Current cybersec journey:

Doing BTLO labs. It gives hands on experience and has taught me a lot so far. I will sit for my BTL1 (Blue Team Level 1) in a couple weeks hopefully. This cert is less well known but tests so much hands on unlike other entry level certs. Splunk, Wireshark, Autopsy, and lotsa OSINT.

After that, CySA+ bc it is industry recognized and checks a box.

Then, CCD (Certified Cyber Defender). It is another very hands on lab focused cert, like a mini forensics degree.

There are sooooo many options for certs and it has taken a while to figure out what is a good route, given my skill level and education.

I am thinking that after a SOC role then I would move to IR comms. My years long Zen practice and conflict resolution training will come in handy.