10 Strategies for Cybersecurity Student to Gain a Competitive Advantage

Hi Michelle. Thanks for making the connection with me. I see that you are an entry level cyber career strategist. Well, I need your help. I recently completed a cyber bootcamp and finding an entry level position has been challenging. How can we work together?

This is a real message from a real person I received this week on LinkedIn seeking help.?

If you are in the industry, or aspiring to be, you know the statistics. Only three short years ago in 2021, there were approximately 465,000 open positions in cybersecurity across the United States. Employment opportunities are projected to grow roughly 32% from now until 2032.??

If there are so many jobs available, and more jobs opening year after year, why is my inbox full of aspiring entry-level cyber professionals seeking help finding work?

The bottom line?

It’s an exceptionally competitive market and who gets hired first are those who have worked to gain a competitive advantage.?

Cybersecurity is a lucrative career.? You don’t need to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars and four years of working life on a fancy degree - in fact, people are breaking into the field with less than a year of training, and much of it in their spare time.? Oh, and of course, it pays well - entry level jobs start well over the national average salary. It’s a great job with exceptional growth opportunities, above average pay, and requires minimal training…of course it’s going to be competitive.?

If you want an advantage…if you want to get noticed by hiring managers…if you want to avoid sitting on the sidelines for a year or two while your peers are snatching up their entry-level cyber jobs, here are the Top 10 ways you can create a network, gain experience, and give yourself a COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE.?

1. Develop Relationships with Your Professors/Instructors

Over the number of years that I have worked in Higher Education and Cyber Workforce Development, students that rise to the top and land the jobs even BEFORE they complete their program, have leveraged these key relationships.??

Building relationships with professors is valuable for several reasons:

1. Mentorship and Guidance: Professors have extensive knowledge and experience in their field. By developing a rapport with them, you gain access to valuable insights, advice, and mentorship. They can guide you in your academic journey, recommend resources, and help you navigate challenges.
2. Recommendations and References: When you build a strong relationship with a professor, they are more likely to write personalized recommendation letters for internships, jobs, or graduate programs. These letters can significantly impact your applications.
3. Networking Opportunities: You are going to see this theme again and again throughout this article. Networking is ESSENTIAL to gaining a competitive advantage.

Professors often have connections within the industry. They can introduce you to professionals, invite guest speakers to class, or recommend you for networking events. These connections can lead to job opportunities or collaborations.

1. Research Opportunities: Professors engage in research projects, and involving yourself in their work can be beneficial. You might assist with research, co-author papers, or even present at conferences. Such experiences enhance your resume and expand your knowledge.
2. Understanding Course Material: Building a relationship with your professors allows you to ask questions, seek clarification, and discuss course material outside of class. This deeper understanding can improve your academic performance.

Remember, professors appreciate students who show genuine interest, attend office hours, and actively participate in class. These efforts demonstrate your commitment and passion for learning.

2. Work Study/Part-time Jobs/Volunteer in IT

Candidates for entry-level jobs have at least one thing in common: they have experience. But how do you get experience when no one will give you a chance to gain experience (I asked this same question almost 30 years ago when I was looking for entry-level work!).? It’s an age-old question and the answer is simple: start part-time (heck, volunteer if you have to).

Having part-time jobs or participating in work-study programs while in training offers several benefits, especially for students pursuing a career in IT and cybersecurity.

?Let’s explore why it’s valuable:

1. Real-world Experience: Working in IT roles provides hands-on experience. Whether it’s troubleshooting technical issues, managing networks, or assisting with cybersecurity tasks, you’ll gain practical skills that complement your coursework.
2. Time Management: Balancing work and studies teach time management. Juggling responsibilities helps you become more organized and efficient, which is crucial in both college and future careers.
3. Networking: You’ll meet colleagues, supervisors, and potentially industry experts. These connections can lead to internships, job referrals, and mentorship.?
4. Improved GPA: Surprisingly, studies show that students who work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) tend to have higher GPAs. The discipline required to manage work and academics contributes to better performance.

3. Leadership Opportunities

Leadership is less a role, but more an opportunity to gain critical skills for job success.?

Leadership opportunities play a pivotal role in gaining a competitive advantage during your training and beyond. Here’s why:

1. Career Advancement: In today’s competitive job market, possessing leadership skills sets you apart from other candidates and makes you more attractive to employers. Companies seek individuals who can motivate teams, solve problems creatively, and make effective decisions.
2. Personal Growth: Leadership roles challenge you to develop self-awareness, resilience, and adaptability. You learn to communicate effectively, manage conflicts, and inspire others. These skills contribute to your overall personal growth.
3. Building a Strong Network: Engaging in leadership activities allows you to connect with peers, faculty, and professionals. You know by now that networking opens doors to mentorship, job referrals, and collaborative opportunities.
4. Broadening Horizons and Gaining Exposure: Leading student organizations or projects exposes you to diverse perspectives, cultures, and challenges. It expands your worldview and prepares you for a globalized workforce.
5. Enhancing Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: Leaders tackle complex issues, make strategic decisions, and find innovative solutions. These abilities are highly valued by employers.

Join cybersecurity clubs, student organizations, or take on leadership roles within them. Leadership experience demonstrates initiative, teamwork, and organizational skills—qualities employers value.

4. Visit Your Career Services Center on Campus

Career services centers offer resume workshops, mock interviews, and job search resources, and if you are entry-level, I promise you need the help.?

Visiting your college’s career center is incredibly valuable for gaining a competitive edge in your career. Here’s why:

1. MORE Paid Internships and Job Offers: Research shows that students who engage with their college career center receive more job offers. Graduating seniors who use career center services receive an average of 1.24 job offers, compared to 1 offer for non-users. Additionally, those who use the career center for internships are 2.2 times more likely to secure paid internships.
2. Free Career Counseling from Experts: Career centers employ professionally trained counselors and advisors. They understand employer expectations, market trends, and skills needed for success. Even if you’re confident you know exactly the role you want to take in cyber, a career counselor can help you plan to get there.
3. Networking Help: Remember, Networking is ESSENTIAL to break into cybersecurity.

Career centers facilitate connections with employers, alumni, and industry professionals. Networking is crucial for job opportunities and long-term success.

1. Interview and Resume Prep: Career centers offer workshops on resume writing, interview techniques, and professional etiquette. These skills enhance your chances of landing internships and jobs.
2. Support After Graduation: Even after you graduate, career centers often provide alumni services. They can assist with job searches, career transitions, and ongoing professional development.

Career centers are there to empower you throughout your academic journey and beyond. Take advantage of these resources—they’re designed to help you gain a competitive advantage.

5. Attend Career Fairs

Career fairs connect you with employers actively seeking cybersecurity talent. Prepare an elevator pitch, dress professionally, and research attending companies beforehand.

Attending cybersecurity career fairs is crucial for gaining a competitive edge in the field. Here’s why:

1. Networking Opportunities: Do I dare mention this again??

Career fairs allow you to meet employers directly and learn about available roles. Building connections with industry professionals can lead to job offers and valuable insights.

1. Role Insights: You’ll discover various cybersecurity job roles, from SOC Analysts to Network Administrators. Presentations by exhibitors highlight the skills and experience they seek, helping you tailor your resume and certifications.
2. Company Research: Explore companies actively recruiting in cybersecurity. Understand their culture, mission, and specific requirements. This knowledge informs your job search strategy, particularly as you work to navigate the Hidden Job Market.?
3. Stay Ahead: The cybersecurity landscape evolves rapidly. Attending fairs keeps you informed about trends, technologies, and industry demands.

Come prepared with questions, your Resume, and an elevator pitch. Leverage these events to enhance your career prospects!

6. Participate in Cyber Competitions

Competitions like Capture the Flag (CTF) challenge your technical abilities, problem-solving skills, and teamwork. Winning or even participating in these events demonstrates your commitment to cybersecurity excellence. Employers LOVE to see these on your resume.

Participating in cyber competitions is critical for gaining a competitive advantage in the field of cybersecurity. Here’s why:

1. Skill Development: Competitions like Capture The Flag (CTF) challenge your technical abilities, problem-solving skills, and teamwork. Winning or even participating in these events demonstrates your commitment to cybersecurity excellence.
2. Real-world Scenarios: Cyber competitions simulate real-world scenarios, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations. You’ll encounter vulnerabilities, analyze threats, and devise solutions, enhancing your readiness for actual security challenges.
3. Networking: There it is again. Networking.

Competitions provide opportunities to connect with fellow participants, industry professionals, and potential employers.?

1. Resume Boost: Listing successful participation in cyber competitions on your resume showcases your proactive approach to learning and problem-solving. Employers appreciate candidates who actively engage in hands-on experiences.
2. Recognition: Winning or ranking well in reputable competitions adds credibility to your skills. It distinguishes you from other candidates and positions you as a capable cybersecurity professional.

Remember, cyber competitions not only test your technical prowess but also foster adaptability, creativity, and resilience—qualities essential for success in this dynamic field. Even if you don’t WIN, your participation displays these qualities.

7. Secure Internships (or TWO!)

Internships provide real-world exposure and networking opportunities. Aim for internships that align with your interests—whether it’s penetration testing, incident response, or security analysis, but know that internships in any field of IT helps.

Securing internships is critical for gaining a competitive advantage as a cybersecurity student. Let’s explore why:

1. Real-world Experience: Internships bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application. You’ll work on actual security tasks, such as web application testing, network security assessment, and malware analysis.
2. Skill Development: Exposure to the latest technologies and approaches used by cybersecurity professionals enhances your skills. Whether it’s threat detection, data analysis, or security tool development, you’ll gain hands-on expertise.
3. Networking: In cybersecurity, it’s not just about what you know; it’s also about who you know.?
4. Resume Enhancement: Work experience from internships strengthens your resume. Employers value candidates who have applied their knowledge in real-world scenarios.
5. Job Offers: Successful internships can lead to job offers. Companies often hire interns who have demonstrated their capabilities during their internship period.

Internships provide a pivotal entry point into the cybersecurity field. Seek opportunities, document your impact, and make the most of this valuable experience! And if you need help finding them, go back to Step 4: Visit your Career Services Center on campus.?

8. Attend Industry Conferences & Meetups

Conferences like DEF CON, Black Hat, and RSA Conference offer unparalleled networking. Engage with experts, attend workshops, and stay updated on industry trends.

Attending industry conferences and meetups is critical for cybersecurity students seeking a competitive advantage. Here’s why:

1. Education and Awareness: Conferences provide cutting-edge insights into the latest threats, vulnerabilities, and security solutions. Staying informed is essential in this rapidly evolving field, particularly since one of the questions you will be asked in an interview is, “Tell me how you keep up with what’s happening in the industry.”?
2. Networking Opportunities: This is another place Industry Professionals go to expand their networks.? You can too. People LOVE helping students so go and make some new friends, they might just turn into your new boss.?
3. Learn from Leaders: Conferences feature thought-provoking speakers—industry leaders who share their expertise. Learning from their experiences and advice accelerates your growth.
4. Creativity and Innovation: Exposure to diverse ideas and approaches sparks creativity. You’ll discover new ways to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
5. Community Engagement: Engaging with the cybersecurity community builds a support network. You’ll find peers who share your passion and can offer guidance.

Attending these events enriches your knowledge, expands your network, and positions you for success. Just go.?

9. Leverage LinkedIn for Networking

Optimize your LinkedIn profile. Connect with professionals, join relevant groups, and share insightful content. Engaging on LinkedIn helps you build a strong professional network.

Leveraging LinkedIn is critical for cybersecurity students aiming to gain a competitive advantage. Here’s why:

1. This is where Cybersecurity Professionals hang out (AKA. Networking): Want to know the digital platform employers are looking at to find new employees? LinkedIn. Be there.?
2. Professional Branding: LinkedIn profiles serve as your professional brand. A well-optimized profile showcases your skills, experience, and expertise in cybersecurity.
3. Learning and Certifications: LinkedIn Learning offers cybersecurity courses—from foundational knowledge to advanced certifications. Learning and showcasing in-demand skills are crucial for career entry and growth.
4. Certifications: Many professionals add certifications to their LinkedIn profiles. Highlight relevant cybersecurity certifications to demonstrate expertise.

LinkedIn can be a powerful tool when used effectively. Optimize your profile, network actively, and position yourself for success.

10. Take Certification Exams

I’m often surprised to see college graduates of cyber programs with NO certifications.? Certifications (such as CompTIA Security+, CEH, or CISSP) validate your knowledge and skills. Earning certifications boosts your credibility and sets you apart from other candidates.?

You’ve been trained for them, just take this extra step.? Contact your advisor about getting student discounts on exam vouchers; they may even offer them free.?

Let me highlight the significance of certifications in this field:

1. Validation of Expertise: Certifications provide tangible evidence of your knowledge, skills, and expertise in cybersecurity. They demonstrate your ability to tackle real-world problems, whether in information security, cloud security, or other domains.
2. Marketability: Certified professionals stand out in the job market. Employers recognize the value of certifications, making your résumé more attractive. As the field grows, having relevant certifications increases your chances of landing interviews and job offers.
3. Higher Earning Potential: Certified individuals often command higher salaries compared to non-certified peers. Employers value expertise and commitment, rewarding it with better compensation.
4. Career Advancement: Certifications open pathways for career growth. They enhance credibility, boost promotion potential, and allow you to switch careers or companies within the cybersecurity field.

Certifications validate your skills, enhance your marketability, and position you for success.

As you embark on your cybersecurity journey, remember that success lies not only in technical skills but also in strategically preparing yourself to land the job. If you want to stand out and gain the competitive advantage you have to work differently than your peers.? You have to work a strategy that works.

By implementing these ten strategies, you’ll position yourself ahead of the curve. Network relentlessly, seek mentorship, find experience opportunities, and stay curious. The cybersecurity landscape evolves rapidly, and those who adapt, learn, and collaborate will thrive - specifically on the front end.?