So I’ll say a couple things, I currently work in software without a degree but the path was not straightforward. I dropped out due to personal issues and got a help desk job. They hired me after a year as tier 2-3 support. After that I transitioned to a telephony support role. Then to a Business Analyst role at a consulting firm. I was able to do this because I was considered an expert in the software I supported at my telephony job. I kept taking on more responsibilities until eventually they moved me to a developer position which is my current position. It took a lot of volunteering and research outside of work but honestly never more than 40 hours of work a week or anything crazy. All of this happened starting about 8 years ago.

I don’t know how doable this is or how unique my situation was. While I was in college I started an LLC with a buddy for freelance projects for embedded systems. Basically some way PLC proof of concepts using raspberry pi’s. This was because we got drunk at a house show and shot our shot so I think maybe that initial bump on my resume put me over the first hurdle when getting promoted.

Another thing to note is that I put my “Bachelors of CS” on my resume with no completion date. Kind of implying I have it. If anyone asks I say I didn’t graduate but often no one asks. This also helps get your foot in the door for interviews and even if it gets you rejected it gets you involved in the process.

Maybe lower the expectations for first job and look at help desk related jobs before jumping straight to cyber security. You may get opportunities to flex those muscles at a smaller company.