The original post: /r/cybersecurity by /u/Uraniummmmm on 2025-02-22 17:46:31.

Hello, I’m looking to break into the cybersecurity field, and I’m particularly interested in a SOC Analyst role (likely at the junior level). However, I’m wondering if it’s realistic for someone without prior hands-on IT experience (such as networking, helpdesk, etc.) to step directly into this role.

I do have experience as a web developer and supporting web products, which has helped me understand security at a web level as well as problem-solving, though I recognize this is a bit different from a general IT role. I’ll soon be graduating with an associate’s in Cybersecurity and am planning to earn some certs (e.g. A+, Security+, etc.) to strengthen my skillset.

Given my background, would it be reasonable to expect to step into a SOC Analyst role right out of school, or is it more likely that I’ll first need to gain experience in a more traditional IT position?

TIA