Breaking Into Tech: Your First Steps Toward Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing fields today—but getting started can feel overwhelming. With so many certifications, platforms, and job titles, where do you even begin?

The truth is, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Over nearly 30 years in IT and cybersecurity leadership, I’ve learned that breaking in isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about taking the right steps in the right order.

Here are a few key moves that will set you apart right away:

• Build your foundation with free and affordable resources like Cybrary, Udemy, and YouTube.

• Get certified with CompTIA Security+—a must-have for entry-level roles.

• Learn modern platforms like AWS, Azure, Okta, and SailPoint. (I can’t stress this enough—interviewers expect you to talk intelligently about these tools.)

• Network and find a mentor. Every big break in my career came from a person, not a job board.

💡 These are just the first steps. To make things simple, I’ve created a Beginner Cybersecurity Roadmap—a step-by-step guide with tips, resources, and practical advice to help you land your first role.

👉 Download the full guide here.

And if you want more than a guide? At Eric Sunkel Career Coaching, I’ll help you create a tailored plan that works for you—and hold you accountable until you get theres.