The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
IT Support / Helpdesk Technician
1-2 yearsSkills to master
- Troubleshooting technical issues, understanding user access management, basic networking, customer service, documentation.
You're ready to move on when
- You've moved beyond basic password resets to diagnosing more complex system issues.
- You're curious about the 'why' behind security policies and access controls.
- You enjoy the methodical process of investigating problems and documenting solutions.
- 2
Junior Software Developer / QA Engineer
0-2 yearsSkills to master
- Understanding code structure, testing methodologies, debugging, familiarity with development lifecycles, attention to detail.
You're ready to move on when
- You have an interest in how security is built into software, not just added on.
- You're meticulous in identifying bugs and ensuring quality, which translates well to finding compliance gaps.
- You understand the developer's perspective, which is crucial for getting security measures implemented.
- 3
Recent Graduate (Technical Degree)
0 yearsSkills to master
- Theoretical knowledge of computer science, algorithms, data structures, networking, and potentially some exposure to security concepts.
You're ready to move on when
- You've excelled in security or networking modules during your degree.
- You've completed personal projects involving cloud platforms or security tools.
- You're eager to apply academic knowledge to real-world compliance challenges.