One of the misunderstandings about technology jobs is that you must be a brilliant coder by the time you’re a teenager to break into the field. That’s simply not the case. Open-minded professionals who are willing to educate themselves on the foundations of the job will find they can excel in a tech career.
That applies to cybersecurity, one of the most in-demand fields in the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a staggering 32% increase in the employment of information security analysts through 2032*. The BLS also reports that as of May 2022, the mean annual pay nationwide was $112,000.
Transitioning into a cybersecurity role can be accomplished with the right mix of ambition and commitment to learning. If you have an interest in this area, the projected job outlook and salary potential alone make it a worthwhile endeavor to explore.
Here are some of things to keep in mind as you prepare to make this transition.
Evaluate Your Technical Skills and Soft Skills
If you don’t currently work in tech, then it’s important to evaluate your coding and development skills. Keep in mind, however, that not all jobs will require these skills.
If you do need coding and development skills, it can help to learn the basics of information technology. Earning a professional credential or degree can also help provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to prepare for a role in this field.
Soft skills such as critical thinking and interpersonal skills can also serve you well. Cybersecurity workers often collaborate with people from other departments, often non-tech people. The ability to communicate well in such situations can make you a very attractive job candidate.
Pick a Specialty
There are many specialties to pursue within the cybersecurity field. It’s wise to set your sights early in the process on the area where you want to work. Knowing your end goal can make the journey go that much smoother.
Examples of cybersecurity roles may include:
- Cryptographer: They analyze, decipher and develop encryption algorithms
- Vulnerability assessor: They help organizations identify vulnerabilities to breaches and develop strategies for addressing them
- Penetration tester: They operate as hackers, attempting to penetrate a system to find weaknesses.
Other positions that can open the door to a role in cybersecurity include network administrator, security operations center analyst and vulnerability analyst.
There are also non-tech positions within cybersecurity that you can aim for if you do not wish to develop expertise in the technical side of the job. They include developing cybersecurity policy for an organization or overseeing risk management analysis.
Other Factors in Starting a Cybersecurity Career
You know what kind of job you want in cybersecurity and the level to which you need to train yourself with tech skills. There remain some other factors that can give your career transition into a cybersecurity a jump start.
Develop Your Network
Networking is important no matter what industry you work in. It certainly applies when trying to transition into cybersecurity. As noted by Forbes, even though it’s a tech-driven age (and you are shooting for a tech industry job), in-person networking remains the most effective way to go. Consider conferences, meetups and getting together socially with those you know in the industry.
Stay up on Trends
A solid network can also keep you up-to-date on the latest trends in the cybersecurity industry. That starts with earning the right degree and getting certified in the area where you want to work. Networking at industry events, attending seminars and going to workshops at conferences all provide an opportunity to continue expanding your toolset.
Be Ethical
Ethics are of utmost importance in cybersecurity, where the integrity of entire computer systems could be in your hands. Despite the mythology around hacking, few companies are interested in hiring ex-hackers. Stay firmly in the “white hat” area of digital work. It will serve you well as you transition into a cybersecurity career and recruiters begin to look more closely at your background.
Look for Training
Many companies will train their employees to move into cybersecurity if they show the commitment, talent and ambition to do so. Make sure to check with your employer to see if any training programs exist.
Consider a Degree
Earning a degree can help ease the transition. Master’s degree programs are available for those looking to become experts in their new field. Learn about Florida Tech’s MBA in Cybersecurity.
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Information Security Analysts, on the internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm (visited January 16, 2024).
National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth. Information provided is not intended to represent a complete list of hiring companies or job titles, and program options do not guarantee career or salary outcomes. Students should conduct independent research for specific employment information.
