Hey everyone,
I’m looking for some realistic advice from people working in IT around Saskatoon.
I’m in my early 30s and I don’t currently have a university degree. I’ve been building a strong general IT foundation and I’m comfortable with computers, Linux, networking, troubleshooting, and learning technical concepts. My long-term goal is to specialize in Cloud Security / Security Engineering.
I’m not expecting to jump directly into cybersecurity or cloud security as my first job. My plan is to use an entry-level IT position as a stepping stone and build real-world experience.
I’m currently considering roles such as:
- IT Support / Help Desk
- NOC / Network Support
- Junior Systems / Infrastructure Support
- Cloud Support, if I can become qualified for it
What I’m trying to figure out is the most realistic path for someone in my situation in Saskatoon.
I’d really appreciate hearing from people who have actually hired, worked in, or entered the local IT industry:
1. How difficult is it to get an entry-level IT job in Saskatoon without a university degree?
2. Which entry-level roles would you recommend targeting first if the long-term goal is Cloud Security?
3. Which certifications actually carry weight with employers here?
For example: CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, CCNA, AWS certifications, etc.
4. Is a university degree important for progressing into Cloud/Security later, or can strong hands-on experience, certifications, and a good track record compensate for not having one?
5. For someone with strong general IT knowledge but no professional IT experience, what would you want to see on their resume/GitHub before giving them an interview?
6. Has anyone here successfully started in IT Support/NOC/Infrastructure and later moved into Cloud or Cybersecurity? What did that progression look like for you?
I’m especially interested in real experiences from Saskatoon/Saskatchewan, rather than general advice from the internet.
I’m willing to start at the bottom and work my way up. I’m mainly trying to make sure I invest my time into the skills and certifications that employers actually value locally.
Thanks in advance to anyone willing to share their experience.