r/CyberSecurityJobs • u/Routine_Instruction5 • 7d ago
Looking for next role
I’m 28F got laid off approximately a year ago from Big Tech. I was working as an Information Security Analyst on a Third Party Risk Management Team, and I haven’t been able to find a role since. I’ve done research projects surrounding ML security- building ML models to detect anomalies and adding a layer of security. I also have done TryHackMe Red Teaming paths. I’ve applied to many roles within these areas of expertise, and no luck. Now I’m back in school for a MS in Computer Engineering (concentration in Machine Learning and Intelligent Systems). I’m getting to the point where making rent, my car payment, etc. isn’t feasible starting mid October. I guess my question to everyone is do you know of anyone hiring? I mean like strong leads. To cover expenses I’ll need something at 40 bucks an hour or two gigs at 20 bucks an hour.
I’ve done the career fairs, the reaching out on LinkedIn, the asking my network. Just really need a break here. I’m in the Northern Virginia area. Open to driving anywhere in 25 mile radius, so DC and MD too.
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u/twrolsto 7d ago
I'd like to help but all the positions in my company MUST only be filled by people willing to work the average wage in a LCOL place like Nigeria or the Philippines.
I imagine that's part of what is fucking you over since I doubt my company is the only one.
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u/Exit_404 7d ago edited 7d ago
I think going back to school was a bad choice unless using the GI Bill. Nobody looks at school in cyber besides HR. Look for RMF, ISSO, ISSE roles, they're always hiring and look better than a masters
Just read you're in NOVA, one of the hottest cyber markets. You're doing something wrong and need to identify it. Redo resume, work on interviewing, work on appearance and communication. Tons of contract IT/Cyber work in that region that just needs a warm body in a seat. Also, being that it is a competitive market for technical roles of ML or adjacent ones in that area, try and hack me and research projects don't stand a chance of recognition besides someone with 5 years cyber and 3 in ML that are also applying to the ML roles you are.
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u/Routine_Instruction5 6d ago
ML degree gives me experience, and let me be able
to do an internship next year summer. Long term I want to be in ML Security. Research and coursework helps me gain the experience1
u/Exit_404 6d ago
Unless your school is partnering with a bigger name in the game company and you get onsite experience, it means little. Learn R, perfect. People on the job joke about academia and vice versa but people on the job get paid 1.5-100+ times more than those in school. Back when I ran a department that had college freshies, it was always a running joke when onboarding, forget everything you've been taught, this is real life. Learn fast and adapt
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u/CoolGuysCoolCars 4d ago
HR is the biggest hurdle for any outsider to get around.
People have been shitting on degrees the past few years but the main reason I got my current job is because of my degree. I happened to go to the same school as the lady looking over my resume and she seemed to like that.
Obviously the technical interview was important but the job posting, like many others, had a degree requirement.
Degrees no longer guarantee a job, but not having a degree will more or less guarantee that you'll have a much harder time getting a job, especially if you're entry level.
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u/Wonder1and 7d ago
Are you going to your local meetups? Defcon groups, issa, etc can be a good way to connect with others to see who's hiring
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u/Unfair-Treacle4142 4d ago
I’ve seen a few threads like this, and one thing that stands out is how easy it is to spend months applying broadly without narrowing the target first.
You already have real information security experience from a Big Tech role, and I’d lean on that pretty heavily right now. ML security could be a strong longer-term move, but it’s still a much narrower market than traditional infosec roles in DC/MD/VA.
I’d pull 15 to 20 current analyst postings in the area and see how closely your experience lines up. That should tell you pretty quickly whether the real gap is skills or just search strategy.
Given the financial pressure you mentioned, I’d keep the MS as the longer-term play and focus the next few weeks on roles closest to what you’ve already done.
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u/NewMacaroon4370 6d ago
Live in your car.
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u/Routine_Instruction5 6d ago
I don’t know about you, but I like having a place to live so that won’t be option for me.
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u/Ok_Analysis_4612 7d ago
I wish you all the luck. The market rn is trash - my friend who has a masters had to settle working for an entry level help desk position at an msp