New Graduate Struggles to Break Into SOC/Cybersecurity Roles Despite Strong Credentials

A soon-to-graduate computer science student with a cybersecurity focus is seeking advice on breaking into SOC and cybersecurity roles. The candidate has over two years of helpdesk experience, completed an AI security research internship, holds a Security+ certification, possesses basic scripting skills, and has participated in a cyber fellowship and simulations. Additionally, they competed in an internationally recognized cyber competition where they placed first in regionals. Despite tailoring their resume for defensive cybersecurity positions and having these qualifications, they report experiencing difficulty securing SOC roles in the current job market.