I spent years figuring this out the hard way. Here's what would've saved me months:

1. You don't need a CS degree. Most of the best hackers I know are self-taught. What matters is curiosity and consistency.

2. Start with networking fundamentals. Before you touch any exploit, understand TCP/IP, DNS, and how packets move. Everything else builds on this.

3. Build a home lab early. Grab VirtualBox, spin up Kali and a vulnerable VM (try HackTheBox or TryHackMe). Hands-on > textbooks every time.

4. Learn to think like an attacker. Ethical hacking isn't about memorizing tools — it's about understanding why systems break. The methodology matters more than the toolset.

5. Bug bounties are real income. Companies like Google, Microsoft, and thousands of startups pay you to find vulnerabilities. It's not a side hustle — people make six figures doing this.

I built Ethical Hacker TV to give beginners the exact path I wish I had. Structured training, a community of people on the same mission, and weekly content that actually moves the needle.

If you're serious about breaking into cybersecurity, come learn with us.