I Interviewed Hundreds of Cybersecurity Professionals – Here’s My Best Advice

Navigating Cybersecurity, Advice from Those Who’ve Done It.

May 24, 2025

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of speaking with hundreds of cybersecurity professionals—ranging from entry-level analysts to senior roles and director positions.

Their insights, challenges, and career journeys have provided invaluable lessons for anyone looking to break into or advance in the cybersecurity field.

In this blog, I’ll share the best advice I’ve gathered from these conversations to help you navigate your cybersecurity career with confidence.

1. Master the Fundamentals Before Specializing 🔍

Cybersecurity is a broad field with many specializations, from ethical hacking to risk management. However, the most successful professionals emphasize the importance of mastering the basics first:

Understand networking, operating systems, and cloud security.
Learn security concepts like encryption, firewalls, and access control.
Get comfortable with scripting and automation (Python, Bash, or PowerShell).
Understand different cybersecurity framework in different areas and domains.

2. Certifications Matter – But Experience Matters More 📜

Many professionals I spoke with agreed that certifications like Security+, CEH, CISSP, and OSCP can help open doors. However, hands-on experience is what truly sets you apart.

Use platforms like TryHackMe, Hack The Box, or BTLO to gain practical skills.
Build a home lab to test security tools and techniques.
Contribute to open-source security projects or participate in Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions.

3. Networking is Just as Important as Technical Skills 🤝

No matter how skilled you are, opportunities often come from connections. Here’s how to build your network:

Attend cybersecurity conferences and local meetups (BSides, DEF CON, Black Hat, Rootcon, etc.).
Engage on LinkedIn, Twitter, and cybersecurity forums like Reddit or Discord.
Find a mentor who can guide you in your career path.

4. Stay Curious and Keep Learning 📚

The cybersecurity field is constantly evolving. The professionals I interviewed emphasized that continuous learning is non-negotiable.

Follow cybersecurity news (Krebs on Security, Dark Reading, BleepingComputer, Hackernews).
Follow cybersecurity influencers (John Hammond, Neal Bridges)
Take online courses (Try Hack Me, LetsDefend, Udemy, SANS, or Coursera).
Read books or e-books like “The Web Application Hacker’s Handbook” or “Cybersecurity Blue Team Handbook.”

5. Soft Skills Can Make or Break Your Career 🎤

Many assume cybersecurity is all about technical expertise, but soft skills play a critical role in success.

Communication: You must be able to explain security risks to non-technical stakeholders.
Problem-Solving: Thinking critically and staying calm under pressure is key.
Adaptability: Cyber threats evolve daily—so should your skill set.

Cyber criminals are great communicators.

This is why they are able to craft convincing phishing emails and social engineering tactics.

For cyber criminals who work in groups, they communicate effectively by encrypting their communication, defining objectives without politics, and straight forward discussions to save time.

This is why you should improve your soft skills too!

6. Break Into the Field with Entry-Level Roles 🚀

A common frustration for newcomers is the “entry-level job that requires 3 years of experience.” The professionals I interviewed shared these strategies:

Look for Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst, IT Support, or Help Desk roles as a starting point.
Apply for internships or apprenticeships in cybersecurity teams.
Leverage transferable skills from IT, networking, or software development.

7. Document Your Work and Build a Personal Brand 🌍

In today’s competitive job market, standing out is crucial.

Start a blog or LinkedIn posts about your cybersecurity journey.
Share insights from projects, labs, or certifications.
Contribute to GitHub or create YouTube tutorials to showcase your expertise.

8. Imposter Syndrome is Real – But Don’t Let It Stop You 😰

Almost every cybersecurity professional, even experienced ones, admitted they’ve felt imposter syndrome. Here’s their advice:

Accept that you’ll never know everything—cybersecurity is too vast.
Focus on progress, not perfection.
Engage with supportive communities that uplift beginners.

Final Thoughts 🎯

The best cybersecurity professionals are lifelong learners, strong communicators, and passionate about making a difference.

Whether you're just starting or looking to advance, applying these insights can help you build a successful and fulfilling career.

What’s the best advice you’ve received in your cybersecurity journey?

Share in the comments!

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LET’S BUILD TOGETHER

Your feedback and questions will be invaluable in shaping this newsletter.

If there’s a topic you’re curious about, let me know.

I want this space to be as collaborative as possible, so please feel free to reply and share what’s on your mind.

I’m here to help you grow, learn, and succeed in the world of cybersecurity.

Thank you for joining me on this journey.

Here’s to learning, sharing, and making an impact together!

With you on this cyber path,

Jeff

HACK THE CYBER PATH