First Job in Tech

Using Cybersecurity as a Case Study

👋 Introduction

Getting into tech is one of the most talked-about career moves today. Whether you're a fresh graduate, a self-taught learner, or transitioning from another field, chances are you've asked the question:

"How do I get my first job in tech?"

I recently had this conversation with some friends — people trying to figure out how to break into tech, from scratch or from a different background. It reminded me of a Twitter thread I wrote titled “Breaking Into Cybersecurity.”

That thread was inspired by a mentor’s insight:

“Community is one of the most powerful tools for career growth.”

But even with the right mindset, we’re often hit with a frustrating dilemma:
You open an entry-level cyber security job listing… and it demands 2-3 years of experience. How is that entry-level?

This article is a practical roadmap, based on my own journey, to help you break that cycle.

🛡️ Why Cybersecurity?

I’ll use cybersecurity as a case study because that’s my domain — but the ideas here apply across tech.

Cybersecurity deals with critical infrastructure and sensitive data. Even for junior roles, employers expect a decent level of skill and judgment. So how do you prove yourself when you're just starting?

Let’s break that down.

📌 What Do Tech Jobs Actually Require?

To land your first tech role, you need more than a certification or CV. You need:

Foundational knowledge
Practical exposure, even if it’s not from a formal job

In cybersecurity, strong foundations might include:

Networking
Programming (e.g., Python)
Databases
IT Support
Linux or Windows internals

You don’t need to know it all — just be grounded in one core area and expand from there.

⚔️ Skill Gap vs. Opportunity Gap

Many people think, “There are no jobs.” But often, the real issue is a skill gap, not an opportunity gap.

Jobs exist — but companies want people who can deliver value from day one.

That’s where creative experience-building comes in.

🧩 How to Gain Experience (Before You’re Hired)

It’s very possible to build real, marketable experience without a traditional job. Here's how:

🧠 1. Volunteering

Volunteering was my launchpad.

In 2020, I joined NoGoFallMaga (by Cybersafe Foundation). We worked on awareness campaigns, toolkits, and classes. It was there I first encountered Maltego. That experience was more valuable than any certificate.

Volunteering gives you practical skills, networking, and proof of work.

🌐 2. Join Communities

Communities changed everything for me.

Here are some worth checking out:

Diary of Hackers
CloudSec Community
CyberSecurity Nigeria (CSN)
African Hacker Space

Be active: share your learning, ask questions, and help others. You learn faster when you teach.

📜 3. Get Certified (But Smartly)

Certs can help show you’re serious and skilled. Some beginner-friendly ones include:

CompTIA Security+
ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
Google Cybersecurity Certificate
TryHackMe / HackTheBox Paths

But don’t chase certs blindly — they’re tools, not tickets.

🧭 4. Find Mentors (Or Be Inspired)

Mentorship doesn’t have to be formal.

Follow someone you admire, consume their content, and try to emulate their approach.

Even someone validating your journey or giving small tips can make a huge difference.

🛠️ 5. Freelance / Intern / Offer Help

Whether it’

Cold-emailing a startup
Helping a small business secure their site
Interning remotely
Running security assessments for free

These gigs give you real stories to share in interviews and on your resume.

💡 6. Build Personal Projects

This is your sandbox.
Try building:

A home lab
A Python tool
Security blog posts
YouTube tutorials
GitHub writeups

Share them. Recruiters love initiative and proof of skills more than titles.

🚀 Final Words

Getting your first job in tech will stretch you. You won’t get it by sitting around eating bread and butter 😄.

But it’s very possible if you:

Build smart
Learn publicly
Serve your way into experience
Stay consistent

This post isn’t a magic pill — but it’s a reflection of what’s already working for people in tech today.

👋 Let's Connect

Trying to get into cybersecurity or tech in general? Let’s talk.

💬 Drop a comment
📩 DM me
📢 Or just share your journey — I’d love to see it

Thanks for reading. Keep building. You got this. 💪

🧭 Getting Your First Job in Tech

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