How to Gain Experience in Networking & Cyber Without a Placement Year

How to Gain Experience in Networking & Cyber Without a Placement Year

Breaking into networking or cybersecurity isn’t easy. Time and time again, when we speak to hiring managers, we hear the same thing: graduates who stand out are the ones who can prove they’ve gone beyond the classroom. A degree is important but on its own, it often isn’t enough.

And with junior roles being so competitive, often attracting applicants who already have certifications, internships, or even prior industry experience - it’s the extra effort that helps you stand out. Employers value practical skills, problem-solving ability, and initiative. That’s why juniors who’ve built labs, earned certifications, or taken part in competitions often leave a lasting impression in interviews.

Of course, not everyone secures a placement year and for some, university itself isn’t the right route. The good news? There are still plenty of ways to build experience and get yourself noticed.

Here are some practical, hands-on workarounds to help you strengthen your CV, grow your confidence, and take those crucial first steps into a career in networking or cyber.

Build Your Own Lab

Creating a home lab is one of the best ways to learn by doing. You don’t need a huge budget - many students start with free virtual tools like Cisco Packet Tracer, GNS3, or even VMware/VirtualBox. If you’ve got access to second-hand routers, Raspberry Pis, or switches, even better.

In your lab, you could:

• Build a small enterprise-style network with VLANs and routing.
• Experiment with firewall rules, IDS/IPS tools, or VPN setups.
• Simulate a cyber-attack and practise your response.

Employers love seeing candidates who’ve taken the initiative to replicate real-world scenarios at home. And if you document your projects (on LinkedIn, GitHub, or even a personal blog), it not only shows your skills but also your passion for the field.

Get Certified Early

Certifications are often the “proof point” that graduates use to show practical knowledge. Even entry-level or intermediate certifications can help you stand out. While some advanced certs may take more time, there’s a wide range you can aim for:

Networking:

• Cisco CCNA: foundational networking skills.
• Cisco CCNP: more advanced networking and routing knowledge.
• Juniper JNCIA: entry-level Juniper networking certification.

Cybersecurity:

• CompTIA Security+: essential cybersecurity concepts.
• Microsoft AZ-500: Microsoft Azure security certification.
• SC-200: Microsoft Security Operations Analyst.
• CREST CST: penetration testing accreditation.
• OCSP (Offensive Security Certified Professional): hands-on ethical hacking and penetration testing.

Security & Compliance:

• ISO/IEC 27001: information security management standards, great for understanding governance and risk frameworks.

Even one or two certifications demonstrate commitment, technical knowledge, and initiative. Many of these can be studied alongside your degree, and showing progress, e.g., “in progress” - signals motivation to employers.

Contribute to Open-Source Projects

Open-source projects are a hidden gem for graduates. Communities building tools like Wireshark, Snort, or smaller niche projects are often looking for help, and you don’t have to be an expert to get involved. Writing documentation, testing updates, or fixing small bugs are all ways to contribute.

The benefit? You’re collaborating with experienced engineers and gaining portfolio-worthy experience. When you can point to a GitHub repo and say, “I contributed to that,” it immediately boosts your credibility.

Try Freelance or Gig Work

Freelancing might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but small-scale IT support, networking setup, or security testing projects are widely available. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or even local community boards often advertise gigs that let you practise your skills.

Even if it’s setting up a secure Wi-Fi network for a small business or helping someone migrate to cloud storage, it’s still valuable, real-world experience. Over time, you can build a small portfolio of work that shows initiative and applied knowledge.

Compete in Hackathons & Challenges

Hackathons, Capture the Flag (CTF) challenges, and competitions like Cyber Security Challenge UK are brilliant for testing your knowledge under pressure. They give you the chance to problem-solve in real time, often against scenarios inspired by real-world incidents.

They’re also highly social events - you’ll meet other students, mentors, and sometimes even recruiters. Employers love seeing these on CVs because they demonstrate teamwork, adaptability, and technical problem-solving skills beyond theory.

Volunteer Your Skills

Not all experience has to come from paid work. Charities, community organisations, or even student societies often need IT or security support but can’t afford a professional.

Offering to help with:

• Setting up a secure Wi-Fi network,
• Training staff on basic cyber hygiene, or
• Backing up data securely,

…can give you hands-on experience while making a real impact. Plus, volunteering shows values and initiative, which employers notice.

Attend Industry Events & Build Your Network

Networking events, meetups, and conferences (like Infosecurity Europe, BSides, or university career fairs) are great for making connections. Many events are free for students or have heavily discounted tickets.

By speaking to professionals, you’ll get insider advice on career paths, upcoming technologies, and even hidden job opportunities. Remember: sometimes the person you meet at a student meetup can become the one who refers you for your first role.

Get Involved at University

If your university has a Cyber Security Society or Networking Club, join it. If not, set one up. Running workshops, leading teams, or entering competitions as part of a student society demonstrates leadership and initiative.

Also, don’t be afraid to approach lecturers about side projects or research opportunities. Even contributing to a small university-led project can give you experience worth highlighting on your CV.

How to Showcase This Experience on Your CV

One of the biggest mistakes students make is thinking that if it wasn’t a paid role, it “doesn’t count.” That couldn’t be further from the truth. Employers don’t just care where you gained your skills, they care that you can prove you’ve developed them.

Here’s how to make your efforts shine:

Add a “Projects” or “Technical Experience” section.

• Perfect for labs, hackathons, or open-source contributions.
• Example: Built and configured a simulated enterprise network using Cisco Packet Tracer with VLANs, routing, and firewall rules.

Highlight certifications clearly.

• Create a dedicated “Certifications” section.
• If you’re still studying for one, write: CompTIA Security+ (in progress, expected 2025).

Emphasise outcomes, not just tasks.

• Instead of “Participated in hackathon,” write: Competed in Cyber Security Challenge UK, placed top 10% of teams by solving real-world penetration testing scenarios.

Frame volunteering and freelance work professionally.

• Example: Set up and secured Wi-Fi for a local charity, enabling 20+ staff to work securely on-site and remotely.

By presenting these experiences the right way, you show employers that you’ve applied your knowledge, not just learned it in theory.

Final Thoughts

Yes, breaking into networking or cybersecurity as a graduate can feel daunting, especially when “junior” roles often ask for years of experience. But here’s the reality: even if you don’t secure a placement year, there are still plenty of ways to gain the skills and experience employers are looking for.

By taking small, proactive steps - whether that’s building a lab, earning certifications, or volunteering your skills, you’ll not only stand out among other applicants, but also feel more confident stepping into your first role.

The earlier you start, the easier it will be to land that graduate job and kick off your career in tech.

Need Support with Your Job Search?

If you’re feeling unsure about how to turn your experience into a strong CV or want guidance on your first steps into networking or cybersecurity, our team is here to help.

Hamilton Barnes recruiters work with students and graduates to provide free CV support, interview tips, and career advice tailored to tech roles. We can help you highlight your projects, certifications, and other experiences so employers notice you.

Reach out to our team today and take the first step toward securing your first tech role.

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