College Student Seeks Advice on Becoming a SOC Analyst

The poster is a college student pursuing a Bachelor's in Computer Science with a long-term interest in cybersecurity, specifically aiming to become a SOC Analyst. They are unsure whether a SOC Analyst Tier 1 role is considered entry-level or if prior experience in helpdesk or sysadmin roles is required. They also ask if transitioning from a SOC Analyst position to a penetration testing role is possible. Additionally, they note difficulty finding SOC Analyst job postings in the U.S. and wonder if relocation abroad might be necessary.