In this blog, we’ll walk you through both routes into cybersecurity (university and non-university), plus the core skills, early career steps, and professional habits you can start building today.
Heading to university to study cybersecurity?
Firstly, well done! Getting into university is no small feat. A degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or a related field can open doors to research roles, enterprise security positions, and leadership opportunities later in your career.
But university isn’t just about the lectures, and there are loads of great ways to supplement your formal learning with activities alongside your studies.
We’ve broken these down for you.
Deepen your skills and put yourself out there
There are a several fun and effective ways to sharpen your skills, meet like-minded people, and network with professionals in your chosen field.
- Gamified Labs – Gamified training platforms like Blue Team Labs Online (BTLO) turn security scenarios into interactive challenges.
- Capture The Flag (CTF) Competitions – Join your university’s team or take part in global online challenges to sharpen practical skills.
- Open Source Projects – Contribute to security tools, bug bounties, or documentation. It’s great experience and visibility.
- Networking events and societies – Join student infosec societies, attend events like BSides or OWASP meetups, and connect with others in the field.
Build an Early Portfolio
Keep a GitHub profile or personal blog documenting:
- Projects you’ve built
- Challenges you’ve solved
- Tools you’ve explored
This will become gold dust when you apply for internships or your first job.
Can I go into cybersecurity without a degree?
If university isn't your next step, this is probably your main question, and the short answer is... yes, you can!
Many top professionals started out self-taught or came through vocational training, apprenticeships, or career changes. Sometimes, practical ability can matter more than formal qualifications.
Seb Hague, SBT’s Director of Content and a defensive security expert, shares his experience of getting into cybersecurity without a degree:
I got into cybersecurity when I joined the Royal Air Force. It was something of a baptism of fire, learning on the job and figuring things out day by day. What's mattered most to employers in my experience is real-world exposure, hands-on practice, and a drive to learn and adapt.
Alternative Pathways into Cybersecurity
As Seb has outlined, hands-on practice and a drive to learn are important. Here are some things you can do now to start building your skillset.
Practical Cybersecurity Training: Try the Blue Team Junior Analyst training pathway for free foundational learning in six key areas of cybersecurity. Once you’ve gained those introductory skills, you can explore if junior training, such as BTL1, seems right for you. If offensive security excites you, you could try our free Intro to Penetration Testing course.
Government & Industry Schemes: Look into national schemes you can enroll on (UK examples include: UK Cyber Security Council apprenticeships or NCSC training initiatives).
Skills You Should Develop For a Career in Cybersecurity
- Technical: Networking fundamentals, Linux, scripting (Python/Bash. Security Blue Team has free Intro to Python and Bash courses).
- Soft Skills: Problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and adaptability (especially when working under pressure). We go into this in more detail in our recent blog post, 10 Soft Skills for Cybersecurity Careers.
- Continuous Learning Mindset: Staying ahead in a fast-moving industry.
Building Your Professional Presence Early
There are plenty of ways to establish yourself early on. Here are a few of our tips:
- Optimize Your LinkedIn: Include relevant skills, certifications, and projects.
- Share Your Progress: Post projects on GitHub, write blog posts, or share insights on social platforms.
- Engage with the Community: Join the infosec crowd on Twitter/X, Reddit’s r/netsec, or Discord groups (including ours!).
What you should take away from this
Cybersecurity is a marathon, not a sprint. Whether you’re going the degree route or forging your own learning path, your curiosity, persistence, and willingness to practice will shape your future.
Start your Cybersecurity Journey Today
Follow us on LinkedIn for regular insights, tips and opportunities. Sign up to our gamified blue team training platform to start honing those practical skills, or do a search for a local cybersecurity meetup and start making those connections.
Our Discord server is full of aspiring and current cybersecurity professionals at various stages of their careers, so could also be a great place to mingle and share tips.
Your journey starts now, and you’re already further along than you think.
