keep businesses running securely.
Companies of all sizes are racing to hire skilled IT and cybersecurity professionals. The best part is that you don’t need a degree to get started; just the right skills, certifications, and a strategy for standing out, which we’ll share below.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to kickstart your career in IT or cybersecurity from scratch, build real-world experience, and launch a career that’s both stable and future-proof.
Step-by-Step Guide to Kickstarting Your Career in IT or Cybersecurity
With numerous specialisations and certifications, it may seem overwhelming to begin a career in IT or cybersecurity. However, you don’t need to know everything at once. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to start your career in IT:
Step #1. Build Foundational Knowledge
Building a strong foundation in IT is the first step toward a cybersecurity career. Focus on learning how networks, servers, and firewalls operate. Develop a working knowledge of databases and operating systems, including Windows and Linux. You should have a strong command of the CLI and know how to manage services.
While earning a bachelor’s degree in IT can be beneficial, it’s not required. You can build equivalent expertise through online programs like Google IT Support on Coursera, or free resources such as YouTube tutorials and community-driven learning platforms.
| PRO TIP: Consider taking entry-level jobs as a system admin or helpdesk to learn the basics of an IT career. Building these basics gives you a competitive edge before you specialise in cybersecurity or other IT domains. |
Step #2. Get Certifications
Certificates validate your expertise and make your resume stand out, even if you don’t hold a formal degree in computer science. For beginners, CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA Network+ certifications are a great place to start.
They cover core topics like security and networking concepts, threat mitigation, security architecture, network implementation, and troubleshooting. Intermediate-level certifications, such as GIAC and CompTIA CySA+, also help add weight to your CV.
As you gain experience, you can pursue specialised credentials, such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). A survey reveals that CISSP-certified individuals earn 35% more than uncertified individuals, highlighting the strong career value of advanced certifications.
Step #3. Build a Strong Network
When starting out, networking can be one of the most powerful tools for building your career. It helps you connect with professionals who can share insights, job leads, and mentorship opportunities.
Attend meetups and events like Black Hat, local ISACA chapters, RSA conferences, and ISC2 meetings. Engage in online forums and follow industry experts on LinkedIn and X to learn from real-world experiences. You can also contribute to open-source security projects on GitHub or participate in capture-the-flag (CTF) competitions to showcase your skills.
Remember, networking doesn’t mean asking for jobs. It’s more about building meaningful relationships, exchanging ideas, and learning from others in the field. Over time, these interactions can naturally lead to internships, collaborations, or full-time job offers.
Step #4. Gain Hands-on Experience
No matter how much knowledge you have, unless you apply it, you’re never going to learn anything. Internships provide exposure to real-world systems, networks, and cybersecurity protocols. You’ll learn how IT departments operate, how security incidents are handled, and what tools professionals use daily.
If you can’t find a formal internship, look for alternatives. Many small businesses and non-profits need help managing their IT systems securely. Volunteering for them can help you gain valuable experience.
You can also build your own home lab using your computer with virtualisation capabilities. Virtual labs like TryHackMe and HackTheBox are excellent alternatives that allow you to practice your cybersecurity skills. This will enable you to practice ethical hacking and security configurations safely.
| PRO TIP: Don’t forget to document every project in your portfolio. Research shows that candidates with hands-on lab experience are 2.3 times more likely to get hired. This underscores the importance of consistently practising your skills and showcasing real-world projects that make your portfolio stand out. |
Step #5. Update Your Skills
To stay ahead in the IT industry, stay updated with emerging threats, new tools, and defence techniques. Subscribe to IT blogs, join online forums, and participate in webinars to stay informed about current industry trends.
If you don’t have time to sit and practice your labs, listen to tech podcasts. Some of the best ones are FreeCodeCamp, Late Night Linux, and Cybersecurity Today. These podcasts sharpen problem-solving skills, which are particularly valuable in IT and cybersecurity career paths.
Additionally, keep your certifications and technical knowledge aligned with what’s in demand. Certifications like CompTIA Security+, Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect, and Google Data Analytics Specialist boost your credibility and open new career doors.
Take the First Step to a Shining Career in IT
Kickstarting your IT or cybersecurity career can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. The key is to take it one step at a time. Begin with the basics by setting small, achievable goals. Learn the basics and spend a few hours every day practising what you’ve learnt.
To gain a real-world perspective, explore case studies of leading IT companies like Rejuvenate IT. This will help you understand how professionals tackle cybersecurity threats and solve complex IT challenges.
Don’t worry about choosing a niche at the start. Strengthen your basic IT skillset, and once you have a broad understanding, you can specialise in areas like cybersecurity, AI, and data analytics.
FAQs
Can you make £500,000 a year in cybersecurity?
Senior cybersecurity professionals in roles such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) can earn £150,000 to £400,000 or more annually.
In fact, Fortune Global 500 companies or major tech firms, such as those in London, often pay even more than £500,000. Other roles, such as security architects and cybersecurity consultants, can also pay between £120,000 and £250,000 per year.
Is it possible to get into cybersecurity without a degree?
You can build a successful cybersecurity career even without a degree if you have the right skills. While a formal IT or cybersecurity degree can give you an advantage, the skills gap in the industry means employers value updated skills equally. You can strengthen your profile with certifications, experience, and networking to compensate for the lack of a degree.
What are entry-level cybersecurity requirements?
Entry-level cybersecurity roles, such as cybersecurity analyst and IT auditor, require a solid foundation in information security, security operations, cryptography, authentication, and network security. Employers typically request certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CIPP, and GIAC.
