Lecture by Heath Adams: Tips for Pursuing a Cybersecurity Career

Self-Evaluation for Job Interviews

• If not passing screening stages or first interviews, evaluate the failure points
  • Technical knowledge
  • Soft skills
  • Areas for improvement

Mental Health and Career Moves

• Importance of a healthy work-life balance
• Making drastic career moves for mental health and well-being

Introduction

• David Bumble and Heath Adams Q&A
• Asking questions from the TCM AMA

TCM Security Certifications

• PMPT Certification
  • Real-world pentesting simulation
  • Includes OSINT, external and internal pentests, report writing, and debrief
• PJP Certification
  • For juniors, focused on Active Directory hacking
  • A stepping stone to more advanced certifications
• PCRP Program
  • Career coaching and guidance
  • Includes resume writing, interview prep, behavioral questions, job hunting
  • Practical interview practice
• Other Certifications
  • Malware certification (by Matt Keeley)
  • Mobile device hacking for Android and iPhones
  • Junior web and advanced web penetration testing (PWPJ, PWPT)
  • OSINT researcher certification
  • IoT tester certification (virtual firmware analysis)

Live Training

• Web App Penetration Testing (July 2026)
• Hacking and Defending Active Directory (September)
• Practical Help Desk (free course)
• SOC 101 (Blue Team entry-level course) releasing in July
• Various certifications targeting different levels of expertise

Advanced Courses and Future Certifications

• Plan for advanced courses based on student feedback
• Creation of advanced pathways and certifications, eventually leading to comprehensive roles
• More Blue Team content to come

Cloud Penetration Testing vs. Auditing

• TCM prefers cloud auditing over cloud penetration testing
• Plans for cloud auditing training due to more practicality and thorough assessment

Recommended Learning Path

• Foundation in Help Desk (A+ certification)
• Networking knowledge (Network+ or CCNA)
• Basic cybersecurity (Security+ certification)
• Linux familiarity; hands-on experience recommended
• Programming knowledge, especially Python
• Ethical hacking training

Soft Skills and Career Development

• Importance of soft skills such as report writing and debriefing
• Importance of showing passion through blogs, YouTube, CTFS, home labs, or events

Path to Becoming a Pentester

• Building foundation before jumping into ethical hacking
• Career transitions based on experience level
• Learning continuously and honing technical and soft skills

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

• Emphasizing running your own race
• Each person's journey is different, focus on self-improvement

Industry Trends and AI Adoption

• Current AI tools more suited as assistants rather than replacements
• AI unlikely to replace pentesters in the near future
• Continuous learning is essential in cybersecurity

Remote Work Opportunities

• Increased demand for remote cybersecurity roles post-COVID
• Opportunities vary based on skill level and country of residence

Entrepreneurship in Cybersecurity

• Starting a cybersecurity business
  • Differentiating in the market
  • Financial planning and having enough savings
  • Building reputation through content and SEO
• Importance of balancing work-life and managing burnout

Key Takeaways

• Multiple paths exist to enter and excel in cybersecurity
• Continuous learning and soft skills development are crucial
• Balance passion and practicality in your career pursuit
• Use available resources and network effectively
• Participate in community efforts to help those new to the field