Cybersecurity Student Seeks Advice on Funding Certifications for Penetration Testing Career

A first-year cybersecurity student aims to become a penetration tester but faces financial barriers due to the high cost of certifications like Security+, PNPT, eJPT, and OSCP. They seek advice on how others funded their first certifications, such as through part-time jobs, scholarships, or employer support. The student also asks whether certifications are essential for securing a junior pentesting role or if skill-building and a portfolio could suffice.