Is a career in cybersecurity still worth it in 2025?

I’m a college student considering switching from software engineering to cybersecurity. I keep hearing about the “talent shortage” but also see entry-level positions requiring 3-5 years of experience. Is the field actually accessible for newcomers? What’s the realistic path?

I switched from software engineering to security 5 years ago and it was the best career decision I ever made. The work is never boring, the demand is insane, and the community is incredibly welcoming. Do it.

Absolutely worth it. The talent shortage is real – there are 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity positions globally. Yes, entry-level job postings often have unrealistic requirements, but here’s the reality:

• Many companies will hire motivated juniors with certs and home lab experience
• Start with SOC Analyst roles – they’re the most accessible entry point
• Get CompTIA Security+ and either CySA+ or a cloud cert
• Build a home lab and document it on a blog
• Contribute to open source security tools

Starting salary for SOC Analyst: $55-75K. Senior security engineer: $150-200K+. CISO: $250-500K+. The ceiling is very high.