How to switch careers to cybersecurity — even without a tech background

The cybersecurity industry is growing rapidly, offering lucrative and rewarding career opportunities. But if you don’t have a background in tech, you might wonder — is a career switch to cybersecurity even possible? The answer is yes.

Cybersecurity professionals are needed across industries, from healthcare and finance to government and education. Whether you’re coming from retail, customer service, education, or an entirely different field, there’s a place for you in cybersecurity. Programs like MSU Denver’s Cybersecurity Online Training provide a structured and flexible way to gain the knowledge and certifications needed to make the jump.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to transition into cybersecurity, what skills you need, and how to leverage your current experience to land a role in this high-demand industry.

Why Switch to Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, offering job security, competitive salaries, and opportunities for advancement. Here are a few compelling reasons to make the switch:

• High Demand for Skilled Professionals: The cybersecurity field is expected to have over 13,000 job openings in Colorado alone by 2025, with even more opportunities nationwide.
• Strong Earning Potential: The median salary for cybersecurity professionals ranges from $42,000 for entry-level roles to over $120,000 for senior positions.
• Diverse Career Paths: Cybersecurity isn’t just about coding. There are roles in risk management, compliance, policy development, and more, making it an excellent field for career changers.
• Job Security: With the rise in cyber threats, cybersecurity jobs are recession-proof and will continue to be in demand across industries.
• Opportunities for Remote Work: Many cybersecurity roles offer flexible, remote work options, allowing for better work-life balance.

Now that we’ve covered why cybersecurity is a great career option, let’s explore how you can successfully transition—even without a technical background.

Step 1: Identify Transferable Skills

You don’t need to be an IT expert to succeed in cybersecurity. Many skills from non-technical careers translate well into cybersecurity roles.

Key Transferable Skills:

• Problem-Solving: Cybersecurity professionals must think critically and troubleshoot security risks. If you’ve worked in roles that required logical thinking and problem-solving, you already have a valuable skill.
• Attention to Detail: Precision matters in cybersecurity, especially when analyzing security threats or monitoring system activity. Professions like healthcare, finance, and customer service require strong attention to detail, making this a transferable skill.
• Communication: Many cybersecurity roles involve working with teams, writing reports, and explaining security policies. If you’ve worked in management, education, or any client-facing role, your communication skills will be a major asset.
• Risk Management: If your previous job required assessing risks—whether financial, operational, or strategic—you already have a skillset that applies to cybersecurity risk analysis.
• Adaptability & Continuous Learning: Cybersecurity is constantly evolving, requiring professionals to stay updated on new threats and solutions. If you thrive in learning environments, you’ll fit right in.

Once you recognize how your current skills apply to cybersecurity, the next step is building technical knowledge through the right training program.

Step 2: Enroll in Cybersecurity Training

To break into the field, you need foundational cybersecurity knowledge. A structured training program like Cybersecurity Online Training at MSU Denver provides an excellent starting point.

Why Choose MSU Denver’s Cybersecurity Training?

• Self-Paced & Flexible: Complete the course in as little as 4-8 weeks, allowing you to learn at your own pace while balancing work or other commitments.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers network security, risk management, intrusion detection, and more, ensuring you gain essential industry knowledge.
• Career Advisement: Receive a personal advising session with a cybersecurity specialist to help you map out your career path.
• Stackable Credentials: This course can count toward a degree at MSU Denver if you decide to continue your education in cybersecurity.
• Hands-On Learning: Develop practical skills through real-world cybersecurity scenarios and case studies.

Taking a structured course not only provides the knowledge needed to transition but also makes your resume stand out to employers.

Step 3: Gain Hands-On Experience

Cybersecurity is a hands-on field, so gaining practical experience is crucial. Even if you’re new to the industry, you can build experience through:

1. Online Labs & Capture the Flag (CTF) Challenges

• Websites like TryHackMe, Hack The Box, and OverTheWire offer cybersecurity challenges that simulate real-world hacking scenarios.
• Many beginners use these platforms to develop penetration testing and ethical hacking skills.

2. Volunteering & Internships

• Offer to help small businesses, nonprofits, or community organizations improve their cybersecurity practices.
• Some organizations provide cybersecurity internships for career changers looking to build their experience.

3. Cybersecurity Certifications

• While MSU Denver’s Introduction to Cybersecurity course provides a strong foundation, earning an industry-recognized certification will further boost your job prospects.
• Recommended beginner certifications:
  • CompTIA Security+ (Ideal for entry-level security roles)
  • (ISC)2 SSCP (For those interested in security administration)
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) (For those interested in ethical hacking)

These certifications demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to cybersecurity to potential employers.

Step 4: Start Applying for Jobs

Once you’ve completed cybersecurity training and gained hands-on experience, you’re ready to apply for jobs. Here’s how to maximize your chances of landing your first role:

Optimize Your Resume: Highlight your cybersecurity training, certifications, and hands-on projects (such as labs or CTF challenges).

Network with Professionals: Join LinkedIn groups, local cybersecurity meetups, and professional organizations like (ISC)2 or CompTIA. Many cybersecurity jobs are filled through networking.

Target Entry-Level Roles: Consider job titles like:

• Cybersecurity Technician
• Incident Analyst
• Cybercrime Analyst
• IT Auditor
• Junior Penetration Tester
• Systems Administrator

Use Cybersecurity-Specific Job Boards:

• cyberseek.org
• clearedjobs.net (For government security jobs)
• LinkedIn Jobs & Indeed (with “Entry-Level Cybersecurity” filters)

Employers value passion, willingness to learn, and problem-solving ability just as much as experience, so don’t hesitate to apply—even if you don’t meet every requirement.

Step 5: Build Critical Thinking Skills for Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity isn’t just about technical skills—it requires a strategic mindset to anticipate threats and prevent attacks before they happen. Employers don’t just look for candidates who can follow security protocols; they want professionals who can analyze risks, think critically, and problem-solve in real time.

How to Strengthen Your Cybersecurity Thinking

Understand Risk Management
Cybersecurity professionals must assess potential security risks before they become actual threats. MSU Denver’s training covers risk analysis and security planning, helping you develop this essential skill. Start practicing by analyzing your own digital security:

• Would you recognize a phishing email?
• How strong are your passwords?
• Have you enabled two-factor authentication on your accounts?

Stay Updated on Cybersecurity Trends
Cyber threats evolve daily, so cybersecurity professionals must stay informed. Follow trusted sources like:

• CISA Alerts – U.S. cybersecurity advisories
• Dark Reading – Industry insights and security best practices
• Krebs on Security – Real-world cybercrime investigations

Develop a Cybersecurity Decision-Making Approach
Beyond technical skills, cybersecurity professionals must evaluate risks quickly and make informed decisions. One way to practice this is through incident response exercises—simulating what actions you would take during a security breach. Consider:

• If a company’s network was hacked, what steps would you take first?
• How would you decide which systems to isolate or restore?
• What questions would you ask to determine the source of the breach?

By engaging in scenario-based problem-solving, you train yourself to think on your feet, a crucial skill in cybersecurity roles. Developing this mindset alongside technical knowledge ensures you can effectively anticipate and respond to cyber threats, making you a valuable asset in the field.

Cybersecurity Career Pathways & Earning Potential

Cybersecurity offers multiple pathways for career advancement. With additional training and certifications, you can progress from entry-level roles to high-paying senior positions.

• Entry-Level (After Cybersecurity Online Training) – $42,000+
  • Cybersecurity Technician, IT Auditor, Cybercrime Analyst
• Mid-Level (After Degree or Additional Certifications) – $70,000+
  • Security Analyst, Security Engineer, Customer Security Specialist
• Advanced-Level (With MSU Denver Cybersecurity Certificates) – $96,000+
  • Cyber Defense Specialist, Cybercrime Investigator, Security Consultant
• Senior-Level (With Master’s in Cybersecurity) – $120,000+
  • Senior Cybersecurity Engineer, Application Security Architect, Director of IT Security

MSU Denver’s Cybersecurity Online Training can be the first step toward any of these career paths, offering flexibility to choose the level of education and certification that best fits your goals.

Take the First Step Toward Your Cybersecurity Career

Switching to cybersecurity is more achievable than you think—even without a technical background. By identifying your transferable skills, completing Cybersecurity Online Training, gaining hands-on experience, and obtaining certifications, you can launch a successful and rewarding career in this high-demand field.

Cyber threats aren’t slowing down, and the need for skilled professionals has never been greater. Organizations across industries—from healthcare and finance to government and tech—are looking for cybersecurity specialists who can protect sensitive data and prevent security breaches. This field offers not just job security, but also career advancement opportunities, competitive salaries, and the ability to make a real impact in keeping businesses and individuals safe from cyber threats.

Whether you’re looking for a fresh start, higher earning potential, or a career with long-term growth, cybersecurity can open new doors. And with MSU Denver’s self-paced, flexible online training, you can gain the skills you need without disrupting your current job or schedule.

If you’re ready to future-proof your career and break into one of the fastest-growing industries, enroll in MSU Denver’s Cybersecurity Online Training today and take the first step toward an exciting new profession!