What’s up everyone!
I’m about to finish high school (17, turning 18 soon) and have been putting together a cybersecurity career plan. My goal is to become a Cloud Security Architect first, then transition into independent consulting for better income and flexibility. I’ve done a lot of research and planning, but I really need feedback from people actually working in this field.
Current situation:
- Built a 4-stage learning plan:
- Core Security Fundamentals
- Cloud Platform Focus (AWS, Azure)
- Security Architecture & Advanced Skills
- Independent Consulting Transition
- Working on Security+ certification right now
- Going through TryHackMe modules (basics, networking, Linux fundamentals)
- Next up: AWS certifications (starting with Cloud Practitioner, then Security Specialty, finally Solutions Architect Professional) plus Microsoft SC-200
- Zero professional experience, no college degree planned immediately (might consider later if needed)
- Will have a full-time job after graduation, planning 1-2 hours daily study time during weekdays, longer sessions on weekends
My motivation:
- Want to achieve significant income potential (targeting $200K+ as consultant eventually)
- Looking for independence, clear structure, and meaningful work rather than theoretical busy work
- Prefer hands-on skill development over academic/math-heavy approaches
- Want a defined progression path where I can track real advancement
Key questions for the community:
- Does this career path make sense for someone with no background?
- Any major changes you’d recommend to my approach?
- Should I reconsider the no-college decision?
- Anyone in Cloud Security/Architecture/Consulting - what key advice would you give someone starting out?
Really appreciate any insights, criticism, or personal stories you can share. Want to make sure I’m being realistic and not setting myself up for failure. Thanks!
That’s some serious dedication! Cloud security’s exploding right now. Build a home lab while you’re getting those certs - hands-on stuff is what really makes you stand out. Get active on LinkedIn and jump into cybersecurity communities. Love the ambition!
Solid roadmap! I’d skip college for now - cybersec industry cares way more about skills than degrees. But grab some helpdesk experience first. I know it sounds boring, but you’ll learn how networks actually work instead of just textbook theory. Also start contributing to open source security projects - shows future clients you’ve got initiative.
This breakdown helped me map my own path. Good luck!
Great planning for someone your age. I’ve worked with tons of cloud security consultants, and here’s the thing - certs alone won’t set you apart in consulting. You need to document everything you learn through case studies and blog posts. That becomes your portfolio when you’re pitching clients. Start with mid-market companies, not enterprise. They need cloud security help but can’t afford the big firms. The income you’re shooting for? Totally doable, but building your reputation takes time. Here’s what I’d do: start networking with cloud architects and security pros now. Hit up industry meetups and conferences. Most consulting gigs come from referrals, not cold calls. Your timeline’s ambitious but realistic if you stay focused on both learning and building relationships.
Your plan’s solid, but don’t underestimate how long it takes to reach consulting level. I went the same route - certs first, then SOC analyst work before cloud architecture. The jump from zero to independent consulting? Usually 5-7 years minimum. Clients want proven track records. After Security+, consider starting at an MSP. You’ll see tons of different environments - it’s like a crash course in real-world cybersecurity. Experience first, then the money follows.
lol 200k+ consulting without a degree or experience? Good luck with that. The certs are fine, but you’ll hit a wall when clients ask about your track record. Most consultants I know burned out making that jump too early. Maybe aim for 80k first and see how it goes? Those 1-2 hour daily study sessions sound cute until you realize how much you don’t know. Just temper those expectations a bit.
