"Skills-first hiring involves valuing and prioritizing a candidate’s demonstrated skills over more traditional hiring factors like education requirements and previous experience in the same field". Read more about Skills-First:

• Learn About Skills-First Hiring

• White House Adopts Skills-first Hiring for Tech

• Press Release: National Cyber Director Encourages Adoption of Skills-Based Hiring to Connect Americans to Good-Paying Cyber Jobs

Skills-first is where the cybersecurity profession is heading. You will immerse yourself in cybersecurity tasks that reflect the responsibilities of various critical roles, such as SOC Analyst, Pentester, Information Systems Security Engineers (ISSEs), Information Systems Security Officers (ISSOs), and more. Unlike traditional internships, this fellowship is an experience where you take an active role in projects, rather than simply supporting professionals.

The HSOC Cyber Skills-First Fellowship is designed to provide individuals with opportunities to undertake cybersecurity projects ranging from beginner to advanced levels, focusing on security and resilience. Participants will gain more than just theoretical knowledge; they will acquire workforce experience, mentorship, and the chance to collaborate with industry experts.

Fellows work within the Research and Development department of HSOC Cyber, with opportunities to also engage with HSOC Cyber clients, further enhancing their practical skills and professional networks.

1. Proficiency-Based Projects vs. Performance-Based Projects

   In performance-based projects, the instructor guides learners step-by-step to ensure the task is completed as outlined. This method emphasizes strict adherence to instructions, limiting independent decision-making and fostering a controlled environment.

   In contrast, proficiency-based projects position the instructor as a coach, offering support only when needed. Learners are encouraged to problem-solve, explore options, and self-correct, promoting creativity, independent decision-making, and critical thinking. This approach focuses on the process and skill development rather than rigid task completion.

2. Work Experience
   Fellows will work on live projects that mirror the day-to-day responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals. You’ll engage in tasks that range from threat analysis to compliance checks, gaining firsthand experience with the tools and processes used to secure and protect systems.

3. Cybersecurity Roles
   Fellows will dive into the practical work of SOC Analysts, ISSEs, ISSOs, Pentesters, and related roles. This means contributing to tasks like system security assessments, policy enforcement, incident response planning, and vulnerability management. You’ll get the chance to apply security frameworks and protect against a variety of cyber threats.

4. Project-Based Learning
   Throughout the fellowship, you'll focus on project-based tasks designed to build your expertise. You may be involved in setting up security architectures, conducting penetration tests, or analyzing system vulnerabilities—all of which are invaluable experiences you can immediately list on your resume.

5. Mentorship and Guidance
   You’ll receive guidance from seasoned cybersecurity professionals who will mentor you through the challenges of each task. This personalized feedback will help you refine your skills and better understand complex cybersecurity concepts.

6. Remote Work Flexibility
   All work in the fellowship is remote, giving you the flexibility to gain this valuable experience from anywhere. Fellows can manage their own schedules while completing assignments and collaborating with the HSOC Cyber team.

7. Immediate Resume-Building
   As a fellow, the work you complete is structured to align with industry roles, allowing you to list this experience on your resume right away. Whether you’re performing the duties of an SOC Analysts, ISSEs, ISSOs, Pentesters, or Threat Analyst, these real-world projects demonstrate your abilities to potential employers.

This fellowship is designed for individuals eager to learn and grow in the cybersecurity field, without the requirement of a degree. If you're ready to fast-track your career with practical, skills-first learning, the HSOC Cyber Skill-Building Fellowship is an ideal opportunity and the return on investment is real and immediate.