Description

In this episode of Hack Dissection, Mike Lisi sits down with Josh Cutting, a young software engineer who did what many cybersecurity students struggle to do — land a job immediately after graduating.

Josh shares his journey from learning to code as a kid and studying at SUNY Poly to completing multiple internships, earning his master’s degree, and transitioning seamlessly into the workforce. Together, Mike and Josh unpack what actually matters when trying to break into cybersecurity today — and what doesn’t.

This conversation dives deep into:

• Why internships matter more than credentials alone
• The mindset shift students need to succeed in cybersecurity
• Learning outside the classroom through labs, CTFs, hackathons, and home labs
• How employers really evaluate candidates during interviews
• Why passion, curiosity, and adaptability beat “checking boxes”
• The importance of mentorship, networking, and soft skills in technical careers

Whether you’re a student trying to land your first role, a career-changer navigating cybersecurity, or a hiring manager looking for motivated talent, this episode offers practical insights from someone who’s been through the process recently — and successfully.

If you’ve ever asked, “What does it really take to get hired in cybersecurity?” — this episode breaks it down.