How to Start a Career in Cyber Security in 2025: A Practical Guide
One of the most common questions we hear at Secure Cyber Connect is:
“How do I actually start a career in cyber security?”
It’s a fair question – and a tough one. Between hundreds of training providers, expensive certifications, and a fast-changing threat landscape, it’s hard to know where to begin. So, we’ve created this practical roadmap to help you navigate your first steps, build your skills, and choose a career pathway that fits your strengths and interests.
Whether you’re a student, graduate, career switcher or returning to work, this guide will walk you through:
- The core career paths in cyber
- Recommended certifications
- Hands-on skills employers really want
- The growing role of AI in cyber security
- Free learning resources you can start today
Step 1: Understand the Career Pathways
Cyber security is not one single job – it’s a field made up of many different roles. Choosing a direction early on helps you tailor your learning and stand out.
Here are five of the most in-demand entry-level career paths:
- Security Operations (SOC Analyst → Threat Hunter → Incident Responder)
- Penetration Testing and Red Teaming
- Cloud and Infrastructure Security
- Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC)
- Cyber Leadership and Strategy (e.g. CISO track)
If you’re unsure where to start, consider exploring multiple areas using platforms like TryHackMe or Cyber Security Challenge UK. These allow you to try different skills in real-world scenarios before committing to a path.
Step 2: Build a Strong Foundation
Most hiring managers expect candidates to have at least one entry-level certification, backed up with basic networking and system knowledge.
Recommended beginner certifications:
- CompTIA Security+
- ISC² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
- Cisco CyberOps Associate
- CompTIA Network+
- CREST Practitioner Security Analyst (CPSA)
Pair this with a foundational understanding of how networks, systems, and security protocols work.
Step 3: Develop Technical Depth
Beyond certifications, employers want to see hands-on technical capability. Three skill areas stand out:
- Coding (Python, Bash, SQL)
- Linux proficiency
- Basic automation skills
Whether you’re analysing threats or building defences, these skills will make your CV stand out.
Consider pursuing intermediate certifications:
- CompTIA CySA+
- EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate
- AWS Certified Security – Specialty
- Offensive Security Wireless Professional (OSWP)
Step 4: Prepare for the AI-Driven Future
AI is changing how cyber threats are detected, analysed and responded to. The professionals who thrive in 2025 and beyond will understand how to work with AI, not just alongside it.
In-demand emerging skills:
- AI-driven SOC operations
- Machine learning for threat detection
- AI-based malware analysis
- Data science and automation in cyber defence
If you can combine cyber expertise with coding, data fluency and AI literacy, you’ll be ahead of the curve.
Step 5: Advance Your Career with Specialist Credentials
If your goal is a senior, leadership or technical specialist role, you’ll eventually want to work towards one or more of these:
- CISSP – Strategy, governance and architecture
- OSCP – Respected globally for penetration testing
- CISM – Management and risk leadership
- CCSP – Advanced cloud security
- GCIH – Scaled incident response
Each of these opens different doors, so choose based on your long-term goals.
Step 6: Continuous Learning and Free Resources
Cyber security never stands still. The best professionals build habits of lifelong learning.
Here are some free, flexible ways to build your knowledge:
- CyberFirst Courses (UK Government)
- Open University Cyber MOOCs via FutureLearn
- Google Cyber Security Certificate (Coursera)
- IBM SkillsBuild
- Immersive Labs – Free challenges
Mix these with open-source contributions, community events and hands-on platforms like Hack The Box or TryHackMe to sharpen your skills.
Final Thoughts
There is no single “golden certification” in cyber security. The best careers are built by choosing a clear path – whether that’s SOC, cloud, pen testing, GRC or strategy – and layering it with:
- Technical depth (especially Linux and scripting)
- Practical experience
- A continuous learning mindset
- Awareness of AI’s role in modern cyber operations
Need Support Getting Started?
At Secure | Cyber Connect, we help cyber security professionals at every stage of their journey – whether you’re just starting out or preparing for your next big role. Through our community, podcast, and recruitment network, we provide access to:
- Mentorship and career advice
- Industry-aligned job opportunities
- Training and upskilling resources
- Thought leadership from real security practitioners
👉 Explore our community
👉 Talk to our recruitment team about entry-level or mid-career cyber roles.
Make 2025 the year you take action.
