My Learning Journey
About This Journey
Section titled “About This Journey”I’m Renu Sharma — a career changer with zero IT background, learning cybersecurity from scratch and documenting every step of the way.
This section is my E-E-A-T journal: real experiences, real struggles, and real progress. Nothing fabricated.
Why Document This?
Section titled “Why Document This?”Because when I started researching cybersecurity careers, I couldn’t find anyone who looked like me in the guides. Most resources assume you already have IT experience. I didn’t.
If you’re coming from a non-IT background — whether it’s aged care, real estate, retail, or anything else — this journey is for you.
I’m building this with my husband Mohit, a software engineer with 17+ years in the industry. He’s the one who taught me what a subnet is, reviewed my first study notes, and now works through every page of this site with me. The cybersecurity knowledge is what I’m building — the engineering rigour behind it is what he brings.
What You’ll Find Here
Section titled “What You’ll Find Here”- Weekly entries documenting what I learned, what confused me, and what clicked
- Honest assessments of study resources and tools
- Real time invested — no sugarcoating the effort required
- Mistakes and course corrections — because learning isn’t linear
If you are starting your own career change, the Intro to Cybersecurity guide covers the same path I’m following.
My Career Change Roadmap
Section titled “My Career Change Roadmap”Career Change Timeline
From non-IT background to cybersecurity professional — one phase at a time
Individual results vary based on location, experience, market conditions, and effort invested.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch to cybersecurity with no IT background?
Yes. Many cybersecurity professionals started in non-IT fields. The key is building foundational IT knowledge first through certifications like CompTIA A+ and then progressing to security-specific skills.
How long does a career change to cybersecurity take?
Most career changers spend 12 to 24 months of consistent study and practice before landing their first cybersecurity role. The timeline depends on hours invested per week and prior technical comfort.
Do I need a computer science degree for cybersecurity?
No. While a degree can help, many entry-level cybersecurity roles prioritise certifications, hands-on skills, and demonstrable knowledge over formal degrees. Industry certifications like Security+ are widely accepted.
What is the average starting salary in cybersecurity?
Entry-level cybersecurity roles in the US typically pay between $50,000 and $75,000 per year, depending on location and role. In Australia, starting salaries range from AUD $60,000 to $85,000. Salary data from CyberSeek and PayScale as of 2026.
Is cybersecurity a good career in Australia?
Yes. Australia has a significant cybersecurity skills shortage, with the government investing in workforce development through the Australian Cyber Security Strategy. Demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to grow across all sectors.
What certifications should I get first?
Start with CompTIA A+ for IT fundamentals, then CompTIA Security+ for security-specific knowledge. These two certifications cover the foundation most employers expect for entry-level security roles.
Can I learn cybersecurity while working full-time?
Yes. Most career changers study part-time, dedicating 10 to 15 hours per week to learning. Online platforms like TryHackMe and structured study guides make it possible to progress at your own pace.
What non-IT skills transfer to cybersecurity?
Communication, problem-solving, attention to detail, project management, and analytical thinking all transfer well. Cybersecurity involves writing reports, explaining risks to non-technical people, and methodical investigation.
Do I need to learn programming for cybersecurity?
Basic scripting knowledge (Python or Bash) is helpful but not required for most entry-level roles. You can start without programming skills and learn scripting as you progress into more technical positions.
What entry-level cybersecurity jobs should I target?
Common entry points include SOC Analyst (Security Operations Centre), IT Security Analyst, GRC Analyst (Governance, Risk, and Compliance), and Help Desk roles with security responsibilities. SOC Analyst is the most common starting point.