LG Luke Gough · Coaching
A free tool by Luke Gough Coaching

Where can your cyber career
actually go next?

Pick your starting point. See realistic career direction examples, with indicative salary bands for Australia, the US or the UK, and the certifications that actually move the needle. Some paths are entry-level; others need adjacent experience.

Want the execution plan?
This free tool shows your direction. The Blueprint shows what to build, write and apply with over the next 90 days.
Get the Blueprint

01 Choose a starting point

8 paths · salary depends on experience
Indicative base salary bands by market and experience level. These are direction examples, not guaranteed timelines or income promises. Some candidates will need several moves before reaching higher bands. Some paths are true entry roles; others require adjacent IT, audit, cloud, identity or SOC experience. Excludes super, bonus and equity.
Luke Gough · Coaching
Cyber Career Path Explorer · lukegoughcoaching.com
Career path

SOC Analyst

Example directions this role can build toward. These are not fixed timelines; pay depends on prior experience, region, employer and hiring market.

Salary context
Indicative
depends on proof and market
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What recruiters actually want to see on your CV

The 3 lab projects and the keywords below are what I'd build and put on the CV if I was applying for this role today. Use the Blueprint templates to actually document and tailor them. Turn this into a 90-day plan

1 Lab projects to build

    → In Blueprint Module 3: five foundational hands-on projects — home lab + SIEM, vulnerability assessment, network traffic analysis, an IR exercise and an automation script — walked through step by step. The Project Write-Up template turns each into a recruiter-ready portfolio entry that you adapt to your target specialism. Get the Blueprint →

    2 Top resume keywords

    → In Blueprint Module 4: the full portfolio, LinkedIn and resume strategy — plus the Resume Keyword Checklist that maps each keyword to your real proof, rates evidence strength, and tells you when your CV is ready to send. Get the Blueprint →

    I have read many break-into-cybersecurity guides and most have the same generic advice. This really stands out because it is written from the recruiter's perspective. It makes clear what will actually get you interviews.

    Trust me, this is going to save you months of wasted effort. If you're trying to break into cybersecurity and feel overwhelmed by conflicting advice online, this guide provides a structured path forward.

    JF
    J. Ferguson Verified purchaser
    Recent

    Just purchased my copy and I'm ready to dive in.

    June 2026, first job secured.

    HI
    Hammed I. Verified purchaser
    Cyber Job Ready The Blueprint · Digital product

    You have the direction. Now build the proof recruiters need.

    This free roadmap shows where you can go. The Cyber Job Ready Blueprint shows exactly what to do next: which projects to build, what to write on your CV, how to position LinkedIn, which mistakes to avoid, and how to follow a 90-day plan without wasting months.

    • 5 modules: foundations, certs, projects, portfolio & LinkedIn, job search & interview strategy
    • 90-day action plan, the 7 mistakes that keep beginners out, and 5 portfolio projects walked through step by step
    • 4 editable templates: project write-ups, resume keyword checklist, job tracker, risk register — plus a sample entry-level resume layout
    Get the Blueprint now See what's inside
    Indicative regional salary bands: AUD (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth, Canberra), USD (New York, SF Bay Area, Seattle, DC / NoVA, Austin / Denver, remote US), GBP (London, Reading / Thames Valley, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol, Leeds). Base salary only. Bonus, super/pension and equity not included. Reviewed May 2026.
    Know your path? Use the Blueprint to build the proof and start applying. Get it now
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