6 Rules That Got Me Into Cyber Security (With No Experience) | EP 20

Unlock the secrets to cybersecurity success without relying on years of experience or expensive certifications. Learn how complete beginners can outperform seasoned pros by following six specific rules, from developing a hustle mentality to giving back to the community. Discover inspiring stories of individuals who landed dream jobs and led security teams in top companies by trusting themselves, learning from failures, and pushing past negativity. Check out our free cybersecurity career mega pack for all the guides and tools you need to succeed in this field.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction: The Secret to Cybersecurity Success
00:40 Rule #1: Embrace the Hustle Mentality
01:55 Rule #2: Learn from Failure
03:08 Rule #3: Ignore the Naysayers
04:48 Rule #4: Consistent Hard Work
06:01 Rule #5: The Power of Giving Back
07:34 Rule #6: Trust Yourself
08:43 Conclusion: Your Journey Starts Now

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RESOURCES

Cyber Security Career Mega Pack
https://www.stationx.net/mega/

Show Notes & Downloads
https://www.stationx.net/podcast/6-rules-got-me-into-cyber-security/

StationX Membership
https://www.stationx.net/join
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#CyberSecurity #AI #Privacy #EthicalHacking #PenTesting #CloudComputing #Programming #Coding #TechCareers #CyberSecurityTraining #DataPrivacy #Infosec #CloudSecurity #DevSecOps #Malware

Transcript

What if I told you the biggest secret to cyber security success isn't what you think? Forget years of experience, expensive certifications, or natural talent. Those help, but they're not what truly matters.

I've seen complete beginners outperform seasoned pros by following six specific rules. Rules that turned one of our students from zero knowledge to landing their dream role in just nine months.

And rule number five? It's the one nobody talks about, but it's transformed more careers than all the certifications combined.

Rule #1: Hustle
In cyber security, opportunities rarely fall into your lap. You need to create your own opportunities. We call this the hustle mindset. 

 Send those LinkedIn messages, make those calls, email potential mentors. Don't wait for responses – follow up, be persistent. If someone doesn't reply, try again. Call companies directly, ask for the security team lead. One of our students sent 50 connection requests weekly, followed up with calls, networked like crazy at event, and emailed hiring managers directly. After 49 rejections, her phone lit up with that one 'yes.' That was all she need. She leads a security team at a Fortune 500 company now. That's the power of hustle.

But hustle alone isn't enough. In fact, the next rule might seem counterintuitive...

Rule #2: Don't Be Afraid to Fail
In this field, failure is an incredible teacher. As I always say, "If you're not failing often enough, you're not trying hard enough." One of our students failed three certification attempts and faced rejection from 5 job interviews. But instead of giving up, they used each setback to refine their approach. We analyzed their interview performance, strengthened their weaknesses, and improved their interview skills. Six months later? They passed new certifications with flying colors and landed a position at a leading cyber security firm. They succeeded precisely because they weren't afraid to fail. Remember, success in cyber security isn't about never failing – it's about learning from each setback and coming back stronger. Every "no" gets you closer to that "yes."

And while you're embracing failure, you'll face another challenge that brings us to our next rule...

Rule #3: Ignore the Negative People
You'll hear plenty of "you can't" in this field. "You can't get into security without X years of experience." "You can't succeed without a specific degree." One of our most successful students was told repeatedly that changing careers at 45 was impossible. Instead of listening, they channeled that negativity into motivation. They created a study schedule, built their skills, and proved every doubter wrong. Today, they're leading a security team at a major company. 

Millions of people work in cyber security. It's challenging to get in. And it's even harder when you believe it's impossible.
The negative voices don't define your potential. Let their doubt fuel your determination. Turn "you can't" into "watch me." Focus on those who challenge you to grow, not those who tell you to quit. Success is the best response to negativity. 

Now, once you've pushed past the naysayers, there's one fundamental truth that separates the dreamers from the achievers...

Rule #4: Work Hard
Cyber security rewards consistency and dedication. It's not about burning out – it's about sustainable, focused effort. One of our students mapped out a clear system: two hours every morning before work, focusing on hands-on labs and study. No excuses, no days off. They tracked every hour spent learning, every challenge completed. After nine months of this consistent effort, they'd built a robust portfolio of skills and projects. When the opportunity came for a position, they weren't just ready – they were the obvious choice. That's the power of structured, persistent hard work. put in focused hard work to reap the rewards.

But here's where it gets interesting. The next rule? It's the game-changer that most people overlook...

Rule #5: Give Back
Our field thrives on community knowledge. Take Jeff, who runs our Phoenix Mastermind group at StationX. He dedicated his time to helping others navigate their cyber security journey, sharing insights, and building a supportive community. The result? Not only has he helped countless others succeed, but this week he landed his dream job. Why? Because giving back doesn't just help others – it deepens your understanding, builds your network, and creates opportunities you never expected. When you explain concepts to others, you master them yourself. The cyber security community grows stronger when we support each other, and the rewards come back in ways you'd never expect.

And finally, when you've applied all these rules, there's one last crucial element that brings it all together...

Rule #6: Trust Yourself
The cyber security field can be overwhelming. From complex technical challenges to constantly evolving threats, self-doubt creeps in easily. But here's the truth – every expert started as a beginner and no body knows everything and nobody expect you to know everything. Trust that you can learn, adapt, and grow. When I first started in this field, I felt completely out of my depth. But with each challenge overcome, that trust grew. Your journey will be the same – trust the process, trust your capacity to learn, and most importantly, trust yourself.

These six rules have guided countless professionals to success in cyber security. They're not just theory – they're proven principles that work if you commit to them. The field needs people like you – dedicated, determined, and ready to make an impact.
Remember, your journey in cyber security starts now. Check out our free cyber security career mega pack for all the guides and apps you need to succeed in cyber security.
Every expert was once a beginner who decided to trust themselves, hustle, learn from failure, work hard, give back, and push past negativity. These rules were inspired by Arnold Schwarzenegger's famous six rules of success, and I've seen them transform careers specifically in cyber security over and over again.
If you found value in these insights, hit subscribe and share this with someone who needs to hear it. Drop a comment about which rule resonates most with you – I read every comment and use them to create content that helps you succeed.
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