Overview
This article explains why foundational IT experience has become a core requirement for cybersecurity careers and why theory alone no longer meets industry expectations.
The Shift in Cybersecurity Hiring
Entry level cybersecurity roles increasingly require three to five years of experience. In practice, this experience almost always refers to hands on IT work rather than time spent collecting certifications alone.
What That Experience Really Means
Cybersecurity professionals are expected to protect complex networks, manage advanced firewalls, and respond to real incidents. These responsibilities are difficult to perform well without having previously built, supported, or troubleshot systems and networks directly.
Why Foundational IT Roles Matter
Roles such as helpdesk, systems administration, and network administration provide exposure to how environments actually operate. This hands on understanding forms the backbone of effective security work and builds intuition that cannot be learned through theory alone.
The Gap Between Education and Reality
Many educational programs continue to emphasize opportunity without adequately preparing candidates for operational demands. While cybersecurity roles exist, employers increasingly recognize that theoretical knowledge does not equal job readiness.
Employer Expectations Are Catching Up
Hiring managers are prioritizing candidates who understand how systems behave under real conditions. This is why job descriptions now frequently list prior IT experience as a requirement, even for roles labeled entry level.
The Proven Career Path
For many established professionals, cybersecurity came after years spent in IT roles. This progression remains one of the most reliable ways to develop the skills needed to succeed in security focused positions.
Rethinking Shortcuts
High paying blue and red team roles are rarely entry points. Sustainable careers are built through layered experience, not skipped steps. Adapting to this reality helps candidates set realistic expectations and plan stronger career paths.
Final Thought
Cybersecurity success is rooted in understanding what you are protecting. Building that understanding through hands on IT experience remains one of the most effective ways to grow into the field.
Stay hungry for knowledge, my friends.
Mahalo