Careers
Choose your career path
7 connected careers, each broken into clear levels: what the job involves, the skills to learn, the certifications to consider and what to do to reach the next step.
Computer NetworkingBuild and run the networks every organisation depends on.5 career levels →Cloud SecurityProtect the systems and data organisations run in the cloud.5 career levels →CybersecurityDefend people, systems and data against attacks.5 career levels →IT Support & Systems AdministrationKeep people, devices and servers working every single day.5 career levels →Penetration TestingFind the weaknesses before real attackers do, with permission.5 career levels →Network Automation & DevNetOpsTeach the network to configure, test and check itself.5 career levels →IoT & OT SecurityProtect the connected devices and industrial systems that run the physical world.5 career levels →
Compare the paths
| Path | What you do | Typical first job | Core skills | Good if you |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Networking | Build and run the networks every organisation depends on. | IT support or NOC technician | Routing, switching, IP addressing, Wi-Fi, firewalls | You like understanding how things connect and why they break; You enjoy hands-on work with real equipment |
| Cloud Security | Protect the systems and data organisations run in the cloud. | IT support, system administrator or junior cloud engineer | Identity, cloud networking, automation, logging, compliance | You like building things and automating them; You enjoy both infrastructure and security |
| Cybersecurity | Defend people, systems and data against attacks. | IT support or SOC analyst (tier 1) | Networking, logs and SIEM, incident response, risk | You are curious about how attacks work; You enjoy investigating and solving puzzles |
| IT Support & Systems Administration | Keep people, devices and servers working every single day. | Helpdesk or IT support technician | Windows, Linux, Microsoft 365, accounts, backups, scripting | You enjoy helping people and explaining things patiently; You like fixing problems you can see and test straight away |
| Penetration Testing | Find the weaknesses before real attackers do, with permission. | SOC analyst, IT support or junior security analyst | Networking, Linux, web apps, scripting, report writing | You love working out how things can be made to misbehave; You enjoy long, puzzle-like problems and keep going when stuck |
| Network Automation & DevNetOps | Teach the network to configure, test and check itself. | NOC technician or junior network engineer | Networking, Python, Ansible, APIs, Git, CI/CD | You already enjoy networking and get bored by repetitive tasks; You like writing small programs that save time |
| IoT & OT Security | Protect the connected devices and industrial systems that run the physical world. | Network or IT support role, or a technician in an industrial site | Networking, segmentation, industrial protocols, IEC 62443, risk | You are interested in how machines, buildings and utilities are controlled; You like combining networking, security and hands-on equipment |
First steps for every path
- Learn networking fundamentals. Every path starts here. Begin with Start here: the basics.
- Get comfortable with Windows and Linux. Use the command line every day.
- Build a home lab. Simulators, virtual machines and a free cloud account. See building a home lab on a budget.
- Get your first IT job. IT support, helpdesk and NOC roles teach skills no course can.
- Document everything. Lab write-ups and projects become your portfolio. See writing a CV for your first job.
- Grow your soft skills. Clear writing, calm communication and explaining technical issues simply will move you up faster.
How the paths connect: many people start in networking, move into cloud as their company adopts it, and then specialise in security. Skills from each path make you stronger in the others. Read the career roadmap note for more.
Years of experience are typical ranges, not rules: some people move faster, others take longer. Certification names and versions change, so always check the exam provider's website before you book.