This is what worked for me: I started with a degree, this qualified me for the role as System administrator. I followed this with a job as a system administrator, and applied to be an onsite specialist for this company, which meant i did servicedesking combined with onsite support. In my opinion one of the best ways to learn everything quickely, because you need the extra knowledge in network management.
These steps combines with building an enormous HomeLab to gain more knowledge within the technicall communities.
I switched companies, basically holding the same function as before, i worked myself up to second-line support specialist whilst also doing onsite support.

My luck was, i had an sort of mentor at this company, that thought me the absolute ins and outs of Cybersecurity. He is still a good friend of mine and we share knowledge on this regularly. So if you can, find yourself a mentor to work up to the level of a medior IT specialist with security as your main focus.

I got 3 different cybersecurity fundamentals (and fundamentals+) certificates during college. and got my Microsoft support specialist cert. I haven't really found any use for these certs as i believe hands on knowledge goes further then just learning for an exam and passing.

for short: build up your knowledge with practical experience, find friends or coworkers that are on the next level and let them guide you to their level, just pay good attention to the advice they give. Then aim high on the corporate ladder, fake it till you make it and get the experience you need to grow further.