The cyber security and technology industry offers plenty of career opportunities for both technical and non-technical professionals. With the growing demand for cyber security expertise, there are numerous pathways to enter the sector.
Entry-Level Technical Roles
Security Operations Centre (SOC) Analyst
- Monitors security alerts and incidents
- Investigates potential security breaches
- Performs initial incident response
- Entry point for many security professionals
Penetration Tester
- Identifies vulnerabilities in systems and applications
- Conducts authorised security assessments
- Documents and reports findings
- Requires strong problem-solving skills
Security Engineer
- Implements security solutions
- Maintains security infrastructure
- Develops security automation
- Focus on hands-on technical work
IT Support/Service Desk
- Provides technical support to users
- Handles basic security incidents
- Builds fundamental IT knowledge
- Excellent stepping stone into cybersecurity
GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) Analyst
- Ensures compliance with security standards
- Conducts risk assessments
- Develops security policies
- Bridges technical and business aspects
Non-technical cybersecurity roles
Marketing
- Develops security product/service marketing strategies
- Creates security awareness content
- Manages industry events and communications
Project Manager
- Leads security implementations
- Coordinates across teams
- Manages security project timelines
- Requires strong organisational skills
Cybersecurity Recruiter
- Sources security talent
- Understands security role requirements
- Builds relationships with candidates
- Stays current with industry trends
Data Protection Officer
- Ensures data privacy compliance
- Develops privacy policies
- Conducts privacy impact assessments
- Focuses on regulatory requirements
How can you get started?
Online presence & building your network
Your online presence isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s your competitive edge. Having an online presence can boost opportunities for you. You can showcase what you’re learning, and connect with thought leaders within the sector. It’s almost like a public portfolio. Documenting your learning on sites such as:
Professional networking and industry updates
X (Formerly Twitter)
Security community engagement
Online communities
Specialised forums and discussion groups such as Discord
Roundtables
Virtual and in-person knowledge sharing
Learning platforms and resources
Building a strong foundation in cyber security and tech requires access to diverse learning platforms and resources tailored to various levels of expertise. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your technical skills, explore professional certifications, or connect with industry organisations, the following tools and communities offer valuable opportunities for growth and development.
Professional development
Conferences and Meet-ups
In-person networking
CTF Challenges
Practical skill development and meeting other professionals
Mentorship Programs
Learning from experienced professionals
Podcasts
Industry insights and trends
Google Alerts
Stay updated on security news
There are numerous websites and organisations within cyber security and tech that offer opportunities for self-study, certification, and mentorship. Here are a few recommended resources:
Hack The Box
Hands-on penetration testing
TryHackMe
Guided security learning paths
Immersive Labs
Interactive security training
Codeacadamy
Programming fundamentals
GitHub
Open-source projects and collaboration
Udemy
Online Courses
NCSC
National Cyber Security Centre Resources
Cyber First
Early Career Development
Women in Cyber and Tech Cyber
Womens professional network (mentorship available)
Ladies Hacking Society
Female Hacking Society
CAPSLOCK
Cyber security Education
ISC2
Professional Certifications and recourses
SANS Insitute
Cyber security Education
Cyber Scheme
cyber security in-person and online training and certification
Industry Events
Attending industry events can be just one way to get yourself a role within cyber security and tech, networking with professionals there and sharing your knowledge can create opportunities and potentially secure your next role, We’ve highlighted a couple of our favourite events to attend:
- BSides: Community-driven security conferences
- CyberUK: Government security conference
- Infosecurity Europe: Major security exhibition
- CyberCon: Professional networking event
- CyNam and Hub8: Local cyber initiatives
- Bristol and Bath Cyber/techSPARK: Regional meetups
- South West Cyber Cluster: Regional collaboration
- Black Hat: Technical security conference
- 2600 Meetings: Hacker community gatherings (multiple locations throughout the UK)
Educational Requirements and Certifications
Most cyber security roles typically require a combination of education (often a bachelor’s degree in a related field), relevant certifications (like CompTIA Security+), and some technical skills.
Many organisations also offer internships or apprenticeships in cyber security, which can be excellent ways to gain experience and potentially transition into full-time roles.
Success in the cyber security and tech industry often comes from combining formal education, practical experience, and active community involvement. Whether through traditional education paths or alternative routes like apprenticeships, there are many ways to build a rewarding career.
Entering the cyber security and tech field requires proactive networking, continuous learning, and strategic visibility. By actively participating in industry events, dedicating time to self-learning programs, and engaging with thought leaders through social media and newsletters, aspiring professionals can build a strong foundation and network within the cyber and tech industry. This will not only enhance your technical knowledge but also create valuable connections and opportunities for career growth.
InfoSec People is a boutique cyber security and IT recruitment consultancy, built by genuine experts. We were founded with one goal in mind: to inspire people to find the careers that inspire them. With the success of companies fundamentally driven by the quality of their people, acquiring and retaining talent has never been more important. We believe that recruitment, executed effectively, elevates and enables your business to prosper.
We also understand that cyber and information security recruitment can genuinely change people’s lives, that’s why we take the duty of care to those we represent very seriously. All our actions are underpinned by our core values:
- Always do the right thing
- Be the best we can be
- Add value
We work with businesses in the cyber/tech arena, from start-ups and scale-ups to FTSE100 and central Government, many of whom are always looking for great people.
Call us directly on 01242 507 100 to discuss opportunities or email info@infosecpeople.co.uk.