How I transformed my career from software engineer to a penetration tester?
Tags: cybersecurity, hacking, pentest, learning
Published: 2024-04-21 20:05:30

Embarking on a career transformation can be a daunting journey, but it's also an exhilarating one. For me, the shift from software engineering to penetration testing was not just a change in job titles, but a complete overhaul of my professional identity and skill set. In this article, I'll share my personal experience and resources like pwn.guide that could help you in your cybersecurity journey.


## The Initial Spark
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As a software engineer, I was well-versed in the art of building things. I spent years perfecting my javascript craft, learning new programming languages, and keeping up with the latest in tech. However, there was always a part of me that was curious about the other side of the coin—security.

The world of cybersecurity always seemed thrilling. The idea of being a digital sleuth, uncovering vulnerabilities, and thinking like a hacker was alluring. It was a challenge I couldn't resist.

## The Leap of Faith
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Taking the leap from software engineering to penetration testing required more than just courage; it required a solid plan and the right resources. That's where pwn.guide came into play. It's a treasure trove of knowledge, with guides and tutorials that are perfect for someone looking to get their feet wet in the world of cybersecurity.

I started by dedicating my evenings and weekends to studying. I delved into topics like network security, ethical hacking, and cryptography. The more I learned, the more I realized that my background in software engineering gave me a unique edge. I understood how systems were built, which now helped me understand how they could be broken.

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## Building a New Skill Set

One of the most significant hurdles was building a new skill set from scratch. Penetration testing is a different ball game, with its own set of tools and methodologies. I spent countless hours on websites like [pwn.guide](https://pwn.guide), learning basics of web and radio hacking.

The website's community was also a fantastic resource. Interacting with fellow aspiring penetration testers and seasoned professionals provided me with insights and encouragement. It was reassuring to know that I wasn't alone in this journey.

## The Transformation

Fast forward to today, and I'm a full-fledged penetration tester. The transformation was gradual but profound. I've traded in my developer hat for a hacker's hoodie, and I've never looked back.

My days are now spent conducting security assessments, identifying vulnerabilities, and working with development teams to secure their applications. It's a role that's both challenging and rewarding.

## Resources that could be helpful
- [pwn.guide](https://pwn.guide) - a website, that I and my friend made, that helps you learn cybersecurity. Most of the tutorials are **FREE**.

- HackTheBox - I used this site to mostly test my skills using CTF challenges.