Breaking Into Cybersecurity: Entry-Level Jobs and Career Paths

July 30, 2025

Cybersecurity offers multiple entry paths for STEM professionals beyond computer science degrees. From security operations center analysts to security engineers, the field needs diverse skills including problem-solving, communication and technical analysis. Certifications and transferable experience from IT, networking or data analysis can lead to lucrative cybersecurity careers.

Cybercrime is booming, and so is the demand for cybersecurity expertise. In 2024 alone, malicious actors stole billions from companies worldwide, while millions of jobs protecting those companies went unfilled.

Part of the problem lies in perceptions and pathways. Many STEM professionals assume cybersecurity requires a computer science degree or elite hacking skills. In reality the field desperately needs analysts, communicators, auditors and problem-solvers from diverse backgrounds.

“Cybersecurity is evolving fast, but education and training haven’t kept up,” said IEEE Senior Member Vaibhav Tupe. “Many job listings demand years of experience, but few entry-level paths exist.”

The good news? There are multiple entry points into cybersecurity, and many technical skills transfer beautifully into security roles. Whether you’re coming from IT support, data analysis, network engineering or even fields like accounting or law, there’s likely a cybersecurity path that matches your background.

The SOC Path

One of the most accessible entry points into cybersecurity lies within security operations centers, or SOCs. These specialized facilities monitor and respond to cyber threats around the clock, offering a natural progression path that’s particularly welcoming to newcomers.

Tier one SOC analysts represent the most common entry-level positions in cybersecurity. These analysts respond to routine security alerts and escalate complex threats to more experienced colleagues. It’s ideal for beginners because companies expect to provide training, and the structured environment offers clear advancement opportunities.

As analysts gain experience, they can progress to tier two roles conducting detailed threat investigations, then to tier three positions focused on identifying security blind spots and fine-tuning monitoring systems. For those with leadership aspirations, SOC managers balance technical oversight with strategic management, handling team leadership and serving as the bridge to executive leadership.

Beyond SOC roles, the cybersecurity field offers numerous other specialized positions:

Information Security Analyst: Information security analysts typically focus on information protection policies, regulatory compliance, risk management and the physical security of organizational facilities.
Junior Penetration Tester: People in this role simulate cybersecurity attacks to identify vulnerabilities. They work under senior penetration testers that often design more comprehensive attacks.
Vulnerability Assessment Experts: Professionals in this role perform research to identify new, previously unknown vulnerabilities. They also manage the response to known vulnerabilities, prioritizing action according to risk.
Security Engineers: Cybersecurity teams use a lot of different software applications. The job of the security engineer is to evaluate that software and to get all of the different applications to work together.
Security Architect: The goal of this job is to plan, research and design a robust security infrastructure within a company. Security architects conduct regular system and vulnerability tests and implement or supervise the implementation of enhancements. They are also in charge of establishing recovery procedures.

Multiple Pathways Into the Field

The entry point into cybersecurity doesn’t have to be a computer science degree. An increasing number of cybersecurity-related degrees are being offered by departments outside of computing and computer science, with business, law and engineering serving as examples of other parent disciplines. At the same time, some companies are looking for key certifications and coursework, rather than a specific degree.

IEEE Senior Member Steven Furnell offered this advice to STEM professionals who are curious about cybersecurity but worried they don’t have the right experience.

“Think about the underlying skills that cybersecurity needs,” Furnell said. “Successive surveys of employers indicate that they value — and often claim to prioritize — transferable skills such as problem solving, collaboration and communication. These skills aren’t exclusive to those studying computer science. Holding any STEM degree or experience shows the ability to study and succeed at that level.”

Certifications also offer a pathway into entry-level positions, said IEEE Senior Member Kevin Curran.

“Often these certifications bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical, job ready skills,” Curran said. “Especially for those with transferable tech backgrounds like IT, networking or programming.”

Learn more: The need for cybersecurity experts isn’t limited to traditional IT networks. It’s also critical in specialized fields like the automotive industry. Automotive Cybersecurity: Protecting the Vehicular Network is a five-course IEEE program that aims to foster discussion on automotive cybersecurity solutions and requirements for not only intelligent vehicles but also the infrastructure of intelligent transportation systems.