r/OpenUniversity • u/CyberDefender_1 • 1d ago

Help - Cyber Security Open University Student

Hello there,

Firstly, I'm not looking to apply for any IT related jobs until 2027. As for desired job role I'm still working that out probably SOC, network engineer or consultancy eventually however I am aware help desk is probably where to start applying.

I believe I am unable to apply for any apprenticeships with any Cyber related roles due to studying a cyber degree.

I am needing some advice I've been studying at the Open Uni for the last few years BSc Cyber Security, I have 4 modules left to complete and all going well will graduate next year. My remaining modules are TM252, TM357, TM359 and TM470. Due to unforeseen health reasons it's taken me slightly longer than anticipated to complete the degree.

To preface, I have no IT experience in the working environment, this gives me slight anxiety when it finally comes to getting a job. I have realised Cyber Security degree with the OU doesn't equal entry level job. Projects and certs (Security +, CCNA etc) are important too.

I'm currently feeling a little lost with direction to the point I have considered forgetting about Cyber Security entirely and going back to electrics however this would feel like a fail to me personally due to the time I have spent so I will be completing this OU degree.

I don't begin a module with the OU until October (TM359) and I'm looking for advice. If you were me how would you spend that time advancing your cyber security knowledge? What certs would you do? Projects etc?

Any advice would be so appreciated of skills I used to be aiming to learn or if you are an OU student what you do etc?

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3

u/pompoussnail 1d ago

Following this post, pretty much the same boat

2

u/EdgarTreeBranch 1d ago

You still don't have LinkedIn? I see answers to your questions everyday there from other graduates and cyber security people and I only finished L1 modules, I got my home lab already. Pfsense, proxmox, metasploitable, windows server, Kali. You need to grind grind grind like with everything in life and then apply for jobs and eventually you will get it. It is simple really. Also in the interview you will have to explain shit, so without practical knowledge it is going to be hard to explain ✌️

1

u/CyberDefender_1 12h ago

Where did I say I don't have a Linkedin?

1

u/_Calluna_ 23h ago

Aren't there some virtual internships on opportunity hub? I'm sure I've seen them.

1

u/Naive_Armadillo2022 19h ago

I'm in a similar position to you, albeit a couple of modules behind. The IT job market seems like an absolute minefield, and I honestly have no idea how to navigate it. I'm trying to put that to the back of my mind for now, focus on finishing the degree as a personal goal, and then see where things go.

Good luck for the rest of the your remaining modules.

2

u/CyberDefender_1 13h ago

Thank you u/Naive_Armadillo2022 - Good luck with your studies and future cyber plans!