Click Here to Serve: How Volunteering Builds Cyber Careers

Cyber Volunteers Can Gain Real-World Experience While Protecting Communities Brandy Harris • August 6, 2025

When people think about a career in cybersecurity, they often picture certifications, technical exams and entry-level jobs that require years of preparation. For those coming from non-traditional backgrounds, the journey can feel like a dead end. But what if there were other ways to explore it - one built not just on skills but on service?

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Across the United States, effective alternatives are quietly gaining traction: volunteering in community-based cyberthreat intelligence programs. These initiatives train everyday people to protect vulnerable organizations from real cyberthreats while gaining hands-on experience in the field.

These programs are free and accessible. They are designed to help you serve your community while building a career. Whether you are pivoting professions, returning to the workforce or looking for ...