Becoming a Cybersecurity Professional - A Mentor's Guide to the Field: Foundations and First Steps:

Are you ready to start a career in cybersecurity - but don't know where to begin? This is your guide.
Becoming a Cybersecurity Professional - A Mentor's Guide to the Field is not another technical manual or test prep book. It's a candid, deeply practical roadmap from a 30-year industry veteran who's been on the front lines - and who's helped countless others break into the field. Whether you're transitioning from another career, just graduating, or simply curious about what it means to protect the digital world, this book was written for you.
With humor, heart, and hard-won wisdom, the author walks you through:

• What cybersecurity actually is (and isn't)
• Real-world roles - from SOC analyst to threat hunter to compliance lead
• How to choose your path and avoid career dead-ends
• The certifications that open doors - and those that don't
• Day-in-the-life insights from red teamers, educators, bug bounty hunters, and more
• Building your home lab and practical skillsets, even on a budget
• Navigating imposter syndrome, burnout, and high-pressure environments
• Ethical dilemmas, legal landmines, and how to lead with integrity

This is not a book filled with jargon or scare tactics. Instead, it's a mentor's voice in your corner - someone who's walked the path, made the mistakes, and come back to tell you what matters most. You'll get real stories from the trenches, thoughtful frameworks for choosing your focus, and encouraging guidance to help you take action.
Inside, you'll find chapters like:

• "The Talent Gap: A Crisis of Opportunity"
• "Your Call to Action: The World Needs You"
• "A Day in the Life: Insights from the Field"
• "Mindset Matters: Critical Thinking, Ethics, and Curiosity"
• "How to Choose Your Cybersecurity Path"

And you won't just get tech talk - you'll learn how to communicate, think critically, and grow as a resilient professional in a field that changes daily. Whether you're fascinated by firewalls or motivated by mission, this book helps you discover where you fit - and how to get there.
You don't need a computer science degree. You don't need to be a hacker. You just need curiosity, integrity, and the willingness to learn.
If you've ever thought cybersecurity could be your future, this book is your starting point.
Written with warmth and mentorship by the author, this is the first published book from a library of insights he's developed over decades in the industry. It's more than a guide - it's an invitation to join a community of defenders, mentors, and lifelong learners.
The digital world needs more guardians. Start your journey today.