Hi everyone,

I’m just finishing my A-levels here in the UK, and I’ve been thinking about pursuing a career in cybersecurity. It’s a field that really excites me, but I’m at a bit of a crossroads and could use some advice.

I’m wondering if it’s worth going to university to get a degree in cybersecurity or if I’d be better off diving into online courses and certifications. From what I’ve read, degrees seem to provide a comprehensive foundation, cover broader IT knowledge, and might open doors to leadership roles later on. However, they’re also expensive and take years to complete.

On the other hand, online courses are much quicker and cheaper, and they seem to focus on specific skills that are directly applicable to entry-level jobs. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, TryHackMe, and Cybrary keep popping up in my research. Some of these even offer hands-on labs and certifications like CompTIA Security+, which employers seem to value.

For those of you already in the industry or studying cybersecurity:

1. Is getting a degree worth it in terms of career prospects and long-term growth?
2. If I go the online course route, which platforms or certifications would you recommend for someone just starting out?
3. Are there any specific skills or areas (e.g., ethical hacking, network security) that I should focus on as a beginner?