I am graduating college at 19 in just 2.5 years (due to APs and CLEP) this summer with a Bachelors in Cybersecurity. I just got my Security+ certification, but my only moderately tech-related work experience is working sales at Best Buy over the summer. 

My goal after graduation is to start out as a SOC Analyst, so I want to spend as much time as possible self-learning to improve my skills and boost my resume. My long-term ambition is to become a Security Engineer or Architect at a FAANG or Fortune 500.

I previously thought that after getting my Sec+, TryHackMe would be a logical next step for my self-study journey in order to get hands-on experience with tools. However, I just went through the first few rooms on THM’s SOC Level 1 path and was underwhelmed. Now I am wondering if I should pursue something else in order to be effective with my learning time. Some of the things I have thought about are CySA+, Net+ or CCNA, BTL1, and improving my programming skills.

What in your opinion is the next step in self-studying that is in line with my goals?