Why should you consider a career in cybersecurity?

Make an Impact 

Everywhere you look you will see examples of cybersecurity having an effect on  everyday  life.  It  has  impacts that extend beyond   the   digital   world and into the physical one.

Growing Need, High Demand, and High Salaries 

CyberSeek.org indicates over 300K total cybersecurity job openings throughout the U.S. The Department of Labor predicts that information technology and cybersecurity jobs will be   among  the  fastest-growing and highest-paying over the next decade. A national cybersecurity workforce enhances America's national security and promotes economic   prosperity.   Cybersecurity workers also earn high entry-level salaries. 

Dynamic Field

Cybersecurity evolves quickly so you will always   be   learning   and    developing new skills. There is ultimate growth potential — both in your  career  path  and for learning opportunities. 

What to Expect

• Cybersecurity   has something  for  everyone! Skills are needed  from  a diverse range  of  backgrounds. 
• You will never be bored. New technology brings new risks. Creative problem solving takes 
you into uncharted areas. 
• Job flexibility and highly transferable skills. These skills allow you to move anywhere in the world and apply to any industry sector. 
• Multiple career options that are not just technical. Business, medical, law, defense, and intelligence all need workers skilled in cybersecurity. 
• The NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework defines 7 Categories, and 52 Work Roles of cybersecurity work. 
• Multiple career pathways. Two and four-year degree programs, certifications, work- 
based experience, and apprenticeships are just some different career pathways that 
practitioners have taken to arrive in their current position. 

How to Prepare for a Career in Cybersecurity

• Learn how technologies work. Explore the basics of administrating a computer system, 
and configuring, running and maintaining common applications. Learning how a network works and some basic coding are also helpful. 
• Obtain an industry-recognized credential such as a certification, academic degree, or certificate of completion. Take some classes offered in high schools, colleges, and universities, and through training providers. Explore a wide-range of free online resources. Look for summer camps or training opportunities to expand your skills. 
• Network. Attend a conference or hackathon. Join a Meetup, after-school club, or professional organization. 
• Get hands-on experience. Explore internship and apprenticeship options. Participate in a cyber defense, digital forensics, or cryptography competition. Or, try a Capture the Flag or Bug Bounty program. 

 

Website information comes from National Initiative for Cybersecurity Eduction (NICE) visit www.nist.gov for more resources.