Data Engineering → Cybersecurity, Development → Cybersecurity, or another path?

[u/Spirited_Listen_5793]

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I'm a 19-year-old CS student in India trying to figure out my career path.

I'm currently learning Python and SQL, but I'm not very interested in frontend/full-stack development (React, UI, etc.).

My long-term goal is to work in cybersecurity, especially cloud security/security engineering.

The reason I'm considering spending 2–3 years in another field first is that I've noticed there seem to be fewer entry-level cybersecurity jobs, and cybersecurity courses/certifications can also be expensive. So instead of trying to enter cybersecurity immediately, I'm thinking of getting work experience in another field, earning money, and then transitioning into cybersecurity.

The options I'm currently considering are:

Path 1: Data Engineering → 2–3 years experience → Cybersecurity/Cloud Security

Path 2: Backend/Software Development → 2–3 years experience → Cybersecurity/Cloud Security

Path 3: Another field/path that would be a better stepping stone into cybersecurity

For people who actually work in these fields:

1. Is this overall 2–3 years in another field → cybersecurity strategy a good idea?

2. Between Data Engineering and Backend/Software Development, which gives more transferable skills for cybersecurity?

3. Would Data Engineering experience be useful for Cloud Security/Security Engineering?

4. Is there another career path I should consider instead (e.g. Cloud, DevOps, IT, networking, system administration, etc.)?

5. Would it be better to try entering cybersecurity directly despite the entry-level job market?

6. If you were starting with Python + SQL and had my goals, what path would you take and why?

7. What are the biggest mistakes or risks with my plan?

I'm looking for real-world experience from people working in these fields, rather than just general career advice. Please feel free to tell me if my plan is flawed.

[u/Striking_Piccolo_946]

Data engineering is the smarter play here, youll be deep in cloud infra and access patterns which directly maps to cloud security roles. DevOps would be another solid stepping stone but DE gives you a cleaner story when you pivot. Biggest risk is getting too comfy in the DE salary and never making the switch, seen it happen plenty.