topic Re: IT Informational Interview in Career Discussions

IT Informational Interview

cataneseaj — Sat, 29 Mar 2025 14:45:59 GMT

Hello all,

I'm looking to learn more about cybersecurity careers and would love to chat for 15 minutes. Would anyone be open to a virtual meeting or call this weekend or next week?

Best,
cataneseaj

Re: IT Informational Interview

Spirnia — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 10:53:03 GMT

I saw that you had not yet received a reply to your post.

You might find this website helpful in learning about careers in cybersecurity while you wait for your informational interview:

https://niccs.cisa.gov/workforce-development/cyber-career-pathways-tool

It is an interactive website!

Here is an image of what you will find there:

Re: IT Informational Interview

cataneseaj — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 15:27:36 GMT

Thanks for this! Long term goal, I'm focused on becoming either a SOC analyst or penetration tester. Mostly because I find logging and preventing threats, testing systems and ethical hacking exciting! I'm currently studying for the eJPT certificate before tackling the OSCP exam.

Re: IT Informational Interview

nkeaton — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 15:42:51 GMT

@cataneseaj. Not trying to discourage you, but lots of people want to be pentesters, but there are very few even in our large organizations. Is not a profit center. About the only places that have more than a few are those that sell defensive security. I only wish you the best, but I want to be honest with you.

Re: IT Informational Interview

Spirnia — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 16:10:23 GMT

As for a PenTester, you might find this helpful:

And for a SOC Analyst, you might find this helpful:

You can find more information at cyberseek.org, where I got these images from.

They are both great careers! And you are already on the right track!

You might want to also earn the CompTIA CySA+ certification to learn the defense side.

Re: IT Informational Interview

nkeaton — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 21:33:41 GMT

OWASP is definitely a good organization with lots of information and tools. I would definitely suggest to anyone interested in pentesting to see if they have an active local chapter.

Re: IT Informational Interview

Spirnia — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 22:03:45 GMT

And I am sure OP is aware of DEF CON. This year’s event is scheduled for August: https://defcon.org/

OP can compete in popular CTFs and get their name out there to make it easier to compete for the limited job opportunities in pen testing.