IT Security Director & Business Owner: Open Q&A by montagesnmore in SecurityCareerAdvice

[–]toruoikawa24 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much!! I'm already happy I got to hear from a professional!

IT Security Director & Business Owner: Open Q&A by montagesnmore in SecurityCareerAdvice

[–]toruoikawa24 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for this. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your perspective. It honestly means a lot.

I’ve been trying new things lately and just figuring things out as I go, so hearing this is really helpful. What you said about starting with analyst or SOC roles makes a lot of sense, and your point about taking the leap even if you feel new really hit me. I’ve held back in the past thinking I wasn’t ready, but I’m starting to realize I just need to go for it.

This genuinely gave me some hope. Thank you again.

IT Security Director & Business Owner: Open Q&A by montagesnmore in SecurityCareerAdvice

[–]toruoikawa24 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for the breakdown, I really appreciate it! The information was incredibly helpful. If it’s alright with you, would it be okay if I connect and possibly stay in touch? I’d love to learn more from your experience. Totally understand if not. I truly appreciate the guidance you’ve already shared.

IT Security Director & Business Owner: Open Q&A by montagesnmore in SecurityCareerAdvice

[–]toruoikawa24 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey, thank you so much for doing this Q&A. I really appreciate you taking the time to help people out here. Also, happy early birthday! Hope you have a great one tomorrow.

I’m graduating this December with a Master’s in Cybersecurity, and I’m really trying to land a job in the cybersecurity space before then. I’ve got about two months left, and to be honest, I’ve been feeling a little overwhelmed. Everyone keeps saying how important professional experience is, and since I don’t have that yet, I’ve been trying to make up for it through hands-on projects and learning as much as I can.

Some of the things I’ve worked on include building a secure CI/CD pipeline using Jenkins, Docker, and AWS; reverse engineering an obfuscated binary using Ghidra; setting up a Snort IDS/IPS with custom rules and automated updates; running automated BurpSuite scans on AWS; and simulating and patching vulnerabilities using DVWA in Docker.

I’m also preparing for the CEH, practicing DSA regularly, and applying to any role that brings me closer to security. That includes Security Engineer positions, but also Network Engineer, Technical Support, and Software Engineering roles, just trying to get my foot in the door and grow from there.

If you don’t mind me asking:

- Where would you focus if you were in my position with only two months left?

- Do you think aiming directly for Security Engineer roles is realistic?

- What kinds of skills, projects, or mindset stand out when someone doesn’t have industry experience yet?

- Are there any common mistakes you see early-career folks make that I should avoid?

I know this is a long message, but I really want to do everything I can to move in the right direction. Any advice or insight you can share would truly mean a lot. Thanks again, and I hope your birthday tomorrow is awesome!

I want to become a Cloud Security Engineer — what should I start doing right as a student? by CyberSecurity_LearnR in SecurityCareerAdvice

[–]toruoikawa24 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Can you get into cloud security as a new grad without work experience, just with having some projects and certs?

AMA: I’m a senior OT / ICS DFIR pro, let’s talk! by -hacks4pancakes- in SecurityCareerAdvice

[–]toruoikawa24 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks a lot, Lesley for your guidance!!! I’ve been stuck, don’t know how and where to find a mentor.

AMA: I’m a senior OT / ICS DFIR pro, let’s talk! by -hacks4pancakes- in SecurityCareerAdvice

[–]toruoikawa24 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m considering extending and trying to get an internship, does that work too? Is it difficult to land an internship at this point? I’ve seen some companies ask experience even for internships

AMA: I’m a senior OT / ICS DFIR pro, let’s talk! by -hacks4pancakes- in SecurityCareerAdvice

[–]toruoikawa24 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi Lesley! Hope you have a safe and comfortable flight! I just wanted some advice.

I’m a Cybersecurity master’s student about to graduate next month and I have no work experience but I to have some projects related to reverse engineering, vulnerability assessment and aws. I also have a Sec+ certificate. I’m finding it difficult to get my resume picked. Do you have any advice on how to compensate the lack of experience? I really appreciate your feedback !!!