Best Path to Start a Career in Cybersecurity in 2025? Need Advice!

Hi everyone,
I’m new to the InfoSec community and just starting out in cybersecurity. I’ve been doing some self-study and recently completed a basic course in networking and ethical hacking. I’m really passionate about the field but a little confused about how to move forward.
I wanted to ask the experienced professionals here:
👉 Which certifications would be best to start with in 2025? (I’ve heard mixed opinions about CompTIA Security+, CEH, and Google Cybersecurity Cert)
👉 Is it necessary to have a tech degree or can skills and certs alone get me into the industry?
👉 How important is hands-on experience like labs, Capture the Flag events, or internships?
Any guidance or shared experiences would mean a lot. I’m willing to work hard — just want to make sure I’m heading in the right direction.
Thanks in advance! 🙏
Looking forward to learning from all of you.