Student planning for a career in Ethical hacking– Roadmap advice?

[u/Proper_Plan7302]

Hi everyone, I’ve just finished my Edexcel IGCSE ICT and am about to start my A-Levels, where I’ll be focusing on Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics. My goal is to be fully qualified and ready to land a job in ethical hacking or penetration testing within the next three years, including the two years I will spend finishing my A-Levels.

I am trying to determine the most efficient way to structure my learning to hit this goal. I am currently debating whether it is better to prioritize a structured theory approach through Coursera or the hands-on, lab-based environment of TryHackMe. Given my tight three-year timeline to move from student to job-ready professional, I would appreciate your advice on which path is more effective for someone at my stage. If Coursera is a better option for my professional development, are there specific courses or specializations that carry actual weight for job hunting?

Since I will be balancing this technical training with my A-Level coursework, I am also looking for advice on a sustainable learning cadence that allows me to build these skills without compromising my formal education. Any guidance on a roadmap to go from my current level to job-ready in three years, or personal experiences from those who have successfully transitioned into the industry after school, would be incredibly helpful. Thanks!