From Struggles to Success: Navigating the Cyber Security Landscape with Four Job Offers

The Seed of Curiosity

The journey began with an incident that occurred during my first year of engineering. I had just bought a new laptop and, in an attempt to obtain a renowned software for free, I visited some malicious websites. Unknowingly, I downloaded a malware that infected my entire system and encrypted all my data. After conducting extensive research, I discovered that my laptop had fallen victim to a ransomware attack. This incident ignited a curiosity within me about cyber-attacks. I delved into reading articles about how hackers steal data, impersonate individuals, and carry out various intriguing activities. To further explore this field, I joined the Cyber Cell of my college, hoping it would help me become more acquainted with the subject.

Nurturing the Flame

As time went on, my interest in cyber security grew. I heard about different domains within the field from alumni who were already working in the industry. After six months, I started studying and exploring the field in depth. Eventually, I made the decision to pursue a career in cyber security, as none of the other domains I explored, such as IoT, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning, sparked the same passion within me.

During the summer of my second year in engineering, I secured an internship through the Cyber Cell, where I met a mentor who became a guiding figure in my journey. It was during this internship that I was introduced to the five phases of hacking: Reconnaissance, Enumeration, Gaining Access, Maintaining Access, and Clearing Logs. Among these, Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) fascinated me the most. This internship served as a gateway to numerous opportunities that came my way.

Discovering my Passion

Driven by my ambition, I decided to pursue a master's degree in cyber security, as I wasn't fully interested in entering the job market at that moment. In my third year of B. Tech, I began preparing for the GRE and TOEFL exams, as they were the essential requirements for securing admission to a reputed university abroad. The allure of studying abroad and experiencing life beyond India captivated my imagination.

Life's Unforeseen Blow

However, during my final year, a tragic incident shook my life. My father passed away suddenly from a cardiac arrest, amidst what should have been a joyous event celebrating my mother's retirement from a government job. I was devastated and struggled to recover from the emotional turmoil. It was during this challenging period that I realized the weight of responsibilities that now rested upon me. I had to step up and take care of my family, a role I was unprepared for.

Rising from the Ashes

With my mother, I relocated back to the city where my college was located, opting to stay in India and secure a good job to fulfill my family obligations. By August, I had lost hope for on-campus placements, as most of the prominent companies had already completed their recruitment drives. I wasn't prepared for the job hunt at that moment and struggled to maintain my composure. However, I mustered up all my faith and immediately started preparing for placements. Within a month, I attended an interview with a renowned finance sector bank. Although the interview went well, it resulted in my first rejection, which left me feeling shaken and confused. I took two days to process the setback, contemplating where I might have gone wrong. I resolved to continue my preparations and waited for a cyber security company to visit the campus for placements. However, a month went by without any such opportunity, leaving me disheartened.

Undeterred, I decided to explore off-campus job opportunities. I applied to a prominent cyber security firm and fortunately received a call to schedule a screening interview shortly after. Unfortunately, I stumbled during the interview, unprepared for the industry-standard questions the interviewer posed. This setback shattered my confidence, making me believe that I was undeserving of a good IT job. Nevertheless, I persisted in applying to other companies and soon received another interview invitation from a renowned organization. This time, I was more familiar with the expected questions based on my previous experience and had prepared accordingly. I successfully cleared the interview, although the feedback suggested I still had a long way to go. It was an opportunity with a core cyber security company that offered the role I had been aspiring for. However, there was a catch—I would need to relocate to Bangalore, a near-impossible feat considering the circumstances. After the family incident, I had shifted with my mother to Pune, which felt more familiar and comfortable than moving to Bangalore. Reluctantly, I rejected the offer, following my heart and moved on once again.

Off-Campus Endeavors

I continued applying for off-campus positions, sending out around 35 applications per week and eagerly awaiting responses, though the lack of feedback proved to be a frustrating experience. Nonetheless, I remained committed to my studies, spending countless hours preparing, studying, and solidifying my understanding of key concepts. The learning process became my lifeline, as I discovered new concepts and grew increasingly excited about working in the cyber security field.

The Breakthrough

In November, a company from the prestigious Big 4 visited our campus for placements, offering roles in cyber security. I believed that no other company could provide the same level of growth and opportunities that this organization could. I applied and cleared the first screening round, placing among the top 10 candidates out of 700+ applicants. The group discussion round, however, posed a challenge for me as an introvert who struggled to engage in spontaneous conversations. Despite this, destiny seemed to be on my side as I successfully advanced through the second round of group discussion as well. With newfound confidence, I felt certain about clearing the next round, the technical interview, as I had prepared extensively, considering the setbacks I had encountered in the past.

I cleared the technical interview, the subsequent partner round, and finally received an offer from the company. Tears welled up in my eyes upon receiving the results, as all the efforts and perseverance had finally paid off. Securing a position at a prestigious Big 4 company felt like a monumental achievement. Throughout this journey, I had the unwavering support and guidance from the family, my friends and the mentors I met in the journey.

Internship Insights

Days turned into weeks, and I successfully completed the seventh semester of engineering. The final semester was dedicated to an internship module, providing an opportunity to gain industry exposure and practical experience. I began searching for an internship in offensive cyber security, as it had always fascinated me. Soon, I received an offer from a company after a successful interview. I joined the organization in January and embarked on an on-site work experience that proved to be incredibly insightful. I met talented individuals working in the domain, gained a deeper understanding of how things operate in a real-world cyber security firm, and recognized the significance of teamwork. In terms of technical skills, I delved into red teaming, Network VAPT, Website/Web Application VAPT, Phishing Simulation, and Active Directory Server Setup. Concurrently, I also enrolled in the eWPTXv2 certification program and successfully obtained the certification, driven by my aspiration to earn an industry-recognized credential while interning.

Choosing the Right Path

During this time, I received another offer from a start-up company in the cyber security field. However, the offer came with a below-standard pay scale, which led me to reject it. Consequently, my list of offers expanded to three, although life seemed to have found stability and contentment. But the learning process didn't cease; that's the beauty of working in cyber security—an industry that evolves rapidly, demanding constant updates on the latest trends and technologies. I built meaningful connections along the way, individuals who supported my growth and helped me enhance my skills. The cyber security community, in particular, embraces a culture of mutual assistance. Stepping out of my comfort zone, I actively engaged in communication, sought clarification, and shared solutions with fellow enthusiasts. At this point, I consider myself well-prepared to contribute to the industry, armed with a strong knowledge base in Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing.

Recalling the mentor I met during my second-year internship, I had always harboured a desire to work with him in his organization. To my delight, my dream came true as he offered me a position as a cyber security consultant after completing my five-month internship which was my subsequent forth offer. Life continued to bless me with the fruits of my hardwork. Despite the sorrows and challenging times, I emerged as a diamond from the mine, feeling a sense of fulfilment. Everything felt amazing—life had fallen back into place. Graduating soon with a B.Tech degree and four job offers, I experienced a sense of mental peace alongside an insatiable hunger for knowledge and growth.

Lessons Learned and Words of Encouragement

My intention in writing this article was never to seek sympathy or boast about my achievements amid the hardships and learning experiences I encountered. Life is an unpredictable journey filled with difficult moments and mental breakdowns, but one should never lose hope along the way. Every aspect of the journey offers an opportunity to learn and grow. I hope this blog serves as inspiration to the younger generation, instilling belief in the realization of their dreams. Keep learning, keep hustling, and always remain grounded, regardless of the achievements attained. I conclude my story by affirming that dreams do come true—just believe in yourself and trust the process.