Steps to Start a SOC Analyst Career with No Experience

Beginning a career in cyber from the position of an Aspiring SOC Analyst is a labor-intensive, exciting, intense, and up-and-coming journey that many hope works out.  Salaries for knowledgeable, determined, and ambitious cyber professionals can absolutely reach the 300s.  However, the need for cyber professionals is changing rapidly due to the increasing number of breaches.  To meet this demand, AI and automation are stepping in to alleviate some of the workload of the human capital and balance the insatiable demand for IT. If you are considering becoming a cyber professional but feel daunted because you have no experience, do not worry. This guide will explain the steps to jump-start you into a rewarding cyber career.

These are the Steps to Start a SOC Analyst Career with No Experience.

Understanding the Cybersecurity Career Landscape

Cybersecurity is a broad field that encompasses various roles, from network security to penetration testing, risk assessment, and compliance. More than just technical skills, a successful career in this domain often requires critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, advanced reading and writing, and a willingness to keep learning.

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The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment in cybersecurity roles to grow by 31% from 2019 to 2029, far faster than the average for all occupations. It is interesting to note that today, we do not see growth, but our perspective is short-term. According to the authority on labor statistics, a long-term increase in cybersecurity is still expected.

As cyber threats evolve, the demand for qualified professionals rises, making now an excellent time to consider this career path. I believe advancements in human labor and Artificial Intelligence can meet these challenges together.

Educational Pathways

While some roles may require specific degrees, many entry-level positions do not. Here are some recommended paths to take:

1. You may pursue an associate's degree in information technology or cybersecurity. Alternatively, universities offer specialized bachelor’s and master’s programs focusing on cybersecurity. Stick to public brick-and-mortar institutions, and typically, Computer Science degrees are more conducive to entry-level positions in cybersecurity. Computer Science degrees are very technical, whereas many Cybersecurity programs teach high-level policy that you won't use for many years. If you must choose an online school, WGU has a good reputation, and you'll come out of the program with something. It's cheap. It is a public institution. Avoid private online schools.

   
   

2. Industry-recognized certifications can validate your skills to potential employers. Start with certifications such as CompTIA Security+.

   
   

3. Cyber NOW Education offers affordable courses on cybersecurity fundamentals. These can be a great way to acquire knowledge without committing to a full-time degree program or supplementing formal learning.

   
   

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Start a SOC Analyst Career with No Experience

Experience is essential, but can be gained even without a formal job in cybersecurity.

1. Explore internships that provide hands-on experience in the field. Internships often lead to full-time positions and help you build a network.

   
   

2. Many organizations, especially non-profits, seek individuals to assist with their cybersecurity needs. This can be an excellent way to gain real-world experience.

   
   

3. Create a Medium blog and document your cloud-based projects. Medium is best because it has a built-in audience of millions of Tech people, and its SEO is really fantastic. Your name will become searchable on Google. Careful what you comment because those get indexed as well. Just be supportive of everyone and seldom critical.

   
   

4. Participate in capture-the-flag (CTF) competitions. These events simulate real-world scenarios and allow you to develop and showcase your skills. Focus more on CTF programs that require you to work on a team. Less TryHackMe, more CCDC or similar.

   
   

Networking in the Cybersecurity Community

Building a professional network can significantly help your career.

1. Online forums such as Reddit’s cybersecurity subreddits or specialized groups on LinkedIn can provide valuable insights and networking opportunities.

   
   

2. Consider attending cybersecurity conferences and workshops. Events like OWASP, DEF CON Groups, 2600, ISACA, ISC2, Makerspaces, Hackerspaces, and local meetups can connect you with industry professionals and potential employers.

   
   

3. Follow influential figures in cybersecurity on X, Mastodon, or LinkedIn. There is a significant presence of cybersecurity professionals on both X and Mastodon for less formal discussions. LinkedIn is typically reserved for formal debate. Engaging with their content can keep you updated on industry trends and job openings. Dave Kennedy from TrustedSec is a good name to follow if you want to see what a humble beginning in cybersecurity could turn out to be. Taimur Ijlal of Cloud Security Guy has a YouTube channel, a Medium blog, and a Substack, and he also creates courses for us. Gladys Ijih of Cyber Potential regularly posts jobs. John Strand and Jason Blanchard of Black Hills Information Security have quite a few resources. You might like Krebs, though he is more of a controversial, polarized character these days. Also, I am on LinkedIn.

   
   

Is Cybersecurity a 9-5 Job?

While many cybersecurity positions may operate within standard business hours, the nature of the field often requires flexibility. Cybersecurity professionals may be on call during off-hours to respond to security breaches or system failures. Many companies require security teams to monitor networks continuously.

As a SOC analyst, if you work at an MSSP, you'll be customer-facing and take inbound calls. These positions typically are not on call. SOC analysts who work at an internal SOC at a medium-sized company are generally on call. Internal SOCs at large companies usually aren't on call.

Researching Job Opportunities

When you feel ready to enter the job market, researching available positions is crucial.

1. Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn have dedicated sections for cybersecurity roles. Search for "SOC Analyst," "Information Security Analyst", "Cybersecurity Analyst", and "Cyber Security Analyst".

   
   

2. Don’t hesitate to check the career pages of companies you’re interested in. Direct applications sometimes yield better chances as they are less competitive than general job boards.

   
   

3. Some agencies specialize in IT and cybersecurity roles. Connect with them for guidance and potential job placements.

   
   

4. SOC analyst positions are now often hiring by referrals only because the application process is broken.

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Preparing for Interviews

Once you begin applying, preparation is key to securing interviews. Here are some tips:

1. Familiarize yourself with typical interview questions for cybersecurity roles. These can include technical queries and situational questions that assess your problem-solving skills.

   
   

2. Employers value candidates who show enthusiasm for cybersecurity. Discuss recent security breaches or interesting issues you've followed in the industry.

   
   

3. Consider conducting mock interviews with friends or mentors to build confidence and refine your responses.

   
   

Continual Learning and Growth

Cybersecurity is not a static field. Continuous learning is essential.

1. Follow industry news and updates from the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Staying informed can give you a competitive edge.

   
   

2. As you gain experience, aim for intermediate certifications like EC-Council's Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and advanced certifications like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

   
   

3. Understand that cybersecurity roles have multiple pathways. As you grow, consider exploring specializations in cloud security, security engineering, application security, or security architecture.

   
   

Final Thoughts on Your SOC Analyst Career Journey

Starting a career in the SOC without prior experience might seem challenging. Still, by following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully jump-start your vehicle for a long, rewarding journey in cyber.

Education, networking, hands-on projects, and a commitment to continual learning will set you on you're road. Remember, every expert was once a beginner. Embrace the frustrations, and you’ll soon thrive in this dynamic and exciting field.

Getting a job as a SOC analyst is 70% experience, 15% certifications, and 15% degree.