u/AsleepPresence8912

Hi everyone!

I graduated with a degree in Computer Engineering and became interested in cybersecurity, especially penetration testing.

I studied cybersecurity and earned several entry-level certifications, although I focused on more affordable ones because I can't currently afford certifications like the OSCP.

I also tried applying for entry-level cybersecurity jobs, but unfortunately, I couldn't land one. After doing some research, I started to realize that cybersecurity isn't necessarily an entry-level field, and many positions require previous IT experience.

Because of that, I started looking into networking. I began studying for the CCNA, with the goal of getting certified and hopefully starting my career in networking.

My question is:

After getting the CCNA, do you think it would be realistic to land a job such as a Junior Network Engineer, Network Support Engineer, NOC Technician, or something similar?

Or is networking similar to cybersecurity in the sense that even "entry-level" positions often require previous experience?

I'd really appreciate advice from people working in networking or who have recently started their careers in this field.

Thanks, amigos! 🙏

Hi everyone,

I'm dealing with something that's been bothering me, and I'd really appreciate it if you could read this seriously and share your honest thoughts.

I'm a Computer Engineering graduate, and I'm passionate about cybersecurity.

A while ago, I decided to pursue penetration testing. I started with the eJPT v2 certification and passed it. Then I earned the PT1 certification from TryHackMe. After that, I started studying for the CPTS certification.

While studying for CPTS, I began feeling like maybe I'm just not cut out for penetration testing.

The main reason isn't that I don't enjoy it or that I get bored studying. It's actually the opposite. I completely lose track of time when I'm studying or reading about cybersecurity.

The problem starts when I try to solve CTF challenges or, more often, the Skill Assessments at the end of the HTB Academy modules. I usually spend more than three hours trying to solve them but still can't. Then I read the write-up, and I understand the solution almost immediately.

After experiencing this over and over again, I've started feeling like I'm simply not good enough for this field. I keep thinking, "If I can't solve the Skill Assessments, how am I supposed to pass the CPTS exam?" Logically, the exam should be even more difficult.

Has anyone else gone through something similar?

I'd also like to add that I've tried solving HTB CTF machines (not the Skill Assessments), and most of the time I can't solve them either—even some of the easier ones. That's when I get really frustrated and start telling myself that I'm a failure.

Another issue is that I'm studying completely on my own. I don't have a community, and I don't know anyone personally who's studying the same field. Because of that, I have no idea whether what I'm experiencing is normal or not.

Has anyone been in the same situation?

Is what I'm going through normal?

Do you have any advice for me?