Cybersecurity Hiring Shift: Degrees Out, Hands-On Experience In!
Security hiring managers no longer see degrees as the only path to entry-level roles. According to ISC2’s 2025 Cybersecurity Hiring Trends report, 90% of managers consider candidates with IT experience alone. They’re favoring attitude over academia, believing you can train skills but not personality. Degrees, it seems, are now more like optional accessories.
Hot Take:
So, you want to land an entry-level cybersecurity job, huh? Well, time to roll up those sleeves and dive into the digital trenches. Turns out, hiring managers are less interested in wall decor (your framed degree) and more interested in your ability to handle a cyber crisis like a pro. Whether you’ve been coding since the womb or just got your first IT gig, it’s not about the paper, it’s about the practice. And hey, if you can solve a Rubik’s Cube while making a cappuccino, they might just hire you for your problem-solving prowess alone!
Key Points:
- 90% of hiring managers value previous IT work experience over educational qualifications for cybersecurity roles.
- Entry-level certifications are increasingly accepted, with 89% of managers open to them.
- Non-technical skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and analytical thinking are highly valued.
- Internships and apprenticeships are key to identifying early-career talent.
- Professional development for entry-level staff is a priority, with most training completed in under nine months.