#10 Breaking into Cybersecurity: Tips from a Pro ft. Jake Mayhew

In this conversation, Kyser Clark interviews Jake Mayhew, a senior penetration tester, about his background and experiences in cybersecurity. They discuss the importance of internships, the value of creating a home lab, and the benefits of networking at local conferences and meetups. Jake also shares advice for job seekers, including the significance of standing out through proactive actions like writing reports and asking questions. Jake Mayhew and Kyser Clark discuss their favorite hacker movies and shows, as well as their experiences with different hacking certifications. They also explore the challenges of pursuing higher-level certifications and offer advice for those entering the cybersecurity field. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of perseverance and community involvement in the job search process.

Connect with Jake Mayhew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-mayhew-osce-oscp/

Takeaways

• Internships can be a valuable way to gain experience and get your foot in the door in the cybersecurity field.
• Creating a home lab and actively using it to learn and practice cybersecurity skills can demonstrate your passion and dedication to potential employers.
• Attending local conferences and meetups can provide opportunities for networking and building relationships with professionals in the industry.
• Proactively standing out in the job search process, such as by writing reports or asking questions, can make a candidate more memorable and increase their chances of getting hired.
• Continuous learning and pursuing certifications can help job seekers demonstrate their commitment to improving their skills and staying up-to-date in the field. 
• The OSCP certification is highly regarded and a good starting point for those interested in network penetration testing.
• Higher-level certifications like OSEP, OSWE, and OSED require a deeper understanding of specific topics and may be more challenging.
• Real-world experience and practical application of skills are crucial for success in advanced certifications.
• Perseverance is key in the job search process, as rejection is common in the cybersecurity field.
• Getting involved in the cybersecurity community can provide valuable networking opportunities and support.

Connect
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https://www.KyserClark.com
https://www.KyserClark.com/Newsletter
https://youtube.com/KyserClark
https://www.linkedin.com/in/KyserClark
https://www.twitter.com/KyserClark
https://www.instagram/KyserClark
https://facebook.com/CyberKyser
https://twitch.tv/KyserClark_Cybersecurity
https://www.tiktok.com/@kyserclark
https://discord.gg/ZPQYdBV9YY


Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

Attention Listeners: This content is strictly for educational purposes, emphasizing ETHICAL and LEGAL hacking only. I do not, and will NEVER, condone the act of illegally hacking into computer systems and networks for any reason. My goal is to foster cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital behavior. Please behave responsibly and adhere to legal and ethical standards in your use of this information.

Opinions are my own and may not represent the positions of my employer.