The secret to getting hired as an SOC Analyst in the UK

Getting into the cybersecurity industry can be a life-changing story for anyone, but the process of entering the space can be frustrating and strenuous. Get your complete guide to getting hired as an SOC Analyst in the UK, even if you have tried without success in the past, and given up on trying —all together.

In any industry, getting called up for an interview after submitting an impressive CV and cover letter is easy, acing it, however, may be a nightmare. Cybersecurity is not an exception.

And, despite completing a degree in cyber security, or even going on to bag a master’s degree, many have had to settle to manual jobs: including but not limited to care-giving, parcel sorting, sales, cleaning, aircraft loading, driving as means of livelihood and sustenance in the UK.

While these jobs are typically unrelated to your course of study, it can be frustrating to acquire a degree only to see it go to waste.

If this describes you, and now seeking a way out of this tunnel, this article provides you with reliable tips and recommendations that have been tried by folks who are now leading cybersecurity experts in the space flung over top cybersecurity companies in the UK.

If you’re wondering how to ever get started, well, you’re not alone.

Seek mentors

To start with, be intentional with your desire and career drive. Seek mentors in the industry. You may not be as lucky as some, whose lecturers at the university might personally develop an interest in them and then, volunteer to guide them through till they are gainfully employed.

Going out to seek mentors can be very difficult, no doubt, as getting professionals, especially with their busy lifestyle, to accept one can be quite uncertain. But how do you try, anyway?

Run a search on LinkedIn. The professional networking site is rated high in this regard, and has helped thousands of young ambitious people connect with their industry or find role models and mentors.

Plus: LinkedIn allows you to streamline your search to ensure that results are people within your geographical area, work in companies on your wishlist, and/or of your gender if you will prefer a matching gender.

Lekan Jamiu, for example, is a Nigerian cybersecurity expert based in the UK who is always open to help. You can begin your search from there.

When reaching out to these people, ensure to be courteous, and polite, and show your willingness to learn. A sample message could read in this manner:

Do this for 5-10 people, and see the magic. I remember once doing this some years back. I had to privately message 15 professionals before I got any encouraging feedback. He didn’t just take me up as a mentee, he hired me to work for him. So, go try your hands. And, don’t forget to share your success story with us, later.

CHANCES: Some might be too busy to add a new mentee. Some may refer you to someone else. Some may advise you to enroll for a course to help you. Simply. Follow. Their. Lead.

Take a new course

Enrolling in an industry-related course, whether online or offline, can be a game changer. Now, what you missed in your days as an undergraduate must be recovered this time.

As much as your goal is to learn to become proficient, you must also invest in ensuring you become your instructor’s favorite student by being diligent and top of your class.

Doing this is easy if you learn how to ask questions and volunteer to answer questions when the opportunity to presents itself. Your instructor will notice you and always look out for you.

There are numerous courses online that you can tap into. We recommend taking Cybersecurity SOC Analyst Training. It is a complete masterclass for anyone looking to get their first cybersecurity job in the UK, especially as a foreign student or new immigrant.

We highly recommend it because it helps prospects to be job-ready in only 10 weeks. Plus, the instructor is open to providing students with recommendation letters after the course.

CHANCES: You may become the instructor’s mentee, and won’t need to go through the first suggestion of seeking mentors. Taking the course helps you win twice.

Attend industry-related conferences and seminars

There is power in connecting with people, and building contact. For every contact we make, our chances of success are enhanced.

When you need a new job in a space, mingle with active players. They know when their company needs a new hand. They know when companies of their friends can absorb a new candidate.

Most importantly, they can recommend you to other top guns within the industry. Don’t miss an opportunity to put yourself before these already-established folks.

Establish an initiative

There are enough problems in the world to identify with. Discovering challenges and issues you’re passionate about solving is a core winning strategy in life. There is reward in volunteering your time, resources and —in some cases —your finances towards improving the situation of the world.

Launch an initiative around your cybersecurity industry after studying few pain points that is becoming embarrassing for many. It could even be an initiative to help others get cybersecurity jobs easily.

MIND YOU: It doesn’t have to entirely do with you spending a huge amount to float. In the idea above, for instance, a digital page across social media is sufficient. Write to Industry experts to give talks. Build audience. And, that’s all.

Mingling with these experts can get you a job faster than you ever think.

Conclusion

The UK needs more hands in the cybersecurity space. And, you have an advantage if you have a master’s degree in any science-related course.

There were over 400,000 reports of fraud and cybercrime in the UK in 2021. This means there is need for more people to be trained to mop up jobs as the UK government and companies seek to mitigate future attacks.

Whether you decide to seek a mentor, take a course, attend cybersecurity-related events, or start an initiative as suggested in this post, be confident and resolved in your decision to get into the industry.

If this article is helpful, share it with others to benefit. If you have questions for me on career development, drop them in the comment box. To check out the suggested cybersecurity masterclass for people in the UK, click here to learn more.