A young man's game?

Pelvis

In the not too distant future I'll be graduating with an IT degree, I'll be 35 at that point. I started it with a career in SQL Development in mind, which changed to Java development a couple of years into it, and now in recent months covering Cryptography and InfoSec my interest has been piqued, and I think "hmmm....".

I'm just wondering what are a new graduate's options in InfoSec? I have a picture in mind of cyber-security professionals consisting of those who started as young "hacker" hobbyists, learning all the tricks of the trade, acquiring a solid technical foundation, and then making a career of it later in life. Where as me, a 35 year old who only learned of the various tools available a few months ago, and still have very limited experience of even using them, I feel like I'd have a hell of a lot of catching up to do. Not to mention the various certs that may be required and the time that may take up.

So I'm just wondering, what chance has a completely inexperienced 35yo got? I am aware of the shortage in cyber-sec professionals worldwide and wondering if there's an opportunity there for someone in my position.

Pelvis

Pelvis wrote: »

In the not too distant future I'll be graduating with an IT degree, I'll be 35 at that point. I started it with a career in SQL Development in mind, which changed to Java development a couple of years into it, and now in recent months covering Cryptography and InfoSec my interest has been piqued, and I think "hmmm....".

I'm just wondering what are a new graduate's options in InfoSec? I have a picture in mind of cyber-security professionals consisting of those who started as young "hacker" hobbyists, learning all the tricks of the trade, acquiring a solid technical foundation, and then making a career of it later in life. Where as me, a 35 year old who only learned of the various tools available a few months ago, and still have very limited experience of even using them, I feel like I'd have a hell of a lot of catching up to do. Not to mention the various certs that may be required and the time that may take up.

So I'm just wondering, what chance has a completely inexperienced 35yo got? I am aware of the shortage in cyber-sec professionals worldwide and wondering if there's an opportunity there for someone in my position.

Age has nothing to do with it. As a 35 year old graduate you are in the same boat as every other graduate. If you've an interest in it then keep learning it.

PS. At 34 next month I'm one of the youngest on my team.

L1011

Most security consultants I've seen are in their mid 50s