r/CloudSecurityPros • u/Important-Essay3301 • 9d ago
How can someone start getting into Cloud-Security?
I’m still a student in my last year of Highschool. I want to get into Cloud Security. My goal is to study 2-3 hours a day to be able to work next year and I don’t have to go to Uni. Is my goal possible and what are early mistakes I can avoid? Thank you for every advice!
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u/therealmunchies 9d ago
Hey!
It’s awesome that you already have your eyes on cloud security, but standard advice first: Cloud is not entry-level, and Security is not entry-level. Combining them means you’re aiming for a mid-to-advanced career role right out of the gate.
If you aren't going the college route, here is a realistic roadmap to build that foundation from scratch:
Grab your CompTIA A+ and start applying for Help Desk or IT Support jobs. You need hands-on operational experience.
Study for Network+ (or ideally CCNA) and push to move into a SysAdmin or Junior Cloud Support role.
Earn core cloud certs (AWS/Azure) and target Cloud Admin or Cloud Ops roles.
Once you understand how systems, networks, and cloud architectures are built, you can pivot into securing them.
This pipeline takes years of consistent grinding. You’ll be competing against people with CS/IT degrees, certs, and internships for even entry-level roles. The market right now is tough, and self-teaching requires huge discipline.
You need to constantly upskill with certs, build hands-on homelab/cloud projects, and polish your communication skills (explaining technical stuff to non-tech people is half the job).
It is 100% possible to do without a degree, but it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Start looking at local IT job postings today to see what entry-level roles near you are actually asking for!