Want to Break into Cybersecurity? Consider the Business Side

Is a Career in Cybersecurity Right for You?

Cybersecurity is often painted as a fast-growing field full of exciting opportunities, and while that’s true, it’s not for everyone. The reality is, to succeed in cybersecurity, you need more than just a desire for a good paycheck or job stability. This is an industry that moves fast, is constantly evolving, and always throws new challenges your way. If you thrive in an environment that’s dynamic, never stagnant, and demands continuous growth, you might be in the right place.

I didn’t get into cybersecurity because I wanted an easy job — quite the opposite. I got into this field because I wanted to be part of something exciting, something that pushes you to learn and grow every day. Cybersecurity offers that in spades, but it also comes with a need for adaptability and a continuous learning mindset. There’s always something new to figure out, whether it’s a shift in regulatory requirements, the latest threat landscape, or advances in security technology.

If you’re the kind of person who enjoys solving complex problems, learning new things, and adapting to change, cybersecurity might be the perfect fit for you. But if you’re looking for stability or just better pay, there are plenty of other fields where you can find those things without the constant need to evolve. Cybersecurity requires curiosity, resilience, and a drive to keep pushing yourself. It’s a must, not just a “nice-to-have.”

If you’re up for the challenge and still want in, I can offer some guidance based on my own experience and that of my colleagues. Let’s explore how you can break into non-technical cybersecurity roles and carve out your own path in this dynamic industry.


Non-Technical Career Paths in Cybersecurity

When most people think of cybersecurity, they picture technical experts — the ones configuring firewalls, developing secure software, or responding to cyberattacks. But what I discovered when I pivoted into cybersecurity is that the business side of this field is just as crucial, and it’s packed with opportunities for people who don’t necessarily have technical backgrounds.

When I was nearing the end of my cybersecurity degree, I was lucky enough to be offered a position as a "Technical Marketing Specialist." At that time, I wasn’t even sure what that meant, but I quickly learned that it opened the door to a world I didn’t know existed — the business side of cybersecurity. As someone who had always loved writing and communicating, this was my dream job. I found myself connecting the technical side of cybersecurity with business goals, and I realized that there are so many roles where technical expertise isn't the focus, but understanding the bigger picture is. Let me walk you through some of the most common non-technical career paths that play a crucial role in the cybersecurity industry.

Marketing & Product Marketing

Cybersecurity companies need marketing professionals who can effectively communicate the value of their solutions. This isn't just about writing up some sales copy and calling it a day. Marketing in cybersecurity means educating potential customers about highly technical products in ways they can understand and relate to.

In my first role as a technical marketing specialist, I quickly realized how vital it was to bridge the gap between developers and decision-makers. You see, it’s not enough for a cybersecurity product to be good — you need to communicate why it matters. What problem does it solve? How will it protect a company’s assets or reduce their risk? That’s where marketing comes in. It’s about creating compelling narratives, building awareness, and helping potential customers see the value in what’s being offered.

Product marketing, specifically, plays a huge role here. It involves understanding the market, analyzing competitors, and positioning your product as the best solution. And yes, all of this happens in a space that’s notoriously complex and evolving. But that’s what makes it exciting — you’re constantly learning and adapting.

Sales & Business Development

Sales in the cybersecurity industry is another non-technical but highly impactful role. It’s not just about selling a product; it’s about understanding the unique challenges each client faces and helping them find the right solution. Cybersecurity sales professionals don’t need to write code or configure systems, but they do need to know how to talk about those systems in a way that resonates with a business audience.

I’ve had the pleasure of working with many talented sales teams, and one thing that always stands out is how skilled they are at translating technical jargon into real-world benefits. They know how to cut through the noise and focus on what matters most to the customer — reducing risk, staying compliant, and protecting their most valuable assets.

If you’re someone who loves connecting with people, problem-solving, and building relationships, cybersecurity sales might be the perfect fit. Plus, it’s a field where there’s always room to grow and specialize — whether you’re selling to small businesses or large enterprises, the opportunities are vast.

Customer Success & Support

Another critical part of the cybersecurity puzzle is customer success and support. Once a company buys a product, it’s up to the customer success team to ensure that it’s implemented effectively and that the client is getting the full value out of their investment. This is a role that requires a deep understanding of both the product and the client’s business needs.

In my experience, the best customer success teams are those that act as trusted advisors. They don’t just provide technical support; they help clients navigate the complexities of cybersecurity, ensure smooth product adoption, and look for opportunities to add more value over time. They’re the unsung heroes who ensure that companies stay protected and make the most of their cybersecurity investments.

Business Operations: Finance, HR, Recruiting, and More

Behind every successful cybersecurity company is a team of professionals working behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly. Business operations roles — such as finance, human resources, and recruiting — may not sound like cybersecurity roles, but they are essential to the success of any cybersecurity business.

For instance, finance teams ensure that the company is allocating resources effectively, whether that’s budgeting for the latest security tools or funding research and development for new products. In an industry where the stakes are high, financial planning and risk management are critical.

HR and recruiting professionals play an equally important role. The cybersecurity talent pool is notoriously competitive, with companies vying for skilled professionals who are in high demand. It takes a sharp recruiter who understands the unique needs of cybersecurity businesses to find and retain the best talent. From sourcing candidates to managing onboarding processes, HR and recruiting teams are the backbone that helps cybersecurity companies build strong, capable teams.

Additionally, HR plays a key role in fostering company culture and ensuring that employees have access to ongoing training and development. In cybersecurity, where the landscape is always changing, continuous learning is crucial, and HR teams ensure that employees have the resources they need to stay up to date.


Skills You Need to Succeed in the Business of Cybersecurity

Breaking into a non-technical role in cybersecurity doesn’t require you to be a coder or a systems administrator, but there are key skills you’ll need to develop to thrive in the industry. The beauty of these skills is that they’re often transferable from other industries, making it easier to pivot into cybersecurity even if your background isn’t traditionally technical.

When I made my own career transition into cybersecurity, I found that many of the skills I had developed over the years — writing, communication, problem-solving — became incredibly valuable in my new role. If you're considering making the jump, here are the essential skills you’ll want to hone.

1. Communication Skills

Effective communication is at the core of every non-technical cybersecurity role. Whether you’re in marketing, sales, customer success, or operations, you’ll be required to explain complex concepts in a way that makes sense to a non-technical audience.

In marketing, for example, it’s not enough to say that a product is “secure” or “robust.” You need to break it down. How does it protect sensitive data? How does it help the company comply with regulations? In my experience as a technical marketing specialist, I found that communicating the value of a cybersecurity product wasn’t just about listing features. It was about painting a picture of the challenges a company faces and how the product solves those problems.

If you're great at simplifying complex ideas and explaining them in plain language, you’re already well on your way. It’s about being a translator between the technical experts and the decision-makers, making sure the value of the solution is clear.

2. Relationship Management

In many non-technical roles, especially in sales and customer success, your ability to build and maintain relationships is critical. In cybersecurity, this goes beyond just closing deals or solving customer issues — it’s about becoming a trusted partner who understands the client’s unique needs and challenges.

One thing I’ve learned is that in this industry, trust is everything. Whether you’re a salesperson building a rapport with a potential client or a customer success professional guiding a company through the adoption of a new product, trust is the foundation of every relationship. It’s not just about having a good pitch — it’s about listening to the client, understanding their pain points, and providing thoughtful solutions.

Strong relationship management skills help you stay connected with clients, understand their evolving needs, and proactively offer solutions that keep them secure. If you're someone who enjoys building relationships and finding creative ways to add value, you'll thrive in this space.

3. Industry Knowledge

While you don’t need to be a technical expert to succeed in a non-technical role, having a solid understanding of the cybersecurity landscape is essential. Cybersecurity is an industry that’s constantly changing, with new threats, technologies, and regulations emerging all the time. It’s important to stay informed about what’s happening in the field so you can talk confidently about your company’s products or services.

When I first entered cybersecurity, I didn’t know everything right away (and honestly, no one expects you to). But what helped me was the constant drive to learn. I found myself researching industry trends, reading reports, and staying updated on the latest cybersecurity news. Over time, I became more comfortable discussing issues like ransomware, phishing, and data breaches, even though I wasn’t in a technical role.

There are plenty of resources available to help you build this knowledge base, from webinars and industry publications to certifications and training courses. The more you know about the industry, the more effectively you can contribute to your team and clients.

4. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking

No matter what role you step into, one thing is certain — cybersecurity is all about problem-solving. Whether it’s helping a client choose the right product or finding creative ways to market a new solution, you’ll need to think critically and approach challenges with a solution-oriented mindset.

I’ve found that one of the most important skills I’ve developed in this industry is the ability to anticipate problems before they happen. This could mean foreseeing potential objections in a sales conversation, predicting a client’s implementation challenges in a customer success role, or analyzing market trends to identify potential opportunities in marketing.

If you enjoy analyzing problems, brainstorming solutions, and thinking a few steps ahead, these skills will serve you well in a non-technical cybersecurity career.

Let’s Talk Training and Certifications

While you don’t need to become a certified cybersecurity engineer to succeed in a non-technical role, having the right certifications and training can give you a solid foundation and make you more competitive in the job market. There are two key areas of focus: business-related training for non-technical roles and cybersecurity basics to help you speak the same language as your technical colleagues.

Business Role Training

Depending on the role you’re aiming for, there are specific certifications and courses that can help you sharpen your business skills and understand how they apply in the cybersecurity context.

  • Sales and Marketing Certifications:

    • If you’re in sales or marketing, programs like HubSpot’s Inbound Marketing Certification or Google’s Digital Marketing & E-commerce Professional Certificate can help you build a strong foundation in digital marketing strategies, lead generation, and analytics. These skills translate directly into the cybersecurity world, where marketing campaigns need to be precise, data-driven, and impactful.

  • Customer Success and Operations Training:

    • If you’re considering a role in customer success or operations, learning how to manage client relationships and optimize business processes is key. Certifications like Certified Customer Success Manager (CCSM) can help you understand customer lifecycles, onboarding, and product adoption, while operations professionals can benefit from courses in business process management or financial planning.

  • Recruiting and HR Certifications:

    • For those in recruiting or human resources, understanding how to navigate the competitive cybersecurity talent market is crucial. Certifications such as Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) or SHRM-CP (Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional) can enhance your skills in sourcing talent, developing employees, and ensuring retention — all critical in cybersecurity, where talent is in high demand.

Cybersecurity Basics for Non-Technical Roles

Even if your role doesn’t require you to work hands-on with cybersecurity tools, it’s essential to understand the basics of cybersecurity so that you can confidently discuss products, solutions, and threats with both clients and colleagues. Basic cybersecurity knowledge also helps you see the bigger picture of what the company does and how its products or services fit into the industry.

Here are a few certifications that can give you a solid foundation:

  • CompTIA Network+: This certification covers the fundamentals of networking, which is a key component of understanding how systems connect and communicate securely. Even if you’re not configuring networks yourself, knowing how they operate gives you the context needed to explain how cybersecurity products protect those networks.

  • CompTIA Security+: This is a great entry-level certification that introduces you to the core concepts of cybersecurity, including threat management, risk mitigation, and network security. It’s a well-recognized cert that can help you better understand the risks businesses face and how cybersecurity products are designed to counter those threats.

  • ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC): A relatively new certification, the ISC2 CC is a beginner-level credential designed for people who are new to cybersecurity but want to develop a broad understanding of the field. It’s a good fit for those in business roles looking to enhance their credibility and familiarity with industry standards.

  • Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate: Offered through Google’s Career Certificates, this program is beginner-friendly and introduces foundational concepts in cybersecurity. It’s particularly useful if you want to gain an understanding of security risks, defense mechanisms, and how cybersecurity fits into the broader tech ecosystem.

These certifications offer a strong starting point, helping you build credibility in non-technical cybersecurity roles by showing that you have a foundational understanding of the field. Not only will they give you the knowledge needed to communicate effectively with your team, but they’ll also demonstrate to potential employers that you’re committed to growing in the cybersecurity space.

Affordable Cybersecurity Courses

One of the best things about breaking into cybersecurity — especially for non-technical roles — is that you don’t have to spend a fortune on training. There are plenty of affordable, high-quality programs available that allow you to learn at your own pace, without committing to a full degree program. Below are some excellent options for affordable cybersecurity training, whether you’re looking to build business skills, enhance your cybersecurity knowledge, or explore the intersection of both.

Here are a few online educational platforms that I recommend, all of which offer courses tailored to both technical and non-technical learners. These programs provide the flexibility you need to balance learning with your existing responsibilities.

1. Coursera

What it offers: Coursera provides a range of courses, from beginner-level introductions to in-depth professional certificates in both business and cybersecurity. You can access individual courses or take advantage of Specializations and Professional Certificates to dive deeper into specific topics.

Why I endorse it: Coursera has partnerships with top universities and organizations, offering high-quality content on topics like cybersecurity fundamentals, network security, and even business-related certifications. It’s an affordable option that can help you build critical skills for non-technical roles in cybersecurity.

  • Popular Courses for Non-Technical Roles:

    • Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate (a beginner-friendly, all-around introduction to cybersecurity)

    • Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization from NYU

2. LinkedIn Learning

What it offers: LinkedIn Learning provides access to thousands of courses, including those that focus on cybersecurity fundamentals, business skills, marketing, and more. Whether you want to learn the basics of cyber threats or improve your communication and project management skills, LinkedIn Learning has something for everyone.

Why I endorse it: I’ve found LinkedIn Learning’s courses to be incredibly practical and easy to follow. The platform is a fantastic resource for professionals looking to upskill while working or making a career transition. Plus, many of the courses are designed to be completed in just a few hours, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule.

  • Popular Courses for Non-Technical Roles:

    • Cybersecurity for Business Leaders

    • Marketing Strategies for Tech Companies

    • Foundations of Digital Transformation

3. Pluralsight

What it offers: Pluralsight is known for its tech and cybersecurity courses, making it a valuable resource for anyone entering the cybersecurity industry. It’s packed with content that spans both technical and non-technical topics, with courses that cover everything from basic cybersecurity principles to business process management.

Why I endorse it: I love that Pluralsight offers a blend of both technical and non-technical training. This platform is ideal if you want to understand both sides of cybersecurity while focusing on skills that matter most to your role. The content is consistently updated, so you’ll always have access to the latest in the cybersecurity landscape.

  • Popular Courses for Non-Technical Roles:

    • Cybersecurity Fundamentals for Non-Technical Professionals

    • Business Operations and Cybersecurity: Aligning IT with Business Strategy

    • Effective Leadership in Cybersecurity

These platforms provide the flexibility to learn at your own pace while offering comprehensive programs tailored for non-technical professionals in cybersecurity. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your business skills or get a solid foundation in cybersecurity concepts, these options are perfect for balancing affordability with quality.

By taking advantage of these affordable training opportunities, you can build the skills you need to thrive in a cybersecurity business role — without breaking the bank.

Degree Options for Cybersecurity Business Roles

When it comes to building a career in cybersecurity — especially on the business side — your educational background can be a powerful asset. Whether you choose to pursue a degree in cybersecurity or focus on business or marketing with a cybersecurity twist, there are plenty of options to suit your goals.

If you’re just starting out, you can either go all-in on a cybersecurity degree or build on an existing degree by adding certifications to expand your skills. Here’s a breakdown of some good options to consider.

Cybersecurity Degrees

If you’re serious about entering the cybersecurity industry, pursuing a degree in cybersecurity itself is a great way to get a solid foundation. I personally earned my degree from the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), and I can’t recommend it highly enough. A program like this provides the hands-on and theoretical knowledge you’ll need to understand the landscape, even if you’re ultimately pursuing a non-technical role.

Here are some great fully online cybersecurity degree programs:

  • University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) — Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity

    • UMGC offers a highly flexible, fully online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity that’s designed for working professionals. It covers a wide range of topics, including network security, ethical hacking, and risk management, making it an excellent foundation for anyone looking to understand the technical side of cybersecurity.

  • Western Governors University (WGU) — Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance

    • WGU’s program is fully online and competency-based, which means you can complete courses at your own pace. It covers cybersecurity fundamentals, network and systems security, and forensics, all of which are important if you want to understand how to market or sell cybersecurity products.

  • Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) — Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity

    • SNHU offers a comprehensive, fully online cybersecurity program that focuses on both theory and practical application. The curriculum covers topics like cyber defense, data privacy, and network protection, and it’s designed to help students prepare for various certifications, such as CompTIA Security+.

  • Capella University — Bachelor’s in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity

    • Capella’s fully online cybersecurity program is structured to allow students to work at their own pace. This degree prepares you for both general cybersecurity knowledge and specific technical expertise that can be useful in various business contexts.

Business or Marketing Degrees with a Focus on Cybersecurity

If your interest leans more toward the business or marketing side, you can pursue a degree in one of these areas while focusing your electives or specialization on cybersecurity basics. This way, you’ll graduate with a well-rounded education that includes a working knowledge of cybersecurity, while also sharpening your business and communication skills.

Here are some great online business/marketing degree programs where you can also focus on cybersecurity:

  • University of Florida — Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) with Electives in Information Systems

    • This online business program allows you to tailor your degree with electives in information systems or cybersecurity. You’ll develop a strong business foundation, with the option to add technical knowledge in areas like network security and data protection.

  • Arizona State University (ASU) — Bachelor’s in Marketing with Cybersecurity Electives

    • ASU’s online marketing program offers students the flexibility to choose electives in cybersecurity, making it a great option if you want to focus on marketing but also want to build some cybersecurity knowledge.

  • Liberty University — Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with Cybersecurity Cognate

    • Liberty offers an online business degree with a cybersecurity concentration. This allows you to focus on essential business skills like finance, marketing, and management, while also learning about cybersecurity risk management and policy.

  • Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) — Bachelor’s in Marketing with Cybersecurity Electives

    • SNHU’s online marketing program includes the option to take electives in cybersecurity, allowing you to graduate with a well-rounded skill set that combines marketing savvy with essential knowledge of data protection and cybersecurity fundamentals.

Already Have a Degree? Add Cybersecurity Certifications

If you already have a degree in another discipline — whether that’s English, Business, Finance, or even the Arts — you’re not starting from scratch. That degree can only help you, especially in cybersecurity, where diverse perspectives are increasingly valuable.

To complement your degree, you can add specific cybersecurity certifications to build out your knowledge. As mentioned earlier, certifications like CompTIA Security+, ISC2 CC, or even Google’s Cybersecurity Professional Certificate can give you the credibility you need to thrive in a cybersecurity business role.

No matter which path you choose — cybersecurity, business, or marketing — combining a solid degree with targeted certifications will set you up for success. These educational programs give you the flexibility to learn at your own pace while building the foundational knowledge needed to navigate the cybersecurity industry from the business side.


How to Break into Non-Technical Cybersecurity Roles

If you’re interested in entering the cybersecurity industry but don’t have a technical background, don’t worry — there’s still plenty of room for you. In fact, one of the best things about cybersecurity is that it needs diverse skill sets beyond just coding and technical troubleshooting. Here are some key steps to help you break into the field, leveraging the skills you already have while building new ones along the way.

1. Leverage Your Transferable Skills

One of the most important things to remember when transitioning into cybersecurity is that transferable skills are valuable. Even if you don’t have a technical background, chances are you’ve developed a range of abilities that are crucial for non-technical roles in this industry.

For example, if you’ve worked in sales, you already understand how to communicate value, build relationships, and navigate client objections — all of which are essential in cybersecurity sales. If your experience is in marketing, your storytelling abilities, audience analysis, and campaign management skills are just as relevant in promoting cybersecurity solutions.

Personally, when I made the pivot to cybersecurity, my writing and communication skills were my biggest assets. I realized that being able to translate complex technical ideas into simple, compelling messages was a rare and highly sought-after skill in the industry. You likely have a set of skills that can be applied in the same way — the key is recognizing how they fit into the cybersecurity landscape.

2. Start with Entry-Level or Specialist Roles

If you’re relatively new to cybersecurity, one of the best ways to get your foot in the door is by starting with entry-level or specialist roles. These positions allow you to gain practical experience and learn more about the industry, with many companies providing training for specific products or services. Here are some entry-level roles to consider:

Marketing and Product Marketing Roles

Marketing in cybersecurity is critical for communicating the value of complex solutions in ways that are easy to understand. One common entry-level position is the Technical Marketing Specialist, which was the role I first took on. While it may sound technical, the focus is really on translating cybersecurity products into language that business stakeholders can understand.

Other entry-level marketing positions in cybersecurity include:

  • Marketing Specialist: Supports various marketing activities, from content creation to campaign management, helping the team implement strategies that drive demand for cybersecurity products.

  • Content Specialist: Focuses on creating blog posts, whitepapers, and other written materials that explain cybersecurity concepts and promote products to potential customers.

  • Email Marketing Specialist: Works on email campaigns to nurture leads and educate customers about the company’s solutions.

  • Social Media Specialist: Manages the company’s social media presence, often responsible for promoting cybersecurity content and engaging with a tech-savvy audience.

These roles are often entry-level and offer opportunities to learn the ropes of cybersecurity marketing while contributing directly to the company's growth.

Sales Roles

In cybersecurity, Sales Development Representatives (SDRs) are often considered one of the most accessible entry points into the field. SDRs focus on lead generation, qualifying prospects, and scheduling meetings for the senior sales team. You’ll be working with business leads to understand their challenges and educate them on how the company’s solutions can meet their needs.

Other entry-level sales roles might include:

  • Inside Sales Representatives: Similar to SDRs, but with a stronger focus on selling directly to smaller accounts or businesses. This role is a great entry point if you’re interested in cybersecurity but prefer working directly with customers.

Sales professionals don’t need to know every technical detail of the products they sell, but they do need to understand how to communicate value in a way that resonates with decision-makers. Companies typically provide extensive training on the products and services you’ll be selling, so you’ll be supported as you build your knowledge.

Customer Service and Support Roles

In the world of cybersecurity, Customer Success and Support roles are vital for helping clients implement and maximize the value of their cybersecurity products. These roles involve ensuring that customers are satisfied, troubleshooting any issues, and providing guidance on how to use the product effectively.

The best part? You don’t need a deep technical background to start in these roles. While you’ll need to learn about the product — often through company-provided training — the primary focus is on building relationships with clients, listening to their needs, and helping them get the most out of the solutions they’ve purchased.

3. Build Your Personal Brand on LinkedIn

One of the most powerful tools you have when breaking into cybersecurity is personal branding, and there’s no better platform for this than LinkedIn. My first role in cybersecurity found me via LinkedIn, and I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to start building your personal brand while you’re studying and working toward your goals.

Here are some strategies that worked for me and can help you position yourself for the cybersecurity role you want:

  • Optimize Your Profile for Cybersecurity: While you’re studying, working, or transitioning into cybersecurity, update your LinkedIn profile to reflect the future job you want. You can even list your current role as something like “Student of Cybersecurity” and use your degree program or educational institution as your "employer." This helps trick the LinkedIn algorithm into showing you more relevant connections, content, and job opportunities in cybersecurity, instead of in your old field.

  • Showcase Your Learning: As you take courses, earn certifications, or attend webinars, add these to your profile. Many platforms (like LinkedIn Learning or Coursera) will give you badges to showcase your achievements, and adding these demonstrates that you’re actively building your skills.

  • Craft a Future-Focused Description: Write your LinkedIn summary and job descriptions to focus on your future goals, not just your past experiences. Highlight your passion for cybersecurity, what you’re learning, and why you’re the right person for your dream job in the industry.

  • Engage with Cybersecurity Content: Follow industry leaders, comment on posts, and share articles or insights related to cybersecurity. This will not only help you stay informed but also increase your visibility to potential employers.

Building a strong personal brand on LinkedIn can help you get noticed by recruiters and hiring managers in the cybersecurity industry, as it did for me. Even if you’re still in the early stages of your journey, you can position yourself as someone who is serious about breaking into the field.

4. Upskill Along the Way

As you work in cybersecurity, whether in an entry-level role or as you move up the ladder, it's important to continually upskill. The cybersecurity industry is always evolving, and staying informed about the latest trends, tools, and challenges is key to growing your career.

If you're starting in a non-technical role, focus on learning the basics of cybersecurity (as discussed in the training section). Certifications like CompTIA Security+, ISC2 CC, and others can help you better understand the products and services your company offers. The more knowledgeable you are about the industry, the more value you can bring to your role.

In addition to cybersecurity knowledge, continue building your business skills. Whether it’s learning more about digital marketing, sales strategies, or project management, these skills will help you excel in your non-technical role while setting you up for future opportunities.

5. Be Open to Continuous Learning and Growth

One of the most exciting things about the cybersecurity industry is that it’s constantly changing. That means that even after you’ve broken into the field, there’s always more to learn and opportunities to grow. Whether you’re learning from your colleagues, taking a new certification course, or attending industry events, stay curious and adaptable.

For me, this has been a key part of my journey. I didn’t stop learning once I got my first role in cybersecurity. I continued taking courses, attending webinars, and exploring new areas of the industry. This ongoing learning has helped me grow my career and stay relevant in a fast-moving space.

Ready to Take the Leap?

Breaking into cybersecurity — even on the non-technical side — is not for the faint of heart. It’s a field that requires a willingness to embrace change, solve complex problems, and never stop learning. But if you’re up for the challenge, it’s one of the most rewarding industries you can be a part of.

I know firsthand how exciting it can be to find your niche in this fast-paced world. When I first entered cybersecurity, I had no idea just how many opportunities existed on the business side. From marketing to sales, customer success, and beyond, every role plays a crucial part in helping companies protect themselves against ever-evolving threats. And the best part? You don’t need to be a coder to make a significant impact.

If you’re serious about breaking into the field, focus on developing your personal brand, building the skills needed to succeed, and continuously expanding your knowledge of cybersecurity. Whether you’re starting in an entry-level role or you’re transitioning from another industry, there’s room for you to grow here — as long as you’re willing to stay adaptable and curious.

And you don’t have to do it alone. The Bootstrap Cyber community is here to help, whether you’re just starting out, still in “aspiring” status, or already building your career. We provide the tools, guidance, and support to help you succeed, no matter where you are in your journey.

So, are you ready to take the leap into this exciting world? If you are, the possibilities are endless — and the only limit is your commitment to learning and growth.


Laura Kenner

Founder of BootstrapCyber.com, the community for cyber business pros.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-kenner/
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