Why Soft Skills Matter in a Career in Cybersecurity
- Ad Min
- 3 days ago
- 7 min read
The path to a career in cybersecurity isn’t always planned. Many people don’t start with a clear goal. They just enjoy figuring out how things work. Over time, that interest can grow into a serious job. Today, cybersecurity is one of the most needed fields in tech.
Rich Lindberg, Chief Information Security Officer at JAMS, is a great example of how this can work. He began in enterprise IT, guided by his interest in technology and learning.Rich serves as an Advisory Board Member at Southern California SIM (SCSIM), where he contributes to advancing leadership and knowledge-sharing among IT executives. He is also an Advisory Board Member at the University of California, Riverside, supporting curriculum and career development in cybersecurity and technology programs.
Over the years, he moved into cybersecurity through hands-on work, contract roles, and strong mentorship. Rich has supported Fortune 50 companies, worked on U.S. military projects, and even built his own consulting firm.
He holds degrees in Computer Science and Business, helping him link tech work to real business value. Today, Rich leads a cybersecurity team with a focus on training new talent, mentoring with care, and aligning tech with business goals.
In this article, we’ll explore how curiosity can lead to a career in cybersecurity. We’ll look at how mentorship, hands-on work, and soft skills all play a role. You’ll also learn how to grow in this field, face common challenges, and prepare for future trends like AI.
How Curiosity and Mentorship Can Lead to a Career in Cybersecurity
Getting into cybersecurity doesn’t always follow a clear plan. Often, it begins with simple curiosity and grows with the right support.
It Starts with Curiosity
Many people start by just liking how things work. These are some early signs:
Early exposure to tech at home: Fixing small issues or setting the VCR builds confidence.
Tinkering and experimenting: Playing with computers and learning by doing helps develop skills.
Watching tech evolve: Seeing new tools at home or school sparks interest.
Choosing people-first jobs first: Some start in service roles and later switch to tech.
This interest grows over time and builds a strong base for a tech career.
Taking the First Step Toward a Career in Cybersecurity
Turning that interest into a job means taking action. Some take a short boot camp or get certified. Even without much experience, strong interest and effort stand out.
Starting in support roles is common. These jobs build real experience and open doors to other tech paths, including cybersecurity.
The Power of Mentorship
Mentors help explain new ideas and offer advice. They guide through real problems and help build skill and trust.
This kind of support can mean more than any course. It shapes both career growth and how people see their role in tech.
A Model That Works
A clear system helps new people grow faster. Here’s how it works:
Apprentice learns from a journeyman.
Journeyman trains and supports the apprentice.
Master oversees progress and helps guide the journeyman.
Each level takes responsibility for the one below.
Success depends on shared effort, not just individual performance.
With guidance and support, it’s possible for anyone to grow in cybersecurity.
What Challenges Come with Growing a Career in Cybersecurity?
Building a career in cybersecurity isn’t always simple. But with the right mindset and effort, progress is possible.
Common Hurdles in a Career in Cybersecurity
Most people don’t start with cybersecurity as a clear goal. They often grow into it through curiosity and exposure. With so many specializations, it can feel hard to choose the right path.
Recruiters don’t always understand technical roles. They focus more on past job titles or pay instead of skills. Automated filters often block strong candidates who miss the right keywords on their resume.
For those who begin with contract work, job gaps can be common. But many choose that route to see more systems, tools, and environments early on.
Why Contract Work Helped
Contract roles give hands-on experience with real-world systems. This includes servers, networks, storage arrays, and firewalls. Instead of repeating the same tasks every day, you see different problems and solutions.
This kind of work builds strong skills fast. Even in full-time consulting jobs, you still get that wide exposure.
The Role of Home Labs and Self-Study
When job access is limited, home labs help. You can set up your own servers and test tools on your own time. This keeps your skills sharp and builds confidence.
Free resources like YouTube help too. Just make sure to check if the advice is accurate.
From Tech Expert to Leader
As you grow into leadership, your role shifts. You go from doing tasks to helping others succeed.
Let the team take over tasks.
Build clear, repeatable processes.
Use your experience to guide decisions.
Translate tech into business value.
Speak the language of risk, revenue, and return.
Great leaders support growth and help their teams do their best work.
How to Grow Fearlessly in a Career in Cybersecurity
Building a strong career in cybersecurity takes more than technical skills. You also need courage, awareness, and clear communication.
Speak the Truth, Even When It’s Hard
Company culture matters. If the environment supports honest talk, you can grow faster. But if leaders avoid tough conversations or shut down ideas, it becomes harder to thrive.
You don’t need to argue or act like a rebel. Instead, ask questions and offer better ways when you see them. If your ideas don’t get space, it may be a sign to move on.
Build Skills for a Career in Cybersecurity
When growth feels blocked, stay active. Keep learning on your own and build real connections in the field.
Here’s how to stay prepared and open to new chances:
Keep building skills outside work
Use home labs to test new tools
Join communities and meet others in the field
Take courses to stay current
Grow a network that supports your goals
Asking questions is a better approach than acting like you know it all. You may not have full context. Show interest, not ego. Ask why something’s done a certain way. Then offer ideas if they help.
Stay Curious and Take Chances
Curiosity helps you grow faster. Say yes to things that stretch your skills. That could be a new role, a side project, or solving a hard problem.
Some of the best growth comes from trying, failing, and learning again. The people who keep learning and stay open to new paths often go far. Don’t wait for the perfect chance. Be ready and take it when it comes. That’s how real progress happens.
What Future Trends to Prepare for in a Career in Cybersecurity
Technology keeps moving fast. To grow in this field, you need to understand what’s coming and how to handle it.
Learn to Manage Upward
As you move forward, you’ll work with leaders who make poor choices. Some rush plans or ignore risk. Instead of pushing back hard, guide them gently. Share your view without stepping on their role.
Let people learn through their own results. Support them, but don’t force the issue. Leading upward takes patience and knowing when to speak and when to hold back.
The Rise of Agent-Based AI
Agent-based AI is likely the next big step. It won’t take over jobs, but it may change how we work.
These smart tools can handle tasks like email, support tickets, or system checks. They may even create other agents to do more. That means less busy work and more focus on what matters.
AI can also help teams follow best practices they often skip. It helps companies see how tech can drive real value.
Use AI, But Use It Carefully
AI also brings new risks. Some companies rush to launch without proper checks. That leads to poor security and data leaks.
To reduce risk, focus on:
Avoiding sensitive inputs: Don’t feed private or client data into public AI tools.
Using placeholders: Replace names or details with generic labels when testing ideas.
Creating clear policies: Define how, when, and where AI tools can be used.
Training staff: Teach teams how to use AI tools safely and responsibly.
AI can help, but only if used with care. Don’t let speed or hype push you into careless decisions. Think before you act, and protect the data you handle.
Conclusion
Building a career in cybersecurity starts with interest and grows through action, effort, and support. You don’t need to follow a perfect plan. What matters more is staying curious, asking questions, and taking the next step when it shows up.
Start by learning what you can. Use home labs, join online groups, and build real skills. Don’t wait for someone to give you permission. Take charge of your own progress. Support from mentors can help, but your effort will push things forward.
Stay open to feedback. Learn from mistakes. Keep your focus on growth, not just tasks. As you gain experience, help others do the same. Share what you know and guide those who are just starting.
Technology will keep changing. AI tools will play a big role in how we work. These changes will create new risks and new chances. Learn how to use these tools the right way. Think about security and the value you bring.
In the end, a career in cybersecurity rewards those who stay curious, work hard, and support others. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to keep learning, keep trying, and help others do the same. That’s how you grow and make a real impact.
FAQs
Do I need a college degree for a career in cybersecurity?
No, a degree helps but it’s not required. Skills, curiosity, and hands-on practice matter more.
What basic skills should I build for a career in cybersecurity?
Start with understanding networks, operating systems, and basic security tools. Learn by doing.
How long does it take to start a career in cybersecurity?
It depends. Some people start within months after self-study or short training programs.
Can I start a career in cybersecurity without a tech background?
Yes. Many switch from other fields by learning the basics and building real-world experience.
What tools should I learn to begin a career in cybersecurity?
Learn tools like Wireshark, Linux, Nmap, and basic scripting. Free versions are often enough.
Comments