Important things to know
One of the biggest misconceptions about breaking into cybersecurity, specifically GRC is that you need a technical degree to get your foot in the door. The truth is, GRC is one of the most accessible entry points into cybersecurity, and your non-technical background might actually be your secret weapon.
Unlike penetration testing or SOC analysis, GRC focuses on the business side of cybersecurity. It's about understanding regulations, managing risk, ensuring compliance, and communicating security requirements across an organization.
Skills that matter more in GRC include:
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Communication and stakeholder management
- Attention to detail and organizational skills
- Understanding business processes
- Analytical abilities
If you have a background in business, law, audit, project management, or even liberal arts, you already possess transferable skills that are highly valued in GRC roles.
How to Break Into GRC Without a Computer Science Degree
Step 1: Build Foundational Cybersecurity Knowledge
While you don't need a degree, you do need to understand cybersecurity basics. You don't need to know how to code, but you should be familiar with:
Common cybersecurity threats like malware, phishing, ransomware; basic security principles like confidentiality, integrity, availability; network fundamentals; how businesses use and protect data
You can start with free resources like Cybrary, YouTube channels, and cybersecurity blogs. Books like "The Basics of Information Security" by Jason Andress, online courses on platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning, etc.
Step 2: Take GRC-Focused Courses
Building a solid foundation through structured courses is essential for your GRC career. Courses give you comprehensive knowledge, time to absorb concepts, and practical skills you can apply immediately.
Recommended GRC courses:
GRC fundamentals courses on platforms like Udemy, Coursera, or specialized cybersecurity training providers
Risk management courses that cover frameworks like NIST, ISO, and COBIT
Compliance training focused on regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2, or PCI-DSS
Cybersecurity governance courses that teach policy development and implementation
Audit methodology courses to understand assessment processes
These courses give you:
- Comprehensive knowledge without overwhelming pressure
- Time to absorb and practice concepts
- Foundation for real-world application
- More affordable entry point to learning
- Structured learning paths designed for beginners
Step 3: Pursue Internships and Entry-Level Opportunities
Real-world experience is invaluable and often more important than credentials when breaking into GRC. Internships allow you to apply what you've learned and build your professional network.
How to find GRC internships:
- Corporate internship programs: Many large companies offer cybersecurity internships with GRC tracks
- Government opportunities: Federal and state agencies often have cybersecurity internship programs
- Consulting firms: Big Four accounting firms and cybersecurity consultancies regularly hire GRC interns
- LinkedIn and Indeed: Search for "GRC intern," "compliance intern," or “risk management intern”
- University career centers: Even if you didn't study computer science, many schools help alumni find internships
- The GRC work experience program by Amdari
What to look for in a GRC internship:
- Exposure to compliance frameworks (ISO 27001, NIST, SOC 2)
- Opportunity to participate in audits or assessments
- Experience with GRC tools and software
- Mentorship from experienced GRC professionals
- Projects you can showcase in your portfolio
Don't overlook:
- Part-time or virtual internships that fit your schedule
- Unpaid internships at nonprofits or small businesses (if financially feasible)
- Temporary or contract positions that can lead to full-time roles
Step 4: Gain Additional Practical Experience
Beyond formal internships, there are many ways to build relevant experience:
Ways to gain experience:
Volunteer to help small businesses or nonprofits with compliance needs
Create projects, conduct a mock risk assessment, develop a compliance checklist, or document security policies
Participate in communities, join LinkedIn groups, Reddit forums (r/cybersecurity, r/AskNetsec), and attend local cybersecurity meetups
Shadow GRC professionals, Reach out on LinkedIn and ask for informational interviews
Step 5: Network and Build Your Personal Brand
The cybersecurity community is surprisingly welcoming to career changers. Don't underestimate the power of networking.
Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your GRC focus
Share what you're learning through blog posts or LinkedIn articles
Engage with GRC professionals and companies
Attend webinars, conferences, and virtual events
Join organizations like ISACA or (ISC)²
You can start by taking this 1-minute job readiness test to assess your preparedness for your next interview/role. Click here to take the test. Fun fact: Your score comes with recommendations that provide guidance.
Step 6: Tailor Your Resume and Applications
When applying for GRC roles, emphasize:
Relevant courses completed
Internship experience and specific projects
Transferable skills from previous roles
Any compliance, audit, or risk-related experience
Your commitment to continuous learning
Use keywords from job descriptions in your resume. Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) that scan for specific terms.
Common Entry-Level GRC Roles to Target
- GRC Analyst
- Compliance Analyst
- IT Auditor
- Risk Analyst
- Security Analyst (with GRC focus)
- Vendor Risk Analyst
These roles typically require 0-2 years of experience and are perfect for career changers.
Your Background Is an Asset, Not a Barrier. Remember, diversity of thought and experience strengthens cybersecurity teams. Your unique perspective, whether you come from healthcare, finance, education, or any other field, brings value that computer science graduates may lack.
GRC professionals need to bridge the gap between technical teams and business leaders. If you can translate complex security requirements into business language, you're already ahead of the game.
Breaking into GRC without a computer science degree is absolutely possible and Amdari is here to help you every step of the way by specializing in providing comprehensive GRC training and career guidance designed for professionals from all backgrounds. Don't let the lack of a technical degree hold you back from a rewarding career in cybersecurity.
