TCI #001: Understanding Your Why

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Ever since I started mentoring, time and time again I have been asked the same question:

“What is the fastest way that I can get a job in cybersecurity?”

This question alone I believe is the number one reason for crash and burn when it comes to breaking into cybersecurity.

Let me explain:

By neglecting the basics that are essential to comprehending more advanced concepts, and failing to acquire the skills to secure any type of network, you're putting yourself at a disadvantage in the cybersecurity field.

I always tell those I am mentoring, as well as anyone entering cybersecurity, that “you can’t begin to protect a network until you understand how data works.”

Imagine this: Would you want a plumber to fix your pipes if they didn't know the first thing about how pipes work?

Before entering cybersecurity, individuals must ask themselves two fundamental questions:

⭐️ “Why do I want to work in cybersecurity, and what is my goal?”

These questions can help determine what path one takes in cybersecurity.

For example:

1. Think twice before diving into a pricey commitment. Can you see yourself doing this for 20+ years?

2. Seek advice from the pros before shelling out big bucks on pen-testing certs and training.

3. Check out their daily grind and compare it with the life of a SOC analyst or security engineer.

In each of these scenarios, asking questions can help gauge where you want to go and what you want to do.

This can help you understand your path and craft your overall goal.

Having a goal and a “why” in mind can help when it comes to fighting through the mess to get that first job.

If it is money, then it may become more difficult the longer you have to wait.

But if it is passion, then you will have something else deeper that will be driving you to study and grind out every day.

So remember it is so important to know your “why,” before you figure out “how” you will accomplish it.

If there are any specific topics or questions that you would like me to address in the newsletter, please feel free to reply to this email. I will be more than happy to add them to my list of upcoming topics.

Whenever you're ready, there are 2 ways I can help you:

1. Feeling stuck and lost and need help understanding your why?

   → 1:1 Tailored Mentoring Calls: receive personalized guidance and expert accountability towards building a successful career in tech, including proven tips and strategies for resume/CV review, LinkedIn optimization, and breaking into cybersecurity.

2. Looking for labs to build your skills? These free labs I wrote are great resume boosters!

   → Creating a Threat Hunting Lab for Free with Graylog

   → Beginner's Blue Team Guide to Creating Malware in Python